The Power of
THE CONSTITUTION!
by Debbie Wood
(Ages 8+)
The Power of
THE CONSTITUTION!
by Debbie Wood
(Ages 8+)
(www.power-plus-learning.com)
Copyright June 8, 2009, Debbie Wood
INTRODUCTION
This book was written specifically to help my children understand the Constitution and its
importance in maintaining both the strength of our country and the freedoms that we have. This
book is dedicated to them and to my wonderful husband who have supported every project I’ve
endeavored to do.
A brief introduction to the history of the United States of America is presented before the
Constitution is explained.
(N ote - Some of these dates may have been based on what was called the “Julian” calendar, and some from the
“Gregorian” calendar we now use. This may be the reason that different sources have different dates.)
There are many amazing resources available on the Constitution. One of my favorite was an ancient
treasure I found called, “Elementary Catechism on the Constitution of the United States, for the use
in schools,” written by Arthur J. Stansbury (Boston: Hilliard, Gray, Little, and Wilkins. 1828.) now
in the public domain. Some of the material found in that book was incorporated into this book,
although the “Question / Answer” approach was changed to more of a story-telling style using
original wording.
Additional resources we used have also been listed in the back of this book and may enhance the
readers personal experience while studying the Constitution and the history of the United States.
A SPECIAL THANKS
I would like to give a special thanks to those who devoted so much in contributing to this project. I
am so grateful for the support, time and suggestions you so freely offered. Thank you!
Beverley Elder
Brenda Ericksen
George Morell
Kieth Wood
UNDERSTANDING THE FOOTNOTES
The original wording of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and other Amendments are located in their
entirety at the back of this book. Page numbers, conveniently located in these documents, direct you to the
page containing a little more information on the subject.
Footnotes throughout this book have been linked to those documents systematically. As you read, you will
come across a footnote that will direct you to a box on that same page containing the original wording of the
document spoken of.
Footnotes linked to the Constitution - Each Section of the Constitution is represented by the number,
while each paragraph within that Section is represented by the letter. (See page 83.)
Footnotes linked to the Amendments - The Bill of Rights (Amendments 1-10) or any of the other
Amendments (11-27) will always begin with the letter “A” and any additional paragraphs will be
followed by a number. (See page 97 or 99.)
We hope this book makes it easy to help children come to know, understand and love the beauty and
“The Power of the Constitution!”
A Basic History of the
UNITED STATES of AMERICA
TITLES & SUBTITLES
1. THE BIRTH OF A NATION
Colonizing America
The Original Thirteen Colonies
Taxation Without Representation
The American Revolution
PAGE
1
3
3
4
4
2. SYMBOLS OF FREEDOM
Symbols
Independence Day
The Flag
The Pledge of Allegiance
The National Anthem
The Star Spangled Banner
The Statue of Liberty
The Bald Eagle
How to cut a 5-Pointed Star Activity
5
7
7
7
8
8
9
10
10
11
3. GOVERNMENT
The Founding Fathers
Types of Governments
The Philadelphia Convention
The Great Compromise
A Republic
Three Branches: Separation of Powers w/a Checks and
Balances System
Levels of Government
Amendments to the Constitution
States Give Up Some Power to form the
Federal Government
Sacred Responsibilities
13
15
15
16
16
17
18
21
4. WE, THE PEOPLE
Citizenship
Rights & Privileges / Duties & Responsibilities
The Right to Vote
Servant vs Slavery
Constitutional Freedoms
23
25
25
26
27
28
18
19
19
A Basic Understanding of
THE CONSTITUTION
of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA
TITLES & SUBTITLES
PAGE
5. The PREAMBLE
29
6. ARTICLE 1 - The LEGISLATIVE Branch
Congress
Powers Granted to Congress
Money and the U. S. Treasury
The Business Economy
Different Fees
Government Loans
Congressional Crimes
Journals
Naturalization and Bankruptcy
Patents and Copyrights
Declaring War
Disagreements With Other Countries
The Nation’s Capitol - Seat of Government
Laws
Legislation - The Process of Making Laws
The House of Representatives
The Senate
33
35
36
36
37
38
39
40
41
41
41
42
43
43
43
44
46
48
7. ARTICLE I1 - The EXECUTIVE Branch
The Election of a President and Vice President
The Electoral College
The President
Qualifications to be the President
The Head Executive
Some of the Presidential Responsibilities
The Vice President
Qualifications to be the Vice President
The President of the Senate
The Vice President can become President
The President’s Cabinet
Cabinet Members and Committees
51
53
54
57
60
62
TITLES & SUBTITLES
PAGE
8. ARTICLE I1I - The JUDICIAL Branch
The Supreme Court
Justices
Replacing a Justice
A Court of Law
Types of Courts
Appeals
Legal Representatives
Law Suits
Judge and Jury
