Study Guide Constitution/Bill of Rights
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1. List three problems with the Articles of Confederation:
a. weak central government
b. no power to collect taxes
c. making laws was difficult because 9 of 13 states needed to approve them
d. no president
e. no court to settle disputes between states
2. Name three important leaders of the Constitutional Convention.
a. George Washington- kept the delegates respectful
b. James Madison- brought plans for a national government
c. Governor Morris – wrote much of the final draft of the Constitution
3. What was the Great Compromise?
The Great Compromise was a plan to divide the Congress into two parts
4. What is the name of our written plan of government that is used today?
The name of our written plan of a government was call the Constitution of the United
States of America.
5. Describe the leaders and role of each branch of government.
Branch:
Main responsibility
Members
Legislative
making laws
senators and members of the House Representatives
Judicial
interpreting the laws
Supreme Court justices and federal courts
Executive
carrying out laws
President and many other government officials
6. What is meant by checks and balances in our government?
A system to keep each branch of government from becoming stronger than the others
7. Describe the meaning of “We the People” from the Preamble of the Constitution.
“We the People”, from the Preamble of the Constitution means all of the citizens of the
United States of America, no matter their race or their gender.
8. What is the Bill of Rights?
The Bills Of Rights are rights that protect the rights of individuals from the government.
9. Why was it added to the Constitution?
The Bill of Rights was added to the Constitution so that the government did not take over our
basic rights.
10. Explain the importance of freedom of expression as written in the First Amendment.
The right to voice our opinion without fear of imprisonment by the government.
11. How are laws made?
An idea becomes a bill and then the bill is proposed, then it must have a representative to
represent it and present it. The bill is then introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives.
The bill then goes to committee and once approved by the committee the bill is sent or
reported on the House floor. Once reported the bill must be debated and then the bill is voted
on. Once the bill is sent to the Senate it goes through many of the same steps it went through
during the House of Representatives. If the bill passes the Senate it then goes to the President
which he can choose to sign and pass the bill making it a law, or he can refuse to sign and veto
the bill or he can do nothing and if Congress is in session the bill can become a law within ten
days
12. How are laws enforced?
Laws are enforced through the court and law enforcement.
13. What caused the War of 1812?
Impressement which means that British sailors were capturing American sailors and forcing
them to work for the British navy. The British were helping the Native Americans fight with
American settlers. Britain did not like that Americans were trading with the English.
14. What is the name of our National Anthem, and who wrote it? Why and under what condition
was it written?
The Star Spangled Banner was written by Francis Scott Key. He was being held captive and saw
the flag in the distance and wrote of his patriotism at seeing that sight.
15. What does it mean to promote the common good?
To promote the general welfare of all persons.
16. How can we be a responsible citizen?
Obeying laws, participating in voting, serving on a jury, volunteering within the community.