American Revoultion & US Constitution Era Assessment

To become president, one must be a natural born citizen of the United States, be at least 35 years old, and have resided in the country for at least 14 years. Voting in at least two previous presidential elections is not a requirement to become president.

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution are called the Bill of Rights. These amendments were added to the Constitution to protect individual rights and limit the power of the government. They include important rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial. The Bill of Rights is a crucial part of the Constitution and ensures that the government respects the rights of its citizens.

The correct answer is the separation of the functions of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This principle refers to the division of powers and responsibilities among these three branches of government in order to prevent concentration of power in one entity. It ensures a system of checks and balances, where each branch has its own distinct functions and powers, and can act as a check on the other branches. This separation helps maintain the independence and accountability of each branch, promoting a more democratic and balanced governance system.

The government created by the Articles of Confederation lasted only a few years because it lacked the ability to enforce its authority. Without a strong central government, the states had significant autonomy and were not obligated to follow the laws and decisions made by the national government. This lack of enforcement power made it difficult for the government to effectively govern and maintain order. As a result, the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation led to the creation of a new constitution and a stronger federal government under the United States Constitution.

The correct answer is that the power is divided between the state and national government. This means that both the state and national governments have their own separate powers and responsibilities. The state governments have the power to make and enforce laws within their own jurisdiction, while the national government has the power to make and enforce laws that apply to the entire country. This division of power helps to ensure a balance between the central government and the individual states, promoting a system of checks and balances.

The correct answer is that a government that denies its people certain basic rights can be overthrown. This idea is expressed in the Declaration of Independence, which states that when a government becomes destructive to the rights of the people, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it and to institute a new government that will protect their rights. This concept reflects the belief in popular sovereignty and the idea that governments exist to protect the rights and freedoms of the people they govern.

The Constitution is considered the 'supreme law of the United States' because it is the foundational document that establishes the framework for the government and outlines the rights and responsibilities of its citizens. It sets out the structure of the three branches of government, defines the powers and limitations of each branch, and protects individual rights through the Bill of Rights and subsequent amendments. The Constitution is the highest authority in the United States legal system and serves as a guide for all laws and governmental actions.

The Constitution doesn't specify the exact number of Supreme Court justices. The number of justices is determined by Congress and has varied throughout history. Currently, there are nine justices on the Supreme Court, but this could potentially change in the future if Congress decides to amend the law.

James Madison is considered the "Father of the Constitution" because he played a significant role in its creation. He was one of the main authors of the Constitution and contributed greatly to its drafting. Madison's ideas and writings heavily influenced the content of the Constitution, making him a key figure in its development. His contributions, including the Virginia Plan, the Federalist Papers, and his advocacy for a strong central government, solidify his title as the "Father of the Constitution."

Thomas Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. As a member of the Second Continental Congress, Jefferson was chosen to draft the document. His eloquent writing skills and his understanding of Enlightenment ideals made him the perfect candidate for this task. Jefferson's words in the Declaration of Independence laid out the reasons for the American colonies' separation from Britain and declared the fundamental rights of all individuals. His contribution to this historic document solidified his place in American history as one of the founding fathers and a champion of liberty.

The House of Representatives has the power to impeach or bring charges against the president. This is stated in the United States Constitution, specifically in Article I, Section 2, which grants the House the sole power of impeachment. Impeachment is the first step in the process of removing a president from office, and it requires a majority vote in the House. After impeachment, the Senate holds a trial to determine whether the president should be convicted and removed from office. Therefore, the House of Representatives plays a crucial role in the impeachment process.

The Halifax Resolves represented the first official call for independence from England. This means that it was the first time that a formal declaration or resolution was made, stating the desire for independence from the English. It marked a significant step towards the eventual American Revolution and the establishment of the United States as an independent nation.

If a vice president died in office before the 25th Amendment was passed, there was no vice president until the next presidential election. The 25th Amendment, ratified in 1967, established procedures for filling a vacancy in the vice presidency. Prior to this amendment, there was no clear protocol for replacing a vice president who died or left office.

The First Amendment guarantees the right to criticize the U.S. government because it protects freedom of speech, which includes the right to express dissenting opinions and criticize the government without fear of censorship or punishment. This amendment is crucial for maintaining a democratic society, as it allows citizens to hold the government accountable and participate in political discourse.

The system of "checks and balances" is designed to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. It ensures that each branch has the ability to limit the powers of the other branches, thus creating a system of accountability and preventing any one branch from dominating the others. This system helps to maintain a balance of power and protect against the abuse of authority.

When accused criminals "plead the fifth," it means that they refuse to testify against themselves. This is based on the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which grants individuals the right to remain silent and not incriminate themselves in a criminal case. By invoking the Fifth Amendment, accused individuals are exercising their right to avoid self-incrimination and protect themselves from potentially providing evidence that could be used against them in court.

The correct answer is "The consent of the governed (the people)". According to the Declaration of Independence, government derives its power from the consent of the governed, meaning that the authority of the government is granted by the people it governs. This concept reflects the idea of popular sovereignty, which asserts that the people are the ultimate source of political power in a democratic society. The government's legitimacy and authority depend on the consent and support of the people it represents.

The Constitution clearly outlines the role of Congress, which is to make laws. This is stated in Article I of the Constitution, which grants legislative powers to Congress. The power to make laws is one of the fundamental functions of Congress, as it allows them to create, amend, and repeal laws that govern the nation. Congress is responsible for representing the interests of the people and enacting legislation that addresses the needs and concerns of the nation. Therefore, the correct answer is "Make laws."

The given passage is the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence, which is a document that declared the American colonies' independence from British rule in 1776. It outlines the reasons for this separation and asserts certain fundamental rights, such as the belief that all men are created equal and have unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The U.S. Constitution, on the other hand, is a separate document that was written and ratified in 1787 to establish the structure and powers of the United States government.