Criminals
67
69
71
71
71
71
71
72
72
72
72
9. ARTICLE IV - The STATES
States Guaranteed Protection
State Government
State Records
Interstate Traveling
New States
73
75
75
75
76
76
10. CONCLUDING THE CONSTITUTION
Article V - How to AMEND the Constitution
Article VI - The SUPREME LAW of the Land
Article VII - ADOPTION of the Constitution
77
79
79
80
CONNECTING FOOTNOTES TO THE CONSTITUTION,
THE BILL OF RIGHTS, AND AMENDMENTS
11. Original Wording of THE CONSTITUTION (w/Footnotes)
The Preamble
Article I
- The Legislative Branch
Article II
- The Executive Branch
Article III - The Judicial Branch
Article IV - The States
Article V-VII - Amendments
Debts, Supreme Law, Oaths
Ratification of the Constitution
81
83
83
89
91
92
93
93
93
12. Original Wording of THE BILL OF RIGHTS
and other AMENDMENTS (w/Footnotes)
The Bill of Rights (Amendments 1-10)
Amendments (11-27)
95
97
99
COMPLETE LIST OF QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 105
INDEX
111
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN
115
Chapter 3
GOVERNMENT
Questions to Consider
1. Presidents
A. “The Father of our Country” refers to whom?
B. Who is the Commander in Chief of the U. S. Military?
C. In which branch of government does the President belong?
2. The U. S. Constitution
A. Why should the Constitution be important to you?
B. What procedure is used to change the Constitution?
C. What are the first ten Amendments to the Constitution called?
D. How many Amendments have been made to the Constitution to date?
F. The “Father of the Constitution” usually refers to whom?
3. Government
A. What kind of government does the United States really have?
B. Who really runs the government of this country?
C. What safeguards did the Founding Fathers put in place to protect us from the federal
government getting too much power?
D. What are the branches of our government?
E. What is the system called where the three branches keep an eye on each other?
F. Why did the states relinquish (give up) some of their powers?
13
The Founding Fathers
The Founding Fathers were the leaders who oversaw the birth of our country and participated in
writing our nations two defining documents: the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
Although every one of these gentlemen played a vital role in the formation of our government and
the creation of these great documents, Thomas Jefferson is given credit for the writing of the
Declaration of Independence and James Madison is often called “the Father” of the Constitution.
Several of these amazing gentlemen would also serve as President of the United States of America:
George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.
Each of our Founding Fathers knew the necessity of protecting life, liberty, and property of the
public. They knew that this new country needed a national government that would promote general
welfare and protect the nation as a whole; yet, they wanted each state to have the power to govern
itself as its people saw fit. They also knew laws would need to be made and obeyed if order was to
exist with so many people.
Types of Government
Throughout the ages, different countries have ruled their people in different ways. Despotism, or a
Monarchy, is where laws are made by a single ruler. A similar government led by a small group of
people (instead of one individual), is called an Oligarchy.
Aristocracy is a government where laws are made by ancient or wealthy families. Those of the
family are called aristocrats.
These forms of government that control and tend to put themselves above everybody else usually
result in tyranny or anarchy.
Tyranny is when harsh or cruel leaders rule by putting their own interests above that of their
subjects. They make the laws!
Anarchy is when there is no law; there are no leaders. When chaos reigns, everybody looks
after his own self interests; many break off into their own family groups.
Democracy is a form of government where the people make the laws by a majority. This type of
government works well in families and is often found in small towns or villages where every person
can attend all the meetings, hear the issues and cast their votes. The issue with the majority of votes wins.
As a nation, we were already too big for a Democracy, and with assured continued growth of the
country, a representative-type government would truly work best for us.
A Republic has two defining characteristics:
1. it seeks to protect the rights of every individual;
2. it has Representatives who speak for the people.
In a Republic, the people vote for a representative who has similar beliefs and opinions, and who will
speak on the issues and laws being debated. The Founding Fathers wanted what Lincoln would refer
to as a “government of the people, by the people, and for the people.” They wanted to insure our
rights as a people, so out of all the different governments, our Founding Fathers chose to make our
government a Republic.
15
Up until now, our countrymen had lived by a set of laws known as the Articles of Confederation.
