The Constitution Handbook
Name:
Date:
Major Principles (pgs. 122-124)
Define the seven major principles of the Constitution:
1. Popular Sovereignty2. Republicanism3. Limited Government4. Federalism5. Separation of Powers6. Checks and Balances7. Individual RightsFederalism
Part A:
There are three separate but important types of governments found within
the United States that work together on a regular basis. List them in order of
significance in the chart below:
3 Types of Government
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Part B:
Recreate the Venn diagram on page 122, explaining what Federalism means
by the terms Enumerated, Reserved, and Concurrent Powers:
Separation of Powers
List the main responsibility of each branch of the U.S. Government.
Legislative Branch
Executive Branch
Judicial Branch
Checks and Balances
Using the diagram on page 123 and your knowledge of each branch of
government, Explain 2 different scenarios of how the government uses the checks
and balances principle. You will need to create your own table in the space
provided.
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The Amendment Process
Using the diagram on page 126, Recreate the amendment process in the
table provided, making sure to use color-coded arrows whenever possible.
The Legislative Branch
Define the following terms:
1. Appropriations2. Impeach3. Constituents4. Bills Congress has two primary roles within the federal government:
1.
2.
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How a Bill becomes a Law
Using the Chart on page 125, List, Describe and Illustrate the 8 step
process of how a bill becomes a law.
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:
Step 7:
Step 5:
Step 6:
Step 8:
The Executive Branch
Define the following terms in the space provided. Next, using an IPAD app of
your choice, Create a visual definition of each word by finding pictures that show
the President in each setting.
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1. Chief Executive2. Chief Diplomat3. Commander in Chief4. Chief of State5. Legislative Leader6. Executive Office of the President7. CabinetThe Judicial Branch
1. What Article of the Constitution created the Supreme Court?
___________________________
2. How many different levels make up the federal court system? ________________
3. What is the breakdown of Supreme Court Justices?
____________________________________________________________________
4. Briefly explain the process of becoming a Supreme Court Justice:
5. Define term judicial review:
___________________________________________________________________________________
6. What Supreme Court case allowed for the addition of judicial review to the
powers of the Supreme Court? ____________________________________________________
The Rights of American Citizens
Part A: Explain why the following categories are important to Americans and How
the Constitution has ensured each category for its citizens:
 Protection from Unfair Actions
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
Equal Treatment

Basic Freedoms
Part B: Briefly explain why America, even though it is known as the Land of the Free
with opportunities for everyone, still limits certain rights. In your answer, describe
one right that is limited by the government.
Citizens’ Responsibilities
1. How is a duty different than a responsibility? List at least one example of each.
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