Standard 3 Assessment: The Constitution

Why did the framers of the Constitution create three separate branches of government?

• to help people with different opinions cooperate
• to increase the power of the central government
• to keep any one group from gaining too much power
• to provide enough officials to handle the volume of work

The first words of the Constitution indicate that power and authority in our system of government come from the

• states.
• people.
• lawmakers.
• voters.

Describe the ideals in the Preamble of the Constitution that set up the vision for America. In your answer you must talk about at least 4 of the 6 goals the Founders included.

Match the Government Role, Responsibility, Job, or Service Requirement to its correct branch.

Groups:

(a) Legislative Branch

,

(b) Executive Branch

,

(c) Judicial Branch

• Found in Article II

• Limited to 2 Terms

• Can override a presidential veto

• Has the power to declare war

• Serves as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces

• Interprets the Constitution

• Responsible for enforcing laws

• Composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate

• Can appoint federal judges

• Found in Article III

• Makes Treaties

• Reviews laws for constitutionality

• Composed of the President, Vice President, and Cabinet

• Responsible for making laws

• Holds the power of the purse ($)

• Found in Article 1

• Composed of the Supreme Court and lower courts

• Has the power to issue executive orders

• Has the power of judicial review

Match the government position to its term limit.

• 2 Years

• U.S. Senator

• 4 Years

• U.S. House Representative

• For Life or Retirement

• Supreme Court Justice

• 6 Years

• U.S. President

The President of the United States must be ______________.

• A natural born citizen
• A college graduate
• At least 45 years of age
• Live in the US for at least 5 years prior to being elected

Currently there are (a)   Supreme Court Justices.

Checks and Balances: Provide a detailed example of how the Legislative Branch checks or balances the power of the Executive Branch and how the Executive Branch counterbalances it.

Checks and Balances: Give one detailed example of how the Judicial Branch checks the power of both the Executive Branch and the Legislative Branch.

Describe the process for impeachment and removal of a government official. Which branch can impeach, what is its process, what does the constitution list as an impeachable action, and which positions can be removed from office?