While this system of government provided some basic laws in running the country, it did not give
the federal government the power it needed to meet the needs of a growing nation. The nation had a
difficult time funding the war and obtaining enough men to fight in the Army for the country’s
independence; there was no department to execute the laws, nor a department to help interpret and
judge the laws. Things had to change and these leaders knew it. They set a date and time to meet to
discuss the form of government the United States of America would have.
The Philadelphia Convention
Meetings began in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania on May 25, 1787 and went
through September 17, 1787. Those
attending this Philadelphia Convention
were our Founding Fathers. These very
wise men had been delegated by the
people of their states to look out for the
best interest of the country and make sure
each of the thirteen states needs were met.
Each delegate shared his ideas on what this new nation’s government should contain. Because
these men loved the leadership of their Commander of the American troops during the Revolution,
they elected General George Washington to preside over the convention.
As the convention began, many of the delegates thought they could just revise or fix the Articles of
Confederation. James Madison and Alexander Hamilton felt differently. They felt strongly that
this new nation needed a new system of government and were able to convince some of their fellow
delegates.
The Great Compromise
As time passed, it seemed impossible for these different states to come to any kind of an agreement.
The larger states wanted a government based on population, while the smaller states wanted a
government of equal representation. Both had valid reasons and neither side would give.
After many months of discussion, a compromise was finally reached that would come to be known
as the great compromise. The combination of ideas expressed at the Philadelphia convention would
not only give us the Constitution, but a unique form of government that would be admired by many
and considered to be the most powerful and effective way to govern. Out of the different types of
government, our Founding Fathers chose to make our government a Republic.
It was decided that our Congress would be made up of two houses: the House of Representatives (or
Lower House) based on population and the Senate (or Upper House) based on equal representation.
Both sides were satisfied their needs had been met.
16
A Republic
The United States “Republic” has been called the Federal Republic or the Constitutional Republic.
Over the years, our Republic has also been referred to as a “Democratic Republic.” Perhaps this is
why our two major political parties today are called the Democrats and the Republicans. Presently
there are many people who refer to our government as a Democracy, instead of a Republic as stated
in our Pledge of Allegiance, but due to our population and the need for representatives, it truly is a
Republic.
The State House (Independence Hall)
The Constitution
of the United States
was adopted on
September 17, 1787,
in the State House
at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
(Independence Hall was the same
location where the Declaration of
Independence was also signed.)
The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution (the supreme law of the land) give us
independence, bind us as a nation, and truly bring about a more perfect union. Someone beautifully
said, “The Declaration of Independence was the promise; the Constitution was the fulfillment.”
(*Author unknown)
Under the new Constitution the Federal Government could now regulate interstate commerce,
manage foreign affairs and the military, and establish a national currency.
A leader for this new country was chosen; George Washington’s leadership continued as the people
elected him the First President of the United States of America and the Commander in Chief of the
U. S. Military. George Washington truly was the Father of our Country.
Although the original States had unitedly declared themselves free and independent eleven years
earlier, one by one their statehood was made official as they each adopted this new Constitution and
entered the union.
The first forty-eight states are all connected on one piece of land and are referred to as the
‘Continental United States.’ As territory is developed and new states are formed, they also join the
nation. January 3, 1959, the nation accepted Alaska as the forty-ninth state. Alaska is located on
the west coast of Canada. On August 21, 1959, the Hawaiian Islands became our fiftieth state.
These islands are known as Hawaii and are located in the Pacific Ocean. Today we have fifty
United States and several territories.
17
Three Branches: Separation of Powers with a Checks and Balances System
The government of the United States is the most unique and powerful government in all the world.
Our government has three branches that work separately, and yet together. This system allows for
the Separation of Powers but includes a Checks and Balances system. Here are some examples of
how this works.
1. Legislative (Congress) - This body makes the laws (pg #33)
While Congress makes the laws, the President (Executive) has to sign the bill or he
can veto the bill and send it back to Congress where it has to be revised or passed by
a 2/3 majority in both houses for it to become law. (pg #45-46)
2. Executive (President & Cabinet Officers) - This body executes the laws (pg #53)
Even though the President is the Commander in Chief over the armed forces,
only Congress (Legislative) can declare war. (pg #42)
3. Judicial (Supreme Court) - This body interprets the laws (pg #67)
When a law is made either by Congress or by individual states, the Supreme Court
decides whether the laws are constitutional or not. (pg #72)
Each branch of government works separately and has its own responsibilities, but they were
designed to check on one another to help create a nation of unity, strength and balance. When this
system works correctly it keeps our country safe, balanced and healthy.
