Understanding the U.S. Constitution

The lecture covers the transition from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution, highlighting the new government's features and principles such as federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances. It explains the supremacy of federal law over state law and the introduction of a national currency, executive branch, and judicial system. The lecture concludes with a summary of the major ideas and differences between the Constitution and the Articles of Confederation.

What was the main change from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution?

• The Constitution gave more power to the national government.

• The Constitution gave more power to state governments.

• The Constitution eliminated the need for a central government.

• The Constitution established a unicameral legislature.

What does the Supremacy Clause establish?

• The judicial branch has ultimate authority.

• State laws are supreme over federal laws.

• The Constitution is the supreme law of the land.

• The President can override any law.

Which branch of government is responsible for making laws under the Constitution?

• Executive branch

• State governments

• Legislative branch

• Judicial branch

What power does Congress have under the Constitution that it did not have under the Articles of Confederation?

• The power to tax and coin money

• The power to veto state laws

• The power to appoint judges

• The power to declare war

What is the purpose of the separation of powers?

• To ensure one branch does not become too powerful

• To allow the President to control all branches

• To give states more power

• To eliminate the need for a judicial branch

How does the concept of checks and balances work?

• Each branch can limit the power of the others

• The President can override any decision

• States can veto federal laws

• Congress can dissolve the Supreme Court

What is an example of federalism in action?

• The President appointing judges

• The federal government funding interstate highways

• Congress passing a new tax law

• The Supreme Court interpreting the Constitution

What is the main idea behind limited government?

• The President has absolute authority

• Citizens' liberties are protected

• The government can override any law

• The government has unlimited power

Which document insisted on the inclusion of the Bill of Rights?

• The Federalist Papers

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Anti-Federalists

• The Declaration of Independence

What is a key difference between the Constitution and the Articles of Confederation?

• The Constitution established a national currency

• The Articles had a strong executive branch

• The Constitution eliminated the legislative branch

• The Articles allowed for federal taxation