Foundations of the U.S. Government

FACTS ABOUT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

Congress makes laws, but the president can veto laws. With enough votes, Congress can pass a law the president vetoed. The president appoints federal judges, but Congress has the power to approve or reject the president’s selection. Congress makes laws, but the Supreme Court may declare them unconstitutional. The Supreme Court can overturn presidential orders if the court finds the president’s action is unconstitutional.

These examples of how the U.S. government operates illustrate which concept?

• federal system

• checks and balances

• separation of powers

• democracy

Government formed by the U. S. Constitution had: (choose 3)

• Did not have a president

• Had a president

• Could tax states

• had a two house congress

Which diagram best illustrates the power structure of the three branches of the U.S. government?

• A

• B

• C

• D

The U.S. Constitution gives certain powers to the federal government. Any powers not reserved for the federal government are given to the states. Additionally, some powers are shared powers, given to both the federal and state governments.

Which term describes this government structure?

• democracy

• monarchy

• republic

• federal system

Each branch of the U.S. federal government has its own distinct responsibilities.

Which term best describes this concept?

• separation of powers

• democracy

• checks and balances

• federal system

“We the People” from the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, best reflects which concept?

• due process

• federal system of government

• separation of powers

• popular sovereignty

He was an American Hero to the delegates, which is why they elected him president of the Constiutitional Convention:

• James Madison

• Samual Adams

• George Washington

• Benjamin Franklin

He was the oldest delegate at the Convention at 81 years

• James Madison

• Samual Adams

• George Washington

• Benjamin Franklin

He went two week early to start planning for the Constitutional Convention and is also known as the "Father of the Constitution"

• James Madison

• Samual Adams

• George Washington

• Benjamin Franklin

Slavery caused another issue at the convention. How did the framers compromise between those who wanted to count slaves in their population and those who did not?

• Count no slaves in the total population

• Count 3 out of 5 slaves in the total population, known as the 3/5 compromise

• Count all slaves in the total population

• They left it up to each state