Levels of Government
Since all of the states were separate, but part of the same nation or country, they each agreed to give
up some of their power to form a governing body over the entire nation. This national body is called
the federal government; its power is limited by the Constitution. The federal government takes care
of the needs of the nation as a whole, while each state governs its citizens independently.
The federal and state governments are run very similarly. They both have a constitution and three
heads of government: legislative, executive and judicial. Most states also have different levels of
government as found in their counties (also called boroughs in Alaska, or parishes in Louisiana) and
their municipals (cities, towns, townships or villages) based on their needs of the population.
(See http://www.uscourts.gov/courtlinks/)
GOVERNMENT COMPARISON CHART
BRANCH
FEDERAL (National)
STATE (Local)
Legislature, General Assembly
or General Courts
LEGISLATIVE
Congress
(Law Making Bodies)
(Senate and House of Reps)
EXECUTIVE
President of the United States
(Law Executing Officers)
(and other officers)
JUDICIAL
Supreme Court
(Law Interpreting Bodies)
(and lower courts)
Governor of the State
(Within each state are
County Commissioners and City Mayors)
State Supreme Court
(Lower courts: Justice, Juvenile, District,
Appeals, Bankruptcy, etc.)
18
Amendments to the Constitution
Our Founding Fathers chose carefully the words they would use in the Constitution. They
specifically wanted to limit the power of the federal government; they accomplished this by:
A) setting up the three branches of government with the “checks and balance” system;
B) specifically defining the powers of the federal government in the Constitution, and granting
any powers not mentioned in the Constitution to the states and the people (A10);
(A10) Amendment 10 - Powers of the States and People.
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the
States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
C) locking the Constitution. Provisions were made for Amendments to be added to it. (22)
(22) Article V (Constitutional Amendments)
The Congress, whenever two thirds of both Houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose
Amendments to this Constitution, or, on the Application of the Legislatures of two thirds of
the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments, which, in either Case,
shall be valid to all Intents and Purposes, as part of this Constitution, when ratified by the
Legislatures of three fourths of the several States, or by Conventions in three fourths thereof,
as the one or the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress; Provided that
no Amendment which may be made prior to the Year One thousand eight hundred and eight
shall in any Manner affect the first and fourth Clauses in the Ninth Section of the first
Article; and that no State, without its Consent, shall be deprived of its equal Suffrage in the
Senate.
They knew that time and growth of the country would require change, and that changing the
Constitution would shift the power from the people to the government; our Founding Fathers didn’t
want this to happen. Writing separate Amendments keeps the strength of the Constitution and still
meets the changing needs of the people.
We currently have twenty-seven Amendments. (See pages 95-104.) The first ten Amendments, called
the Bill of Rights, were written by many of the Founding Fathers shortly after the Constitution was
ratified (or accepted). They include the citizens rights to: choose their own religion, speak their
mind, protect themselves and many more. Amendments written after the Bill of Rights were
written are still called Amendments and are listed in numerical order (11-27). Each of these
Amendments will be discussed throughout this book.
States Give Up Some Power To Form The Federal Government
The individual states had a perfect right to govern themselves, but chose to give up some of their
power to set up a national governing body - the federal government.
1. Each state gave up the power of making: (10a)
a. treaties (bargains or agreements with other nations);
b. alliances (agreements with another country to help each other to accomplish
something or avoid common danger);
c. confederations (agreements among several countries to join together for a common
benefit).
(10) Article 1 - Section 10 (State Powers Given to Federal Government)
10a. No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation...
19
2. Each state gave up the right to: (10a)
a. grant letters of marque and reprisal (write letters to businesses allowing them to take
goods from any country who causes loss or damage to their business);
b. coin money (make or produce the country’s money);
c. emit bills of credit (printed promises to pay a certain sum of money on the credit of the
state);
d. make any thing but gold and silver a lawful tender in the payment of debts;
e. pass any:
Bill of Attainder* (preventing the children of one who has committed treason to be
heirs of anybody);
Ex post facto Law* (punish actions that were done before the law was made);
or Law impairing the obligation of Contracts (The state cannot pass a law freeing
one person of a debt they are obligated or contracted to pay another person);
f. grant any Title of Nobility (These titles were usually found among the rich and elite
families of Europe and passed on from father to son [Duke, Earl, Count, etc.] The
only titles granted in America are those which identify a persons office in theArmed
Forces or State office).
(10) Article 1 - Section 10 (State Powers Given to Federal Government)
10a. No State shall enter into any Treaty, Alliance, or Confederation; grant Letters of
Marque and Reprisal; coin Money; emit Bills of Credit; make any Thing but gold and
silver Coin a Tender in Payment of Debts; pass any Bill of Attainder, ex post facto
Law, or Law impairing the Obligation of Contracts, or grant any Title of Nobility.
