Understanding the U.S. Constitution

The video explains the US Constitution as the supreme law of the land, detailing its structure, including the preamble, articles, and amendments. It highlights core principles like self-government and popular sovereignty, emphasizing the republic system where power is lent to elected representatives. The concept of limited government is discussed, along with federalism, which balances national and state powers. The separation of powers divides the government into three branches, ensuring no single branch gains too much power, and a system of checks and balances is in place to maintain this balance.

What is the primary function of the U.S. Constitution?

• To establish a monarchy

• To serve as the supreme law of the land

• To create a new language

• To define international trade laws

What is the purpose of the preamble in the Constitution?

• To outline the rights of citizens

• To describe the judicial branch

• To introduce the goals of the document

• To list the amendments

How many times has the U.S. Constitution been amended?

• 27 times

• 100 times

• 15 times

• 50 times

What does the principle of popular sovereignty mean?

• The government has all the power

• The people create and control the government

• The judiciary makes all decisions

• The president rules by decree

In a republic, how do citizens exercise their power?

• By serving in the military

• By appointing judges

• By directly making laws

• By voting for representatives

What is federalism?

• A balance of power between national and state governments

• A form of dictatorship

• A system where the federal government has all the power

• A type of monarchy

Which power is reserved for the states?

• Regulating international trade

• Declaring war

• Printing money

• Establishing schools

What is the purpose of the separation of powers?

• To centralize power in the executive branch

• To eliminate the judicial branch

• To divide government control among three branches

• To ensure one branch has all the power

Which branch of government is responsible for making laws?

• Legislative

• Judicial

• Executive

• Federal

What can Congress do if the President vetoes a law?

• Ask the Supreme Court to intervene

• Rewrite the law immediately

• Override the veto with enough votes

• Nothing, the veto is final