1. Social Studies
Study Guide
Chapter 8

2. What was the original purpose of the Constitutional Convention of 1787?
To fix the Articles of Confederation

3. What agreement did the delegates at the Constitutional Convention finally reach under the Great Compromise?
Congress would have two houses, with one having equal representation from each state and the other having representation based on each state’s population. (Both houses could propose bills, but only the house in which representation was based on population could propose tax bills.)

4. The citizens of the United States
The Preamble to the Constitution begins, “We the People…” Who are “the people?”
The citizens of the United States

5. -to form a more perfect union
What are the basic functions of the Constitution according to its Preamble?
-to form a more perfect union
-to establish justice
-to insure domestic tranquility
-to provide for the common defense
-to promote the general welfare
-to secure the blessings of liberty

6. What is the main job of the legislative branch of the federal government?
to make laws

7. What branch of government is responsible for enforcing laws?
the executive branch

8. What branch of government is responsible for enforcing laws?
the executive branch

9. the President of the United States
Who has the power to veto a bill passed by Congress?
the President of the United States

10. What are the three qualifications a person must meet in order to run for the office of president?
-must be 35 years old
-must have been born in the U.S.
-must have lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years

11. What are members of the Supreme Court called?
justices

12. What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights?
The Bill of Rights was put in place to protect the rights of the people.

13. to protect the basic rights of the people
Why did many delegates insist on adding ten amendments to the Constitution soon after it was ratified?
to protect the basic rights of the people

14. What rights are guaranteed to citizens of the United States by the first amendment?
Freedom of speech
Freedom of religion
Freedom of the press
Right to assemble
Right to petition the government

15. They wanted to prevent any one branch from controlling the government.
Why did the writers of the Constitution add checks and balances to the federal government?
They wanted to prevent any one branch from controlling the government.

16. What are the basic principles of democracy?
There are several, including equality (equal treatment of the laws); regular free and fair elections; and economic freedom

17. What services are provided by the U.S. government?
-makes sure our military are properly trained and equipped
-supports national parks
-helps protect and clean up the environment
-runs programs to help children
-runs programs to help people who are ill
-runs programs to help people who are elderly

18. What services are provided by the state government?
-maintain state highways
-Maintain state parks
-running schools

19. Power is shared between the National and State governments.
Who has to share the power to govern under the federal system?
Power is shared between the National and State governments.

20. (both national and state governments)
Which level(s) of government has the power to borrow money?
Shared power
(both national and state governments)

21. (both national and state governments)
Which level(s) of government has the power to establish banks?
Shared power
(both national and state governments)

22. (both national and state governments)
Which level(s) of government has the power to collect taxes?
Shared power
(both national and state governments)

23. 21. Which level(s) of government has the power to conduct elections?
state government

24. Which level(s) of government has the power to control trade with foreign countries?
National government

25. Which level(s) of government has the power to control trade within the state?
state government

26. Which level(s) of government has the power to declare war and make peace (treaties)?
National government

27. Which level(s) of government has the power to make laws for immigration and citizenship?
National government

28. (both national and state governments)
Which level(s) of government has the power to make laws?
Shared power
(both national and state governments)

29. Which level(s) of government has the power to print and coin money?
National government

30. Which level(s) of government has the power to set qualifications for voting?
state government

31. Which level(s) of government has the power to create and maintain an army and a navy?
National government

32. (both national and state governments)
Which level(s) of government has the power to set up court systems?
Shared power
(both national and state governments)

33. Which level(s) of government has the power to set up local governments?
state government

34. Which level(s) of government has the power to set up public schools?
state government

35. Congress can override the President’s veto of a bill.
How can the legislative branch check the power of the executive branch?
Congress can override the President’s veto of a bill.

36. How can the judicial branch check the power of the legislative branch?
The Supreme Court can rule that a law passed by Congress is unconstitutional.

37. The President nominates Supreme Court justices.
How can the executive branch check the power of the judicial branch?
The President nominates Supreme Court justices.

38. How can the judicial branch check the power of the executive branch?
The Supreme Court can rule that the President’s actions are unconstitutional.

39. The President can veto a bill passed by Congress.
How can the executive branch check the power of the legislative branch?
The President can veto a bill passed by Congress.

40. What does it mean that the United Sates of America is a republic?
It means that the United States has a form of government in which people elect representatives to govern the country.

41. Federal Courts (Supreme) State Congress (General Assembly)
Legislative Branch
Chief Executive
Judicial Branch
National
Congress
President
Federal Courts (Supreme)
State
State Congress (General Assembly)
Governor
State Courts
Local
City Council/
County Commission
Mayor
District Courts