Unit 1: Constitution (CFA Retake)

​U.S. Constitution: Government Principles

​There are some principles (ideas) that the U.S. Government follows.

The power of the government is based on THE PEOPLE. As in, U.S. citizens. YOU!

"consent of the governed" is the same as:
- We are the People
- Popular Sovreignty

What does that mean...?

"consent of the governed"

Multiple Choice

"consent of the governed" (Popular Sovreignty) means...(1B)

• people follow the president's decision

• the people are the government

• the people vote for representatives

• we have three branches of government

Republicanism

​What does that mean...?

U.S. Citizens vote for REPresentatives! There's no ay we could all vote for every decision that needs to be made. So we vote for people to represent us.
"Republicanism" is the same as:
- democratic republic
- republic

Multiple Choice

When a government is a republic, it... (1B)

• allows citizens to vote on all issues

• allows the president to make all decisions

• allows the Supreme Court to vote on all issues

• allows people to vote for representatives

​Our government is separated into three branches.

This means we have:

1.) Separation of Powers

2.) Checks and Balances

Checks and Balances

What does that mean...?

Since we have THREE branches of government, we want them to be EQUAL. No branch can be more powerful than the other branch.

Executive

Enforces laws passed by Congress

makes treaties with foreign nations

consists of the PRESIDENT and VICE PRESIDENT

Legislative

Judicial

makes laws

raises money and oversees its expenses

CONGRESS =
HOUSE OF REPS +
SENATE

interprets/judges laws

SUPREME COURT

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a feature of the US government? (1A)

• direct democracy

• separation of powers

• federalism

• republicanism

What's so great about the U.S. Constitution?

The U.S. Constitution has endured for over 200 years! It is considered a "living document," as in it grows with us!

One reason why is due to the ability for us to add amendments. This way, we can make edits when needed.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following has contributed most to the endurance of the Constitution? (1B)

• the right to nullify federal laws

• the ability to make amendments

• the lack of a national government

• the prohibition of political parties