Understanding the U.S. Constitution - Vocabulary

What was the main reason the Articles of Confederation did not work effectively?

• It had a strong central government.

• It had a weak central government.

• It was too similar to the British monarchy.

• It was never ratified by the states.

What does the term "frame" refer to in the context of government?

• Writing all the laws of a country.

• Establishing a basic structure of government.

• Creating a new political party.

• Organizing a military force.

What is federalism?

• A system where the central government has all the power.

• A system where state governments have all the power.

• A system where the federal and state governments share power.

• A system where power is divided between three branches of government.

Which of the following is NOT one of the three branches of government established by the U.S. Constitution?

• Legislative

• Executive

• Judicial

• Military

Who is an example of a chief executive in the United States?

• A senator

• A governor

• The President

• A Supreme Court justice

What is the purpose of checks and balances in the U.S. government?

• To ensure the military has control over the government.

• To limit the power of each branch and allow them to respond to each other's actions.

• To give the President more power than the other branches.

• To allow the states to override federal laws.

Who were the Founding Fathers?

• The men who wrote the Declaration of Independence.

• The men who wrote the Constitution.

• The first Presidents of the United States.

• The leaders of the American Revolution.

What is tyranny?

• A form of government where power is shared equally.

• Rule by a dictator or a king with too much power.

• A democratic system of government.

• A government with no central authority.

What is the primary role of the Legislative branch of government?

• To enforce the law.

• To interpret the law.

• To make the law.

• To veto the law.

What does the U.S. Constitution provide for the country?

• A detailed list of all laws.

• A basic framework of government supported by specific laws written later.

• A temporary government structure.

• A system of government identical to the British monarchy.