The structure of the U.S. government allows for the Legislative Branch to write laws, the Executive Branch to enforce laws, and the Judicial Branch to interpret laws. This process is called

• separation of powers

• checks and balances

• limited government

• popular sovereignty

Which of these is NOT expressed within the Preamble?

• defend against external enemies

• keep things peaceful inside the U.S.

• keep our freedom

• protect the Bill of Rights

In what way does the Constitution limit the power of the states?

HINT: If it is a power of Congress or the federal government, it is not something the states are permitted to do.

• It forbids states from printing their own money/currency

• It forbids states from suing the federal government

• It forbids states from voting on constitutional amendments

Where do you look to know what powers are given to the U.S. Congress?

• Mayflower Compact

• Bill of Rights

• Constitution

• Federalist Papers

What does separation of powers mean?

• powers assigned to the national government are distinct from those assigned to the states.

• the legislative, executive and judicial functions of government are held by separate people and groups.

• the House and Senate may never pass joint resolutions on foreign policy issues.

"We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

- The United States Constitution

What Enlightenment idea is reflected in the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution?

• All people are equal.

• Checks and balances is necessary.

• The government's power comes from the people.

Which statement BEST describes the government outlined in the United States Constitution?

• The President has unlimited power.

• Power is divided among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

• The powers of our unicameral Congress are found in the Bill of Rights.

"We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

- The United States Constitution

According to the Preamble, which action would be allowed by The Constitution?

• allowing Congress to create lower courts

• allowing business owners to pay their workers less

• giving tax breaks to the wealthy and not the poor

Which of these serves as an introduction to the U.S. Constitution and outlines the "founding fathers" intentions regarding the Constitution's meanings?

• Bill of Rights

• Preamble

• Article I

• Article II

The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution called for a new system of government that could "provide for the common defence." Which of these is the BEST example of that role of our government?

• A declaration of war against Vietnam

• The creation of the Environmental Protection Agency

• Protecting freedom of speech and religion