Constitutional Convention Fundamentals Of Constitution President and The 3 branches Constitutional Amendments Elected Officials
What was the first Constitution of the US called?
The Articles of Confederation
Why did the Articles of Confederation call for a weak central government?
Because the Founding Fathers were fearful that a strong central government may resemble a monarchy.
What did the Virginia Plan propose in regards to how States will be represented in Congress?
Virginia Plan: Proposed to create a strong national government. Government should have 3 branches One house of the legislator would be elected directly by the people.
What did the New Jersey Plan call for in regards to representation?
The New Jersey Plan: A weak national government. Amend, do not replace, the Articles of Confederation
What was the 3/5ths compromise?
All slaves would count as 3/5ths of a person for representative purposes. Southern states advocated for slave representation to increase their voice in Congress (representation based on population)
When was the Declaration of Independence written?
July 4 th, 1776
What revolutionary pamphlet written by this man served as a catalyst for the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense January 1776
Who is credited as the author of the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
What is the role of the judicial branch? How long do Supreme Court Members serve for?
The Judicial Branch interprets the law and ensures that all laws are Constitutional. Supreme Court justices serve for life. They are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
What were some Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
No central power No judicial branch Could not levy taxes No central military It took 9 out of 13 states to amend No more than a league of friendship Could not regulate interstate trade
What does the term bicameral mean?
A legislative body having two branches or chambers.
Who elects the president?
The electoral college. It take 270 electoral college votes, out of 538 to win the White House.
What are the three branches of government?
Legislative Judicial Executive
What are the qualifications to run for President?
Must be 35 years old A natural born citizen Must have lived in the US for a minimum of 14 years before running
Who is credited as the father of the Constitution?
James Madison
Recite the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Changes to the Constitution are known as…
Amendments
4th
Forbids illegal search and seizures Law enforcement may grant entry only upon presentation of a warrant signed by a judge.
13th
Formally abolishing slavery in the United States, the 13th Amendment was passed by the Congress on January 31, 1865.
26 th Amendment
Changed the voting age from 21 to 18.
1 st
Religion Assembly Press Petition Speech
Who is the President and Vice President of the US? Who is the Commander in Chief of the US Armed Forces?
Barack Obama and Joe Biden Obama
Who is the governor of Illinois?
Pat Quinn
Who is the mayor of Chicago?
Rahm Emanuel
In order for a bill to become a law it must pass through both chambers with…
A simple majority, 51 votes in Senate and 218 votes in the House.
What is the role of the.. Executive Branch Legislative Branch Judicial Branch
Executive Branch To uphold and execute the law Legislative Branch To make the law Judicial Branch To interpret the law, ensure laws are Constitutional