U.S. Constitution
Definition
The U.S. Constitution is a document that outlines how America's government should function. It establishes our national government, fundamental laws, and guarantees certain basic rights for its citizens.
Analogy
Consider the U.S. Constitution as America's rulebook or instruction manual. Just like how you need instructions to assemble furniture correctly, this document provides guidelines on how our government should be structured and operate.
Related terms
Bill of Rights: These are the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution which protect citizens' fundamental rights and liberties such as freedom of speech, assembly, and worship.
Federalism: This is a system where power is divided between national (federal) government and state governments.
Separation of Powers: This principle divides governmental responsibilities into distinct branches (legislative, executive, judicial) to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.
"U.S. Constitution" appears in:
Subjects (2)
Study guides (2)
Practice Questions (20+)
- Which factor was mostly responsible for the shift from the Articles of Confederation to the U.S. Constitution?
- What state was the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution?
- How did the Federalist Papers, specifically Federalist No. 10, influence the initial public perception of the new U.S. Constitution?
- What was the primary reason behind the Federalists’ support for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution?
- Who authored the majority of the Federalist Papers, which advocated for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution?
- How did the ratification of the U.S. Constitution directly influence the formation of today's political parties?
- What political theory influenced the framers of the U.S. Constitution to include checks and balances, as seen in both Montesquieu's writings and British government?
- What if George Washington had opposed the ratification of the U.S. Constitution?
- What is implied power under U.S. Constitution?
- Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution reserves powers not delegated to the federal government for the states or people?
- Which aspect of the U.S. Constitution allows for checks on the presidency to persist even today?
- Which institution has the power to declare war under the U.S. Constitution?
- Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms?
- What is the main focus of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?
- What is the primary effect of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?
- Which amendment in the U.S. Constitution prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures?
- What does the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution primarily protect?
- Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution was influenced by the events and revolutionary spirit of the 1960s?
- Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted women the right to vote?
- Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution removed voting restrictions based on race?
Resources
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