Understanding Constitutional Principles

Which principle of the Constitution ensures that no single branch of government becomes too powerful?

• Federalism

• Checks and Balances

• Popular Sovereignty

• Judicial Review

Which of the following defines the principle of federalism.

• The national government has all the power, and states follow its directives.

• People give power to the government

• Power is divided between the national and state governments, each with its own responsibilities.

• The national government can override any state law at any time.

How does the principle of separation of powers prevent tyranny?

• By allowing the President to make all laws.

• By dividing government responsibilities among different branches.

• By giving the Supreme Court the power to create laws

Describe how the principle of limited government is applied in the U.S. Constitution.

• The government can do whatever it wants without any restrictions.

• The government's power is restricted to what is in the Constitution

• The government is only limited by the President's decisions.

• The government has unlimited power over the states.

How does the principle of republicanism manifest in the structure of the U.S. government?

• By having a king or queen as the head of state.

• By electing representatives to make decisions on behalf of the people.

• By allowing only the wealthy to vote.

• By having a direct democracy where everyone votes on every issue.

Identify which principle of the Constitution is being applied when citizens vote in elections.

• Federalism

• Republicanism

• Separation of Powers

• Checks and Balances

The President can veto or sign a bill into law. What principle is reflected in this power?

• Individual Rights
• Separation of Powers
• Checks and Balances
• Limited Government

How does the separation of powers help protect against tyranny?

• By concentrating all powers in the hands of one leader

• By dividing governmental powers among three branches

• By allowing states to govern independently of the federal government

• By eliminating laws and regulations

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Match the following principles of government to their description

• Each branch watches the other two branches to make sure they don't get too powerful

• Checks and Balances

• Each branch of government has different jobs

• Separation of Powers

• People elect leaders to represent their beliefs

• Federalism

• The governed give their consent to laws

• Popular Sovereignty

• Power is shared between the national government and the states

• Representative Government

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8.15D

Who were the primary authors of the Federalist Papers?

• George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams

• Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams

• Patrick Henry, Thomas Paine, and John Marshall

• Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay