Chapter 9 History Test Prep.

The main job of the legislative branch is to make laws, not enforce or carry them out. The legislative branch consists of Congress, which is responsible for proposing, debating, and voting on bills that can become laws. The executive branch, on the other hand, is responsible for enforcing and carrying out federal laws. This branch includes the President and various executive agencies. Therefore, the statement that the legislative branch enforces and carries out federal laws is false.

The explanation for the given correct answer is that the framers of the government system implemented checks and balances to prevent any single branch of government from gaining excessive power. This system ensures that each branch has the ability to limit the actions of the other branches, promoting a balance of power and preventing tyranny.

The given statement is incorrect. Federalism refers to the division of power between the central government and the individual states. The power of the Supreme Court to declare a law unconstitutional is known as judicial review, not federalism. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

This statement is incorrect. In the United States, a bill can become a law through a specific legislative process. The process begins with the proposal of a bill by a member of Congress, either in the House of Representatives or the Senate. The bill then goes through committee hearings, amendments, and votes in both chambers of Congress. If the bill passes both chambers, it is sent to the president for approval. The president can either sign the bill into law or veto it. If the president vetoes the bill, Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers. Therefore, a bill does not need to be proposed by the president; it can be initiated by any member of Congress.

Enforcing and carrying out federal laws is the most important task of the executive branch because it ensures that laws are implemented and followed, maintaining order and upholding the rule of law in the country. The executive branch, headed by the President, has the responsibility to execute and enforce laws passed by Congress, ensuring the effective functioning of the government and the protection of citizens' rights. Without the enforcement of laws, the legislative branch's efforts in creating laws would be futile, and the judicial branch's role in interpreting and applying laws would be meaningless.

The elastic clause, also known as the necessary and proper clause, is a provision in the United States Constitution that grants Congress the power to pass laws that are necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers. It does not give Congress the authority to declare actions of the president unconstitutional. This power is held by the judiciary branch of government. Therefore, the statement that Congress uses the elastic clause to declare actions of the president unconstitutional is false.

The statement is true because the judicial branch of government is responsible for interpreting and applying the law in order to resolve disputes. This branch consists of courts and judges who have the authority to hear cases, make legal decisions, and enforce judgments. They ensure that disputes are resolved in accordance with the laws of the land, providing a fair and impartial system for justice.

The Constitution has survived for more than 200 years because it combines a strong framework for the government with flexibility. This means that the Constitution provides a solid foundation for the functioning of the government, ensuring stability and order. However, it also allows for changes and adaptations over time, enabling it to remain relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of society. This combination of strength and flexibility has been instrumental in the Constitution's longevity and endurance.

The power to ratify treaties does not belong to the Supreme Court. In the United States, the power to ratify treaties belongs to the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Supreme Court is responsible for interpreting and applying the law, not for ratifying treaties.

The President has the power to veto laws passed by Congress. This means that if the President disagrees with a bill that has been approved by Congress, they can reject it and prevent it from becoming law. This power gives the President an important role in the legislative process and allows them to influence the laws that are enacted in the country.

The House or the Senate cannot propose an amendment to the Constitution. In order to propose an amendment, a two-thirds majority vote is required in both the House and the Senate. This means that both chambers of Congress must agree on the proposed amendment before it can move forward in the amendment process. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

An amendment cannot be ratified by three fourths of the members of Congress alone. According to the United States Constitution, an amendment must be ratified by three fourths of the states, either through their legislatures or through state ratifying conventions. Therefore, the statement is false.

The statement is true. There are indeed four ways to propose and ratify a constitutional amendment. These methods are outlined in Article V of the United States Constitution. The four ways include proposing an amendment by a two-thirds vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, proposing an amendment by a national convention called by Congress upon request of two-thirds of the state legislatures, ratifying an amendment by three-fourths of the state legislatures, and ratifying an amendment by three-fourths of the state conventions.

The Preamble of a government document outlines the goals and objectives of the government. It provides a broad overview of the principles and values that the government aims to uphold. Therefore, it can be inferred that the goals of the government are indeed listed in the Preamble.

The phrase "We the People" in the Constitution implies that the authority of the Constitution is derived from ordinary Americans. This suggests that the power and legitimacy of the Constitution ultimately rests with the people, as they are the ones who grant authority to the document. Therefore, the statement is true.

The word tranquility in the Preamble does not mean relaxation. Tranquility refers to a state of calmness, peace, and quiet. It implies the absence of disturbances, conflicts, or chaos. It represents a harmonious and stable society. Therefore, the statement that tranquility means relaxation is incorrect.

The words "Provide for the common Defense" in the Preamble of the United States Constitution refer to the responsibility of the government to ensure the protection and security of the American people from foreign threats and enemies. This includes maintaining a strong military, establishing defense policies, and taking necessary actions to safeguard the nation.

The words "Secure the Blessings of Liberty" in the Preamble do not specifically justify the creation of federal courts. The Preamble outlines the broad goals and intentions of the Constitution, including the establishment of justice and the promotion of the general welfare. While the federal courts play a role in upholding justice and protecting individual liberties, the phrase itself does not directly relate to the creation of these courts. Therefore, the statement is false.

The words "Our Posterity" in the Preamble refer to descendants. This means that it is referring to future generations or the people who will come after us. The Preamble is the introductory statement to the United States Constitution, and it states the purposes and goals of the document. By using the term "Our Posterity," it emphasizes the idea that the Constitution is meant to benefit not only the current generation but also future generations of Americans.