Not only did the States give up their power to grant Titles of Nobility, but through the
Constitution, the United States of America is not allowed to grant Titles of Nobility
either. State and Government employees cannot receive titles, salaries, offices, or
even presents from a King, Prince, or foreign country, without the permission of
Congress. This helps prevent government officials from being bribed from leaders
of other nations. (9h)
(9) Article 1 - Section 9 (Taxes/Duties, Titles)
9h. 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.
3. Without the consent of Congress, no state is allowed to:
a. lay any Imposts or Duties on Imports or Exports;
The states cannot make money on things brought into the state, or articles taken out
of the state; (9e) they can collect money on these items to pay for the cost of what it
takes to inspect everything coming in and going out of the state. In other words, all
ports or places where sea vessels enter and depart carrying goods are treated fairly.(9f)
(9) Article 1 - Section 9 (Taxes/Duties, Titles)
9e.
No Tax or Duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State.
9f.
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.
(*For more on the Bill of Attainder or Ex post facto Law, see pg 28.)
20
Any profit made after inspection expenses are met must be paid into the U. S. Treasury. (10b)
(10) Article 1 - Section 10 (State Powers Given to Federal Government)
10b. No State shall, without the Consent of the Congress, lay any Imposts or Duties on
Imports or Exports, except what may be absolutely necessary for executing it's
inspection Laws: and the net Produce of all Duties and Imposts, laid by any State on
Imports or Exports, shall be for the Use of the Treasury of the United States; and all
such Laws shall be subject to the Revision and Controul of the Congress.
3. Also, without the consent of Congress, no state is allowed to:
b. lay any duty of Tonnage (or require vessels entering that States harbors to pay a sum of
money); (10c)
c. keep Troops (paid soldiers) or Ships of War in time of Peace; (10c)
Soldiers use to take up residence wherever they wanted and the citizens had little say
about it. Today the soldier has to receive permission from the owner of the house to
stay, regardless of war or peace, unless a law has been written otherwise. (A3)
d. enter into any Agreement or Compact with another state or with a foreign power; (10c)
e. engage in War, unless actually invaded or in such imminent Danger as will not admit of
delay.
States can only engage in war if there is no time to wait for the aid of the federal
government. (10c)
(10) Article 1 - Section 10 (State Powers Given to Federal Government)
10c. No State shall, without the Consent of Congress, lay any duty of Tonnage, keep
Troops, or Ships of War in time of Peace, enter into any Agreement or Compact with
another State, or with a foreign Power, or engage in War, unless actually invaded, or
in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay.
(A3) Amendment 3 - Quartering of Soldiers.
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of
the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Sacred Responsibilities
The States held their powers sacred. It was a sacrifice for them to give the federal government these
specific powers through the Constitution, but they chose to do it to unify and protect the nation as a
whole. They knew they would be better protected by being united than they would if they remained
separate.
The Constitution outlines the responsibilities, powers, and limits of the Government. It describes
how our government is supposed to function.
As citizens, we should know about the Constitution, the rights, responsibilities, and limits of the
government and of its citizens. Yes, we as citizens have sacred responsibilities, as well. We must
know what our responsibilities are to maintain the freedoms that we have.
We must never lose sight of the partnership we have between our representatives and ourselves.
Our leaders are chosen by us to represent us! Understanding our citizenship is a major key in how
successful this government is. After all, this government is based on... “We, the People.”
21
FUN
IDEAS
for Chapter 3
DEBATE There’s a thought that says, “Stand for something or
you’ll fall for anything.”
Choose something you believe in and be able to defend it
verbally. Learn about compromise and when it’s
important to stand for what you believe in and when it’s
okay to compromise.
GEOGRAPHY - Learn about Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
MATH Learn about banking. Open a savings and/or a checking
account. Learn how each account works and how to
balance them.
SCIENCE Study different types of “powers” (electricity, water, fire,
wind, etc.)
How do these powers effect each other?
How powerful are they by themselves?
If the government did not have a separation of powers
and all power was located in one branch, what might
happen to America?
SOCIAL What club or committee could you start or participate in
that could change your family, your community, or your
world for the better?
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Footnotes to the Constitution
(Article and Section Titles added)
THE PREAMBLE
pg 31 We the People of the United States of America, in Order to form a more perfect Union,
establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote
the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity,
Do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
ARTICLE 1 - THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
(1) Article 1 - Section 1 (Legislative Powers)
pg 35 All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States,
which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.
