SS.C.1.7 review/re-test material

SS.C.1.7 review/re-test material

Popular Sovereignty

• This is the idea that the "People" are the final, supreme authority; the source of political power

• We see this in the Preamble phrase: "We the People"

Multiple Choice

Read the following excerpt from the U.S. Constitution and answer the question below.

We the People . . . do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Why did the framers use this wording for the Preamble?

• to show the importance of popular sovereignty in the new government

• to show the necessity of proper procedures in the new government

• to explain that government was created by an official process

• to explain that government power was checked by the public

Limited government

• This means that the federal government only has the powers granted to it by the constitution.

• Example: if there are not mentions of the federal government having a "specific power" than the government cannot infringe on or take away that power.

Federalism

• The responsibilities of Government are divided between the Federal(national) government and the State governments

• Example: The Federal government handles relationships with other nations and the defense of our country; The States handle local issues like Driver licenses and traffic laws.

Multiple Select

Which of these issues would be issues handled by the Federal government and NOT the states?

• Passing Federal laws

• Defending the Nation

• Passing local traffic laws

• Declaring war

• Deciding what needs to be taught in schools

Separation of Powers

• The powers of Government are divided into three different branches of Government: The Legislative, The Executive, The Judicial

• The Legislative Branch is run by Congress and they pass laws

• The Executive Branch is run by the President and he Enforces the law

• The Judicial Branch is headed by the Supreme court, they interpret laws.

• We have the Separation of Powers so that one branch does not gain to much power!

Multiple Choice

Which statement is an example of the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches?

• Congress passes laws, but the president enforces them.

• Congress passes laws, but the federal courts interpret them

• The president can enforce laws, but the federal courts can interpret them

• The president can interpret laws, but the legislative branch can enforce them

Checks and Balances

• Each Branch of the Federal government has specific powers to check the other branches

• Checks and ballances are an additional way to guarantee that one branch cannot overpower the other Branches.

Multiple Choice

What concept is the system of checks and balances based on?

• One branch of government should hold all the powers.

• Each branch of government should have the same powers.

• Some branches of government should have more power than others.

• Each branch of government should be limited by the power of the others.