Tour of the Constitution WDYK

Why did the Preamble to the Constitution begin with the phrase, "We the People"?

• to indicate that the national government had limited powers

• to indicate that the states had been associated in a confederation

• to indicate that federal power was separated among three branches

• to indicate that the American people were the ultimate source of its authority

Which identifies one of the goals of government listed in the Preamble?

• to guarantee employment to all citizens

• to expand the nation's frontiers westward

• to establish independence from Great Britain

• to protect the rights and freedom of all citizens

The chart shows the organization of the government of the United States, based on the Constitution.

In which was was the Constitution limiting the power of government per the chart?

• individual rights

• due process of law

• checks and balances

• separation of powers

When the President nominates an individual to serve as Secretary of State, the Senate must confirm the appointment. Which feature of the Constitution, limiting the power of government, does this illustrate?

• checks and balances

• separation of powers

• popular sovereignty

• due process of law

Which example illustrates the system of checks and balances?

• The President vetoes legislation proposed by Congress.

• The President confers with the members of the Cabinet.

• The Supreme Court interprets the application of a law passed by Congress.

• A state sets its own student learning standards while Congress regulates trade between states.

The list below provides three examples of actions by the U.S. government. Which feature of the Constitution do these examples illustrate?

• limited government

• due process of law

• separation of powers

• checks and balanaces

Which part of government in the U.S. Constitution was given the role of enforcing national laws?

• Congress

• The President

• the Supreme Court

• the House of Representatives

What was one of the Anti-Federalists' strongest arguments against the Constitution?

• It did not create a national executive.

• It did not include a list of protected rights for individuals.

• The new central government would be too dependent on the states

• The new central government would be too weak to protect American interests abroad.

What was one outcome of the debate between Federalists and Anti-Federalists over the ratification of the Constitution?

• the addition of the Bill of Rights

• the state governments won the right to secede

• the creation of a second house in Congress

• the Federalists agreed to weaken the powers of the Presidency