Understanding the Constitution of the United States Constitution Detectives ANSWER KEY Directions: Answer the questions below about the Constitution. Make sure to use complete sentences. What events led up to this document s creation? The events leading up to the document s creation were: The Revolutionary War, The Articles of Confederation, The Virginia Plan, The New Jersey Plan, and the Great Compromise. Define the following vocabulary words: Amendment An addition to the Constitution Preamble Democracy Republic Federal System The introduction to the Constitution A form of government in which the people make the laws and run the government A form of government in which the people elect representatives to run the country A system of government in which power is shared between the central government and state government.
Article I. THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH Section 1: The Who has the power to make laws? Section 2: The House of Representatives How are these members elected? Every two years by qualified voters in each state. Their term is two years. Section 3: The Senate How long is a senator s term? 6 years Section 8: Powers Granted to has the power to: 1. raise and collect taxes 2. borrow money 3. control trade with foreign nations, between states, and with Native Americans 4. Decide how people from foreign countries can become citizens of the U.S. 5. print money 6. punish people who make counterfeit money 7. set up post offices 8. protect the rights and creations of scientists, artists, authors, and inventors 9. create federal or national courts lower than the Supreme Court 10. punish crimes committed at sea 11. declare war 12. establish and support an army and navy, and make rules for the armed forces 13. call the militia to enforce federal laws, put down rebellions, fight invasions 14. organize, train, and discipline the National Guard 15. Govern the capital and military sites of the U.S. 16. Make all laws necessary to carry out the powers of. Section 9: Powers Denied to What powers does not have? 1. Arrest and jail people without charging them with a crime. 2. punish a person without a trial in a court of law 3. pass a direct tax 4. tax goods sent out of state 5. give ports of one state an advantage over ports of another state 6. spend money without both passing a law and keeping a record of all its accounts 7. grant any title of nobility
Section 10: Powers Denied to the States State governments do not have the power to: 1. make treaties 2. print money 3. do anything forbidden to the federal government 4. tax goods sent into and out of a state unless agrees 5. keep armed forces, go to war, or make agreements with other states or foreign countries unless agrees Article II. THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH Section 1: Office of the President and Vice President What power does the President have? How long is the President s term in office? The President has the power to carry out the laws of the U.S. The term is four years. How is the President chosen? The President is chosen by electors from each state, the Electoral College. What are the requirements to become President? 1. A citizen born in the U.S. 2. Be at least 35 years-old 3. Lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years. Section 2: Powers Granted to the President What are some powers that the President has? 1. in charge of the armed forces and state militias 2. to pardon people convicted of federal crimes 3. to make treaties 4. to name ambassadors, important government officials, and judges of Supreme Court 5. to fill empty offices for a short time when the Senate is not meeting. Section 3: Duties of the President What is the State of the Union address? This is when the President informs on the condition of the nation. The President may recommend laws to improve the nation. What are some other duties of the President? 1. receives foreign officials 2. makes sure the nation s laws are carried out 3. signs orders naming officials in the armed forces. Section 4: Removal From Office How can a President be removed from office? If the President is found guilty of committing a crime s/he can be impeached.
Article III: THE JUDICIAL BRANCH Section 1: Federal Courts Who has the power to make decisions in courts of law? The Supreme Court and other lower federal courts that may set up Section 2: Power of Federal Courts Federal Courts have the legal authority over: 1. all laws made by the constitution 2. treaties made with foreign governments 3. cases involving matters occurring at sea 4. cases involving the federal government 5. cases involving different states or citizens of different states 6. cases involving foreign citizens or governments. Section3: The Crime of Treason What is treason as defined by the Constitution? Treason is the crime of making war against the United States or helping its enemies. Who decides on the punishment for treason? Article IV: RELATIONS AMONG THE STATES Section 2: Rights of Citizens What are all citizens guaranteed when visiting other states? They are guaranteed their basic rights. If a person is charged with a crime and flees to another state what happens if that person is caught? The person must be returned to the state where the crime took place. Section 3: Treatment of New States and Territories Who lets new states become part of the United States? Section 4: Guarantees to the States What does the federal government guarantees to the states? The right to elect their leaders, promise to protect each state from invasion, rebellion, and violent disorders Article V: AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION What are the two ways to make amendments to the Constitution? Two-thirds of each branch of can suggest an amendment. Two-thirds of state legislatures can call conventions to suggest an amendment.
Article VI: DEBTS, FEDERAL SUPREMACY, OATHS OF OFFICE Who is responsible to pay back all debts? The United States Government What document is the Supreme Law of the Land? The United States Constitution What do all officials have to promise when taking office? They must promise to support the Constitution. Article VII: RATIFICATION OF THE CONSTITUTION How many states have to approve the Constitution for it to become law? 9 of 13 states What date was this document approved by the Constitutional Convention? September 17, 1787 List at least 5 people who signed the Constitution 1. James Madison 4. Benjamin Franklin 2. Roger Sherman 5. George Washington 3. Alexander Hamilton This is just a sample of who signed.