Constitution

Front 1

What was the difference between the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution?

Back 1

The Articles of Confederation created a weak central government. The Constitution created a strong central government. The Articles did not create an executive branch. Congress was a unicameral legislature. There was no federal court system under the Articles. Congress could not enforce the laws nor levy and collect taxes without the approval of the states, under the Articles. A major weakness under the Articles was its lack of power to regulate trade between the states and with foreign nations.

Front 2

What term is used to describe the shared powers between national and state governments?

Back 2

The concurrent powers:
- Collect taxes
- Build roads
- Borrow money
- Establish courts
- Make and enforce laws
- Charter banks and corporations
- Spend money for the general welfare
- Take private property for public purposes, with just compensation

Front 3

1.What is an ex post facto law?
2.Why are those laws prohibited by the constitution?

Back 3

1.“after the fact” which is one that makes an action a crime even though it was not a crime when it was committed, or increases the penalty for a crime after it was committed, or changes the rules of evidence to make it easier to convict someone.
2.The Constitution prohibits congress from passing any Ex post facto laws. The problem comes with laws passed relating to amendments passed after the constitution was ratified. Thus, congress has passed ex post facto laws on income tax.

Front 4

What bodies must approve proposed amendments to the constitution?

Back 4

:

Front 5

Which body of government regulates interstate commerce?

Back 5

The Congress

Front 6

List the 3 key ideas from the Declaration of Independence?

Back 6

1. All men possess certain unalienable rights. These rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
2. King George III had violated colonists' rights by passing unfair laws including taxing the colonists without their consent.
3. The colonies had a right to break free from Britain because King George had broken the social contract ( which states that governments and rulers must protect the rights of citizens.)

Front 7

What type of democracy did the framers of the constitution create?

Back 7

A Republic

Front 8

The Constitution establishes its authority on the basis of what when it states, "we the people"?

Back 8

popular sovereignty
(the people rule)

Front 9

On the subject of political parties, what does the original constitution say?

Back 9

Absolutely nothing. There is no constitutional basis for the two-party system, it is just the way politics developed.

Many of our founders didn't even what political parties to arise at all.

Front 10

What is the Constitutional role of the Executive Branch?

Back 10

Article II focuses on the executive branch. The main role of the executive branch is to enforce the nation's laws. It also leads the country's relations with foreign nations, commands the armed forces, and even participates in the lawmaking process.

Front 11

What are the president's formal powers?

Back 11

-powers of appointment
-commander-in-chief
-foreign affairs
-executive clemency
-emergency powers
-veto

Front 12

What are the formal qualifications for a person to be elected president?

Back 12

-A natural born citizen.
-At least 35 years old
-U.S resident for at least 14 years

Front 13

What are the President's formal military Powers?

Back 13

The major military power of the president is the power to act as commander in chief of the nation's armed forces. This power is almost without limit. The president always has the final authority over and responsibility for any and all military matters.

Front 14

1.Why does a President utilize his veto power?
2. Does the President have the power to line-item veto?

Back 14

1.The President uses his veto power to prevent a bill passed by congress from becoming a law. However, Congress can vote to override a Presidential veto forcing a bill to become a law
2.NO! Several State Governors have this power, but the President does not.