Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Lap 3 – United States Constitution
Study Guide
Preamble of the Constitution
1. What is the purpose of the preamble to the United States Constitution? The Purpose of the Preamble is to state
why we, as Americans, wished to establish our government
2. According to the preamble, what did the delegates hope the Constitution would provide for the nation? Provide
for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and to aid the American people
Articles of the Constitution
Article I
3. Article 1 deals with the …Legislative Branch
4. Article 2 deals with the …Executive Branch
5. Article 3 deals with the …Judicial Branch
6. Article 4 deals with the …States Rights and States Responsibilities
7. Article 5 deals with the …How to amend or change the Constitution
8. Article 6 deals with the …National Supremacy or known as the “Supremacy Clause”
9. Article 7 deals with the …How the Constitution was ratified
10. Article 1 states that all legislative powers shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist
of a _____Senate__________________ and ___________House of Representatives____________.
11. How often are Representatives chosen? Every 2 years
12. What are the qualifications of a representative?
a. –25 years of age
b. –7 year citizen
c. –Must represent the state in which you live in
13. What is the point of the United States Census? To determine populations in cities and states and to determine
how many representatives a state will receive
14. What is the minimum number of representatives a state may have? 1 rep is the minimum
15. How many representatives does the United States have? 435 representatives
16. Which house has the sole power of impeachment? House of Representatives
17. How many senators are chosen from the states? 2 Senators per state
18. How many senators does the United States Congress have? 100 Senators in the US Senate
19. How many total Congressman does the United States have? 535 total Congressman
20. How long is the term for a Senator? 6 years
21. Why is a third of the senate turned over every two years? To ensure that new ideas get in the Senate
22. How long is one session of Congress? 2 years
23. What are the qualifications of a senator?
a. –30 years of age
b. –9 years a resident
c. –must represent the state in which you live in
24. Who is the President of the Senate? Vice President of the United States
25. Does the President of the Senate have a vote? Exception? No, only in a tie.
26. What does the Senate do in terms of impeachment? The Senate acts as the jury for the trials of impeachment.
27. In the trial of impeachment, who shall preside over the trial? The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
28. What percent of the Senate must vote to impeach the President? 2/3 percentage is needed.
29. Which house has a President Pro Tempore? The Senate
30. What is a quorum? The minimum amount of members needed to conduct business in each house
31. Who punishes a Senator or Representative if they do something wrong? The senators and representatives
punish one another if they make a goof or an error.
32. How long can the houses adjourn? 3 days
33. Who pays the Senators and Representatives? The United States Treasury pays the Senators and
Representatives
34. What is a specific privilege that both Senators and Representatives receive going to and from their respective
meeting place? They will not be arrested if they are on their way to do business, go to an important vote, or if
they need to speak to Congress. Basically, if they are on their way to work they are nearly untouchable
35. Which houses are denied the privilege to serve in an additional governmental role (ex. Governor of a state and
a representative)? Both houses, Senate and House of Representatives
36. The House of Representatives has the right to raise this type of bill only? Revenue or Appropriations.
37. Which house has the right to propose or concur with Amendments as on other bills? The Senate
38. What happens once a bill is voted on by both houses of Congress? Then it is sent to the President
39. If the President approves a bill what will he do? The president will then sign the bill
40. If the President does not approve the bill, where does it go? It goes back to the house that proposed it
41. What is the amount needed to overturn a president’s veto? 2/3 vote from both houses
42. What happens if the bill reaches the necessary amount? Then the bill becomes a law
43. What happens to a bill if the President does nothing with it in 10 days time? Then the bill becomes law
44. Do all bills need the President’s signature to come into law? No, they do not
45. The Congress shall have the power to…
a. – The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the
Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties,
Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States
b. – To borrow money on the credit of the United States
c. – To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian
Tribes
d. – To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies
throughout the United States
e. – To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and
Measures
f. – To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States
g. – To establish Post Offices
h. – To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and
Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;
i. – To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court
j. – To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offenses against the
Law of Nations
k. - To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land
and Water
l. - To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term
than two Years
m. - To provide and maintain a Navy
n. - To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces
o. - To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and
repel Invasions
p. - To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining the Militia, and for governing such Part of them as
may be employed in the Service of the United States, reserving to the States respectively, the
Appointment of the Officers, and the Authority of training the Militia according to the discipline
prescribed by Congress
q. - To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles
square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of
the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the
Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts,
Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings; And
r. To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing
Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in
any Department or Officer thereof.
46. The Congress shall not have the power to…
a. – The Migration or Importation of such Persons as any of the States now existing shall think proper to
admit, shall not be prohibited by the Congress prior to the Year one thousand eight hundred and
eight, but a tax or duty may be imposed on such Importation, not exceeding ten dollars for each
Person.
b. – The privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion
or Invasion the public Safety may require it.
c. – No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto Law shall be passed.
d. – No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.
e. – No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit
or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument,
Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince or foreign State.
f. – No Preference shall be given by any Regulation of Commerce or Revenue to the Ports of one State
over those of another: nor shall Vessels bound to, or from, one State, be obliged to enter, clear, or pay
Duties in another.
Article II
47. What is the purpose of Article II? To establish the office of the President and his powers
48. How long is the President’s term? 4 years
49. What qualifications does a candidate for President need to meet?
a. –Must be at least 35 years old
b. –14 year citizen
c. –natural born citizen
50. If the President unexpectedly dies who takes over the role of President? Vice President
51. Can the President receive a pay raise during his time in office? No
52. "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will
to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." What is this
known as? The Presidential Oath
53. What are the powers of the President?
a. –Commander and chief of the armed forces
b. –Has the power to grant pardons and reprieves
c. –May appoint Supreme Court Justices; ok’ed by the Senate
d. –May make treaties; ok’ed by the Senate
e. –Has the power to fill vacancies in the Cabinet
54. How does the President officially consult with Congress? How can the President propose new ideas to the
Congress? Through the State of the Union address
55. How can the President make the houses of Congress meet over their winter holiday? The president may call a
special session of Congress
56. If the President breaks the law what is the consequence? He may be impeached
Article III
57. The power of the judicial branch will be vested in what type of court? The Supreme Court
58. In all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, and those in which a State shall be Party,
the Supreme Court shall have what? Original jurisdiction
59. The Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of ___impeachment______________,shall be by Jury.
60. If you commit a crime where will your trial take place? The place or state the crime is committed in
61. How many Supreme Court Justices are there? 9 Supreme Court Justices
Article IV
62. Do you enjoy the same protection under the Constitution in Missouri as you would in Delaware? yes
63. If a person commits a crime in Minnesota and then flees to Missouri and is caught, where would that individual’s
trial take place? Minnesota
64. Who controls all territories of the United States that are not states? The Congress
65. Can a local government, Florissant, form its own independent state within Missouri? No they cannot
66. The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a ____Republican_________________ Form of
Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion
Article V
67. The Congress, whenever ______2/3__________ of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose
Amendments to this Constitution
68. On the Application of the Legislatures of _____2/3_____________ of the several States, shall call a Convention
for proposing Amendments
Article VI
69. Will the government under the new Constitution repay all past war debts owed to other nations? Yes
70. “This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties
made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land;
and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the
Contrary notwithstanding.” What is this statement referring to? National Supremacy
Article VII
71. What is the number of states deemed to be sufficient enough to pass and ratify the Constitution? 9
The Bill of Rights
Amendment I (1)
72. Congress shall make no law…
a. –Freedom of religion
b. –Freedom to practice whatever religion you wish
c. –Freedom of Speech
d. –Freedom of the Press
e. –Right for the people to peaceably assemble and to complain
Amendment II (2)
73. A well regulated _______militia______________
74. All citizens have the right to ___bear arms (weapons)___________________
Amendment III (3)
75. This amendment solves the problem of the Quartering Act instituted by the British government. Only in times of
war may quartering of soldiers take place and then only in accordance with the law. This however will MOST
LIKELY never happen due to America’s large infrastructure of military bases
Amendment IV (4)
76. The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against
_________search__________________ and _________seizures________________, shall not be violated, and
no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing
the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V (5)
77. This amendment and everything laid out in this amendment has to deal with what? Trial and Punishments
78. No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or
indictment of a ________________Grand Jury_______________________, except in cases arising in the
_______Military or Militia__________________
79. Nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in _______Jeopardy _____ of life or limb
80. Nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against _____________oneself____________
81. Nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without ___________due process_________________ of law
82. Nor shall _____private property_______________ be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI (6)
83. In all criminal prosecutions…
a. – the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial
b. – by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed
c. – informed of the nature and cause of the accusation
d. – confronted with the witnesses against him
e. – to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor
f. -- to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.
Amendment VII (7)
84. In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of __jury trial___
shall be preserved
Amendment VIII (8)
85. If you get a ticket for going 31 MPH in a 30 MPH zone and receive a $20,000 fine would be an example of what?
An excessive fine
86. For that same ticket you just got you are then hauled off to jail and have a bail in excess of $1,000,000 this
would then be an example of what? Excessive bail
87. For that same ticket you just got and besides having that massive fine and bail the judge then orders that your
hand be severed and receive a lashing (being struck by a whip) every year on the anniversary of the ticket. This
would be an example of what? Cruel and unusual punishment
Amendment IX (9)
Not an answerable question, this is simply an explanation. “The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain
rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.” In short, this saying that the
Constitution is not here to restrict individual freedoms or rights. The Constitution is here to protect your rights.
Amendment X (10)
88. If the federal government does not have the power therefore the power is given to the? To the state
Amendments 11 and 12
Amendment XI (11)
Not an answerable question, this is simply an explanation. “The Judicial power of the United States shall not be
construed to extend to any suit in law or equity, commenced or prosecuted against one of the United States by
Citizens of another State, or by Citizens or Subjects of any Foreign State.”
Amendment XI limits the jurisdiction of the federal courts to automatically hear cases brought against a state by
the citizens of another state. Later interpretations have expanded this to include citizens of the state being sued,
as well.
Amendment XII (12)
89. This amendment deals with how two influential positions in the executive branch are chosen. What two
influential positions do I speak of? President and Vice President
90. If I receive the greatest number of votes then I am elected to be the _____President______________________.
91. If I receive the second greatest number of votes than I am elected to be the ___Vice President_________.
The Reconstruction Amendments
Amendment XIII (13)
92. This amendment is abolishing _____Slavery and all conditions of forced servitude____ once and for all in the
United States.
93. Can this exist anywhere in the United States anymore, even if that area is not a state? No
Amendment XIV (14)
94. The purpose of Amendment XIV is to ensure that all freed-peoples receive basic what? Basic human, civil, and
natural rights
95. Why is this amendment significant? It is considered to be the first civil rights amendments
Amendment XV (15)
96. “The right of citizens of the United States to ____vote________ shall not be denied or abridged by the United
States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude {slavery}”
97. At this time, who does this Amendment leave out? Women
98. This amendment only grants the right to ____________vote______ to _____male_________ citizens.
The Progressive Amendments
Amendment XVI (16)
99. “The Congress shall have power to lay and collect ________taxes________________ on incomes, from
whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or
enumeration.”
Explanation or Translation: This amendment deals with the Congress being able to raise a tax on income,
income tax
Amendment XVII (17)
100.
“The Senate of the United States shall be composed of ________2____________ Senators from each
State, elected by the _______people_______________, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote.”
Amendment XVIII (18)
101.
102.
This Amendment directly deals with the manufacture, sale, or distribution of what? Alcohol
Is this law still in effect today? No, it was repealed by the 21st amendment
Amendment XIX (19)
103.
This amendment finishes what the 15th amendment started by granting who the right to vote? Women
are granted the right to vote.
20th Century Amendments
Amendment XX (20)
104.
The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the____20th ______ of January; the
terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the _____3rd_________________ day of January.
Amendment XXI (21)
105.
106.
This amendment repeals the _________18th amendment____________________.
The 18th amendment outlawed _______the sale, production, and distribution of liquour______.
Amendment XXII (22)
107.
No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than _______Twice_______________,
and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to
which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once.
Amendment XXIII (23)
Not an answerable question, this is simply an explanation. Amendment XXIII states that the District of
Colombia will now be able to vote in the Presidential election
Amendment XXIV (24)
108.
The right of citizens of the United States to vote in any primary or other election for President or Vice
President, for electors for President or Vice President, or for Senator or Representative in Congress, shall not be
denied or abridged by the United States or any State by reason of failure to pay _____a duty or poll
tax___________.
Amendment XXV (25)
109.
In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the _____Vice
President________ shall become President
110.
Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the
_____President______________________ shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon
confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress
Amendment XXVI (26)
111.
“The right of citizens of the United States, who are _____18 years_____ of age or older, to vote shall not
be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age.”
Amendment XXVII (27)
Not an answerable question, this is simply an explanation. Senators or Representatives may not receive a pay
raise until after the next election takes place in the House of Representatives.