US Government and the Constitution

Grade 12 · Social Studies · Study Guide

Explore the structure of the US Constitution, the system of checks and balances, and the foundational principles of American democratic governance.

The United States Constitution, ratified in 1788, is the supreme law of the land. It established a federal system dividing power between national and state governments and created a tripartite federal government with three co-equal branches designed to prevent any single branch from accumulating too much power.

The Legislative Branch (Article I) — Congress — is bicameral: the Senate (100 members, 6-year terms, 2 per state) and the House of Representatives (435 members, 2-year terms, apportioned by population). Congress holds the power to make laws, declare war, and control the federal budget.

The Executive Branch (Article II) vests power in the President, who enforces laws, commands the military, appoints federal judges, and conducts foreign policy. The Judicial Branch (Article III) is headed by the Supreme Court, which interprets laws and has the power of judicial review — the authority to strike down laws as unconstitutional (established in Marbury v. Madison, 1803).

The system of checks and balances ensures each branch can restrain the others: Congress can override a presidential veto; the Senate confirms presidential appointments; and courts can declare legislation unconstitutional. The Bill of Rights (first 10 Amendments) protects individual liberties from government overreach, including freedom of speech, religion, and due process of law.

Key terms

Federalism
A system of government where power is divided between a national government and state governments.
Checks and Balances
Constitutional mechanisms allowing each branch of government to limit the powers of the others.
Judicial Review
The Supreme Court's power to determine whether laws or government actions violate the Constitution; established by Marbury v. Madison (1803).
Bicameral
A legislature divided into two chambers; in the US, the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the Constitution, ratifying individual rights and limiting government power.

Flashcards

Separation of Powers
Division of government into three branches (legislative, executive, judicial) each with distinct constitutional authority.
Checks and Balances
Each branch has powers to limit the others: veto, override, judicial review, appointment confirmation.
Federalism
Power is shared between federal and state governments; states retain powers not granted to the federal government (10th Amendment).
Judicial Review
Courts' power to invalidate laws that violate the Constitution; established in Marbury v. Madison (1803).
Bill of Rights
First 10 amendments (1791): speech, religion, press, assembly, arms, due process, trial rights, and reserved powers.
Bicameral Legislature
Congress has two chambers: Senate (equal state representation) and House (population-based representation).
Electoral College
Indirect system for electing the President; each state has electors equal to its total congressional representation.
Amendment Process
Two-thirds of Congress proposes + three-fourths of states ratify. Ensures Constitution is difficult but not impossible to change.

Questions

  1. Which Supreme Court case established the principle of judicial review?

    1. McCulloch v. Maryland
    2. Marbury v. Madison
    3. Gibbons v. Ogden
    4. Brown v. Board of Education
    Show answer

    Answer: Marbury v. Madison

    Marbury v. Madison (1803), written by Chief Justice John Marshall, established judicial review — the power of courts to strike down laws that violate the Constitution.

  2. The US Constitution originally allowed for the direct popular election of US Senators.

    Show answer

    Answer: False

    Originally, Senators were chosen by state legislatures (Article I). The 17th Amendment (1913) changed this to direct popular election of Senators.

  3. Which constitutional amendment guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury?

    1. Fourth Amendment
    2. Fifth Amendment
    3. Sixth Amendment
    4. Eighth Amendment
    Show answer

    Answer: Sixth Amendment

    The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, to be informed of charges, to confront witnesses, and to have legal counsel.

  4. The principle that divides power between national and state governments is called ___.

    Show answer

    Answer: federalism

    Federalism is the constitutional division of power between the national government and state governments, a core structural feature of the US political system.

  5. If the President vetoes a bill, Congress can override that veto with:

    1. A simple majority (50% + 1) in both chambers
    2. A two-thirds majority in both chambers
    3. A three-fourths majority in the Senate only
    4. A unanimous vote in the House only
    Show answer

    Answer: A two-thirds majority in both chambers

    A presidential veto can be overridden by a two-thirds supermajority vote in BOTH the Senate and the House of Representatives, a deliberately high bar to preserve executive authority.

Get a personalized course on US Government and the Constitution built around your child.