What is the primary purpose of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution?

To outline the goals and purpose of the government. The Preamble serves as an introduction to the Constitution. It outlines the broad goals of the new government, such as establishing justice, insuring domestic tranquility, and securing the blessings of liberty.

Which branch of government is established by Article I of the Constitution?

The Legislative Branch. Article I establishes the Legislative Branch, known as Congress. It details the structure of the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as their powers and limitations.

How many amendments make up the Bill of Rights?

10. The Bill of Rights consists of the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. These amendments were ratified in 1791 to specifically protect individual liberties and limit the power of the federal government.

Which system prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

Checks and Balances. Checks and Balances is the system that allows each branch of government to amend or veto acts of another branch. This ensures that power is shared and no single branch dominates the government.

What is the 'Supreme Law of the Land' in the United States?

The U.S. Constitution. The Supremacy Clause in Article VI establishes that the U.S. Constitution, federal laws made pursuant to it, and treaties are the supreme law of the land. State judges are bound by this supreme law.

Which amendment protects freedom of speech, religion, and the press?

First Amendment. The First Amendment guarantees freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition. It forbids Congress from promoting one religion over others and also restricting an individual's religious practices.

What is the minimum age requirement to serve as President of the United States?

35 years old. Article II, Section 1 of the Constitution sets the minimum age for the President at 35 years old. The candidate must also be a natural-born citizen and a resident of the U.S. for at least 14 years.

How long is a term for a member of the House of Representatives?

2 years. Members of the House of Representatives serve two-year terms. This shorter term is intended to make them more responsive to the changing will of the people.

Which body has the power to impeach a federal official?

The House of Representatives. The House of Representatives has the sole power of impeachment, which is the formal accusation of misconduct. If a majority of the House votes to impeach, the trial is then held by the Senate.

Who serves as the President of the Senate?

The Vice President of the United States. The Constitution designates the Vice President of the United States as the President of the Senate. However, the Vice President may only vote in the Senate to break a tie.

Which amendment prohibits unreasonable searches and seizures?

Fourth Amendment. The Fourth Amendment protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. It requires law enforcement to have a warrant supported by probable cause for most searches.

What is the term length for a United States Senator?

6 years. Senators serve six-year terms. The terms are staggered so that approximately one-third of the Senate seats are up for election every two years.

Which article of the Constitution establishes the Judicial Branch?

Article III. Article III establishes the Judicial Branch of the federal government. It creates the Supreme Court and gives Congress the power to create lower federal courts.

What fraction of both houses of Congress is required to propose a constitutional amendment?

Two-thirds (2/3). To propose an amendment, a two-thirds vote is required in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Alternatively, two-thirds of state legislatures can request a constitutional convention.

Which amendment ensures the right to a speedy and public trial?

Sixth Amendment. The Sixth Amendment guarantees the rights of criminal defendants, including the right to a public trial without unnecessary delay, the right to a lawyer, and the right to an impartial jury.

The 'Necessary and Proper Clause' grants implied powers to which branch?

Legislative. The Necessary and Proper Clause gives Congress the power to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution its enumerated powers. This provides flexibility for the legislative branch.

Who has the power to declare war?

Congress. While the President is the Commander in Chief of the armed forces, the Constitution grants Congress the sole power to formally declare war.

Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?

13th Amendment. The 13th Amendment, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime. It was the first of the three Reconstruction Amendments.

What is required to override a Presidential veto?

A two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress. If the President vetoes a bill, Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, making the bill a law.

Which amendment protects against 'double jeopardy'?

Fifth Amendment. The Fifth Amendment states that no person shall be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb. This protects individuals from being prosecuted twice for the same crime.

How many Justices currently serve on the U.S. Supreme Court?

9. There are currently nine Justices on the Supreme Court: one Chief Justice and eight Associate Justices. The number is set by Congress, not the Constitution itself, but has remained at nine since 1869.

Which amendment granted women the right to vote?

19th Amendment. The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, guarantees that the right of citizens to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.

What is the maximum number of terms a President can serve?

Two. The 22nd Amendment, ratified in 1951, limits the President to two elected terms in office. It was passed following the four-term presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Who nominates federal judges?

The President. The President has the power to nominate federal judges, including Supreme Court Justices. These nominations must then be confirmed by the Senate.

Which amendment prohibits 'cruel and unusual punishments'?

Eighth Amendment. The Eighth Amendment prohibits the federal government from imposing excessive bail, excessive fines, or cruel and unusual punishments. This amendment is often central to debates about capital punishment.

QuizKnowledge

How Well Do You Know The Fundamentals Of The U.S. Constitution?

How well do you know the U.S. Constitution? Take this 25-question civics quiz to test your knowledge of rights, amendments, and government structure.

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