(2) Article 1 - Section 2 (The House of Representatives)
2a. The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year
pg 46 by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each State shall have the
Qualifications requisite for Electors of the most numerous Branch of the State
Legislature.
2b. No Person shall be a Representative who shall not have attained to the Age of twenty
pg 46 five Years, and been seven Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when
elected, be an Inhabitant of that State in which he shall be chosen.
2c. (Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which
pg 47 may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall
be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to
Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other
Persons.) (The previous sentence in parentheses was changed by the 14th Amendment,
section 2.) The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first
Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten
Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The Number of Representatives shall
not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one
Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire
shall be entitled to chuse three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode Island and Providence
Plantations one, Connecticut five, New York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight,
Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five and
Georgia three.
2d. When vacancies happen in the Representation from any State, the Executive Authority
pg 48 thereof shall issue Writs of Election to fill such Vacancies.
2e. The House of Representatives shall chuse their Speaker and other Officers; and shall
pg 48 have the sole Power of Impeachment.
83
ARTICLE 1 - THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH (continued)
(3) Article 1 - Section 3 (The Senate)
3a. The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State,
pg 48 (Chosen by the Legislature thereof,) (The preceding words in parentheses superseded by
the 17th Amendment, section 1.) for six Years; and each Senator shall have one Vote.
3b. Immediately after they shall be assembled in Consequence of the first Election, they
pg 49 shall be divided as equally as may be into three Classes. The Seats of the Senators of the
first Class shall be vacated at the Expiration of the second Year, of the second Class at
the Expiration of the fourth Year, and of the third Class at the Expiration of the sixth
Year, so that one third may be chosen every second Year; (and if Vacancies happen by
Resignation, or otherwise, during the Recess of the Legislature of any State, the
Executive thereof may make temporary Appointments until the next Meeting of the
Legislature, which shall then fill such Vacancies.) (The preceding words in parentheses
Were superseded by the 17th Amendment, section 2.)
3c. No person shall be a Senator who shall not have attained to the Age of thirty Years, and been
pg 48 nine Years a Citizen of the United States, and who shall not, when elected, be an Inhabitant
of that State for which he shall be chosen.
3d. The Vice President of the United States shall be President of the Senate, but shall have no
pg 49 Vote, unless they be equally divided.
3e. The Senate shall chuse their other Officers, and also a President pro tempore, in the absence
pg 49 of the Vice President, or when he shall exercise the Office of President of the United States.
3f. The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments. When sitting for that
pg 50 Purpose, they shall be on Oath or Affirmation. When the President of the United States is
tried, the Chief Justice shall preside: And no Person shall be convicted without the
Concurrence of two thirds of the Members present.
3g. Judgment in Cases of Impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from Office,
pg 50 and disqualification to hold and enjoy any Office of honor, Trust or Profit under the United
States: but the Party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to Indictment, Trial,
Judgment and Punishment, according to Law.
(4) Article 1 - Section 4 (Congress: Elections and Meetings)
4a. The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives,
pg 26 shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any
time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Place of Chusing Senators.
4b. The Congress shall assemble at least once in every Year, and such Meeting shall (be on
pg 35 the first Monday in December,) (The preceding words in parentheses were superseded by
the 20th Amendment, section 2.) unless they shall by Law appoint a different Day.
84
Complete List of Questions and Answers
How much do I remember
about the United States of America and the Constitution?
Sometimes questions are a good way to review the information presented to see if it has truly been
learned. These questions may be used any way you like - as a quiz after each chapter, as a test after a
certain section, or as a final exam at the end of the book.
Chapter 1 - The Birth of a Nation
1a. What is a country? (Section of land where people are governed under the same laws)
1b. What countries made up Great Britain? (England, Scotland and Ireland)
1c. What country would not work with the colonies? (England)
2a. What is a colony? (A place where a group of people live who are governed by their
native country, even though they live far away.)
2b. Where were the thirteen colonies located? (East Coast)
2c. How many of the thirteen colonies can you name? (Virginia, Massachusetts,
New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Rhode Island, Connecticut,
Delaware, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and Georgia)
2d.
What are three reasons people came to America? (Religion, gold and to colonize or obtain
foreign land for their mother country)
3a. Why did the Pilgrims come to America? (For religious reasons)
3b.
What is the name of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America? (The Mayflower)
3c.
The Pilgrims encountered whom within a year after their arrival to America? (Indians)
Chapter 2 - Symbols of Freedom
1a. What are the colors of our flag? (Red, white and blue)
1b. How many stars are there on our flag today? (50)
1c. What color are the stars? (White) What do they represent? (The fifty states)
1d. How many stripes are there on the flag? (13)
1e. What color are the stripes (Red and white) What do they represent? (The 13 Colonies)
1f.
What does the blue square represent? (The Union)
2a. Who was the writer of the Declaration of Independence? (Thomas Jefferson)
2b. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted? (July 4, 1776)
2c. What is the basic belief of the Declaration of Independence? (All men are created equal)
3a. What day do Americans celebrate Independence Day? (July 4th) Why? (That’s the day
that we declared ourselves free and independent of Great Britain.)
3b. What is the war called that we fought for our Independence? (Revolutionary War)
3c. From what country did we want our independence? (England)
4a. What is the national anthem of the United States? (The Star Spangled Banner)
4b.
Our national anthem was written by whom? (Francis Scott Key)
4c.
What was happening at the time he wrote it? (The War of 1812; Maryland was being
attacked by the British.)
5a. What country gave us the Statue of Liberty? (France)
5b.
Of what metal is the Statue of Liberty made? (Copper)
5c. What does she hold in her right hand? (A Torch) What does it represent? (Wisdom and
Understanding)
5d. What does she hold in her left hand? (A Tablet) What does it represent? (Knowledge)
105
Chapter 3 - Government
1a. “The Father of our Country” refers to whom? (George Washington)
1b. The Commander and Chief of the U. S. Military is whom? (The President of the U. S.)
1c. In which branch of government does the President belong? (Executive)
2a. Why should the Constitution be important to you?
2b. What procedure is used to change the Constitution? (Amendments)
2c. What are the first ten Amendments to the Constitution called? (The Bill of Rights)
2d. How many Amendments have been made to the Constitution to date? (Twenty-seven)
2e. The “Father of the Constitution” usually refers to whom? (James Madison)
3a. What kind of government does the United States really have? (Republic)
3b. Who really runs the government of this country? (The People)
3c. What safeguards protect us from the federal government getting too much power?
(Three branches of government; checks and balances system; Amendment process;)
3d. What are the branches of our government? (Legislative, Executive and Judicial)
3e. What is the system called where the three branches keep an eye on each other? (Checks and
Balances)
3f.
Why did the states relinquish (give up) some of their powers? (To form a united, more
powerful country; to better protect themselves.)
Chapter 4 -We, The People
1a. Name one benefit of being a citizen of the United States. (See pg 25)
1b. What is the most important right granted to U. S. Citizens? (The right to vote)
1c. What is the minimum age to vote? (Eighteen)
1d. Whose rights are guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights? (We, the People)
2a. In what month do we vote for the President? (November)
2b. In what month is the new President inaugurated? (January)
3a. What is the head executive of the federal government called? (President of the United States)
Who is the current President of the United States?
3b. What is the head executive of a state government called? (Governor)
Who is the current Governor of your state?
3c. What is the head executive of a city government called? (Mayor)
Who is the current Mayor of your city?
3d. What is the state capital of your state?
Chapter 5 - The Preamble
1.
What is the introduction to the Constitution called? (The Preamble)
2.
The Constitution was written for what reasons? (See pg 31)
3.
What do the following phrases mean to you:
A. Form a more perfect union B. Establish justice C. Insure domestic tranquility D. Provide for the common defense E. Promote the general welfare F. Secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity -
106
INDEX
SUBJECT
PAGE
Constitution
Adoption of
80
Basic Understanding of
29-80
How to amend
79
Original Wording (w/Footnotes) 81-93
Article 1
83
Article 2
89
Article 3
91
Article 4
92
Article 5
93
Article 6
93
Article 7
93
Supreme law of the land
43
Constitutional
35
Consuls
69
Copyrights
41
Counterfeiting
36
Courts
71
Criminal Suits
72
SUBJECT
PAGE
Act
45
Adjourn
35
Age of Exploration
27
Alliances
19
Ambassadors
70
Amendments
99-104
How to amend the Constitution
79
To the Constitution
19
American Revolution
4
Anarchy
15
Appropriations
36
Articles of Confederation
4, 16
Atlantic Slave Trade
26
Attorney General
62
Bankruptcy
Bartholdi, Frederic Auguste
Bellamy, Francis
Bill
Bill of Attainder
Bill of Rights
Boston Tea Party
Breaching the peace
Checks and Balances
Citizens
Citizenship
constitutional freedoms
rights
Civil Suits
Clerk of the House
Colonies, original thirteen
Commander and Chief
Confederation
Conference Committee(s)
Congress
Powers granted to:
avoid arrest
borrow money
collect taxes
declare war
grant patents
make rules and laws
make money
regulate commerce
Process of law making
Term definitions
31
10
8
44
20, 28
95- 98
4
40
Direct tax
Declaration of Independence
Democracy
Department of
Agriculture
Commerce
Defense
Education
Energy
Health and Human Services
Homeland Security
Housing and Urban Dev.
Interior
Justice
Labor
State
Transportation
Treasury
Veterans Affairs
Despotism
Domestic Violence
Door keeper
Duty
18
25
25
28
25
72
47
3
47
4, 19
45
35
36
40
39
38
42
41
35, 44-45
36
37
44
35
Eagle, three headed
Election
111
38
7
15
62
63
63
62
64
64
63
64
64
63
62
63
62
64
62
64
15
70
47, 49
38
10
26
SUBJECT
Electors
Electoral College
Establish justice
Exchange rate
Excises
Executive Branch
Cabinet Members
Electoral College
President
Presidential Succession Act
Vice President
Ex-post-facto law
PAGE
53
54
31
38
38
18, 51
62
54
57
56
60
20, 28
Family Court
Felony
Fiscal year
Flag
Betsy Ross flag
five-pointed star activity
Fifty Star flag
Floor action
Form a more perfect union
Founding Fathers
France
Francis Scott Key
Franklin, Benjamin (quote)
Freedom, Symbols of
Eagle
Flag
National Anthem
Pledge of Allegiance
Statue of Liberty
71
40
58
7
7
11
8
44
31
15
10
8-9
32
5
10
7
8
8
10
Government
Branches of
Buildings
Independence Hall
U. S. Capitol
U. S. Supreme Court
White House
Control
Levels of
Types of
Great Britain
Great Compromise
Hamilton, Alexander
SUBJECT
Heft, Robert G.
House of Representatives
Imposts
Inaugurated
Indentured Servants
Independence Day
Independence Hall
Insure domestic tranquility
Interest
Jefferson, Thomas
Joint Session of Congress
Journals (see State Records)
of those who oppose bills
public act of citizens
Judicial Branch
Appeals
Courts
Judge and Jury
Justices
Lawyers
Law suits
Supreme Court
King James
Law of Nations
Lay taxes, duties, etc.
Legislative Branch
Letters of Marque & Reprisal
Majority
Ministers
Minority
Mints
Monarchy
Madison, James
15
18
17
35
69
53
15
18
15
3
16
National Anthem
National Government
Nation’s Capitol
Naturalization
15
112
PAGE
8
46
38
26
27
7
16
31
39
4
35
41
45
75
18, 67
71
71
72
71
72
72
69
3
43
38
18, 33
19, 43
35
69
35
36
15
15
8
15
43
25, 41
Oligarchy
15
Parliament
Philadelphia Convention
Pledge of Allegiance
4
16
8
SUBJECT
Pocket veto
Polls
Preamble
President of the Senate
President of the United States
President pro tempore
Presidential Oath
Presidential Pardon
Presidential Succession Act
Probate Court
Promote the general welfare
Provide for the common defense
Quorum
PAGE
45
26
29
49
57
49
58
59
56
71
32
31
35
Ratify (Ratification)
Reagan, Ronald (quote)
Republic
Revolution
Ross, Betsy
Rules of order
80
32
15, 17
4
7
35
Secretary of
Agriculture
Commerce
Defense
Education
Energy
Health and Human Services
Homeland Security
Housing and Urban Dev.
Interior
Justice
Labor
State
Transportation
Treasury
Veterans Affairs
Secure the blessings of liberty
Separation of Powers
Senate
Sergeant at Arms
Shot heard ‘round the world
Slavery
Speaker of the House
Sponsor of a bill
Stamp Act
Star-Spangled Banner
62
63
63
62
64
64
63
64
64
63
62
63
62
64
62
64
32
18
48
47, 49
4
27
47
44
4
8-9
SUBJECT
State of the Union Address
States
Give up some of their power
Interstate Traveling
New States
State Government
State Records
Statue of Liberty
Stock
Supreme Court
Surrogate Court
PAGE
59
73
19
76
76
75
75
10
39
69
71
Tabling a bill
Tax
Taxation without representation
Tea Act
Title of Nobility
Treason
Treasury
Treaties
Treaty of Paris
Tyranny
44
38
4
4
20
40
36
19
7
15
Unconstitutional
U. S. Capitol Building
U. S. Supreme Court Building
35
35
69
Verdict
Veto
Vice President
72
45
60
Washington, George
Washington, D. C.
White House
Writ of Habeas Corpus
113
15, 16, 57
43
53
28