Are you ready to test your knowledge of the United States Constitution? In part 2 of our Constitution scavenger hunt, we will provide you with the answers to the questions from part 1. This is your chance to see if you correctly identified the constitutional provision or amendment that matches each question. Let’s dive in and review our answers!
Question 1 asked about the constitutional provision that gives the power to declare war. The correct answer is Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to declare war. This provision ensures that the decision to go to war is made by the representatives of the people, making it an essential part of the checks and balances system.
Question 2 focused on the amendment that guarantees freedom of speech. The answer is the First Amendment, which protects our right to free speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition. This amendment is a cornerstone of American democracy, allowing citizens to express their opinions and ideas without fear of government censorship.
Question 3 asked about the constitutional provision that establishes the electoral college. The correct answer is Article II, Section 1, which outlines the electoral college system for electing the president and vice president of the United States. This provision ensures that each state has a voice in the election process, balancing the interests of smaller and larger states.
Question 4 focused on the amendment that abolished slavery. The correct answer is the Thirteenth Amendment, which was ratified in 1865 and formally abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States. This amendment was a significant milestone in the country’s history, marking the end of institutionalized slavery and recognizing the inherent dignity and rights of all individuals.
These are just a few of the answers to the questions from part 1 of our Constitution scavenger hunt. Congratulations if you correctly identified them! Remember, the Constitution is a living document that has shaped and continues to shape the United States. Understanding its provisions and amendments is essential for informed citizenship and upholding the principles of democracy.
Constitution Scavenger Hunt Part 2 Answer Key
In the Constitution Scavenger Hunt Part 2, participants were challenged to find specific information within the United States Constitution. This answer key provides the correct answers to each question, allowing participants to check their own work and gauge their understanding of the Constitution.
Here are the answers to the questions:
- Which article discusses the powers of the President?
- The answer is Article II.
- What is the age requirement for a Senator?
- The answer is 30 years old.
- How many members are there in the House of Representatives?
- The answer is 435.
- Who has the power to declare war?
- The answer is Congress.
- Which amendment abolished slavery?
- The answer is 13th Amendment.
By completing this scavenger hunt, participants have demonstrated their knowledge of various aspects of the United States Constitution. Understanding the Constitution is important for being an informed citizen and participating in the democratic process.
The Preamble
The Preamble is the opening statement of the United States Constitution. It is a brief but powerful paragraph that outlines the goals and purposes of the government. The Preamble begins with the phrase “We the People,” emphasizing that the Constitution is created by and for the citizens of the United States. This phrase demonstrates the fundamental principle of democracy, that the power of the government comes from the consent of the governed.
The Preamble then lists the six main purposes of the government. These purposes are to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty. Each of these purposes highlights different aspects of a functional and fair government. They demonstrate the commitment to unity, fairness, peace, security, well-being, and freedom.
| Main Purposes of the Government |
|---|
| 1. Form a more perfect Union: The government seeks to create a unified and cohesive nation, strengthening the bonds between states. |
| 2. Establish justice: The government is responsible for creating and maintaining a fair legal system that upholds the rights of citizens and ensures equal treatment under the law. |
| 3. Ensure domestic tranquility: The government’s role is to maintain peace and order within the country, preventing and resolving conflicts. |
| 4. Provide for the common defense: The government is tasked with protecting the nation from external threats and maintaining a strong military. |
| 5. Promote the general welfare: The government has a responsibility to promote the well-being and prosperity of all its citizens, through policies and programs that support education, health, and economic growth. |
| 6. Secure the blessings of liberty: The government’s ultimate goal is to safeguard the individual freedoms and rights that are the foundation of the American society. |
In summary, the Preamble sets the objectives for the government and paints a vision of what the United States aims to achieve. It emphasizes the importance of the people’s power and highlights the core values of unity, justice, tranquility, defense, welfare, and liberty. The Preamble serves as a guiding principle for the interpretation and application of the Constitution, reminding us of the overarching goals of our government and the rights and freedoms it seeks to protect.
Article I – The Legislative Branch
The Legislative Branch is the first article of the United States Constitution, which outlines the powers and responsibilities of the Congress. The Congress is divided into two chambers, the House of Representatives and the Senate. This branch has the authority to make laws and is responsible for representing the interests of the people.
Powers of Congress:
- Passing laws: Congress has the power to create and pass laws that affect the entire country. These laws must be in accordance with the Constitution.
- Imposing taxes: Congress has the authority to levy taxes and collect revenue for the functioning of the government.
- Declaring war: Only Congress has the power to declare war, which helps ensure that important decisions regarding national security are made collectively.
Structure of Congress:
The House of Representatives consists of members who are elected by the people for a term of two years. The number of representatives is determined by the population of each state. The Speaker of the House is the presiding officer and plays a crucial role in setting the legislative agenda.
The Senate, on the other hand, has two senators from each state, regardless of population. Senators are elected by the people for a term of six years. The Vice President of the United States serves as the President of the Senate, but can only vote in case of a tie. The Senate is responsible for approving treaties and confirming presidential appointments.
The Legislative Branch is essential for maintaining a system of checks and balances within the government. It ensures that the power is not concentrated in one branch and allows for thorough discussion and debate on important issues. The role of Congress is crucial in shaping the laws and policies that govern the country.
Article II – The Executive Branch
The Executive Branch of the United States government is outlined in Article II of the Constitution. This branch is responsible for executing and enforcing the laws of the country. The head of the Executive Branch is the President, who serves as the chief executive and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The President is elected by the citizens of the United States and serves a four-year term.
One of the key powers of the Executive Branch is the ability to appoint and remove federal officials. The President has the authority to nominate individuals for positions within the government, such as cabinet members, ambassadors, and federal judges. These nominations must be confirmed by the Senate before the individual can assume the position. Additionally, the President has the power to remove officials from their positions if they are not faithfully executing their duties.
The Executive Branch also has the responsibility of implementing and enforcing federal laws. This includes overseeing federal agencies and departments, such as the Department of Defense and the Department of Justice. The President has the power to issue executive orders, which are directives or regulations that have the force of law. However, these executive orders must be within the scope of the President’s constitutional authority and cannot infringe upon the rights of individuals or bypass the legislative process.
Furthermore, the President has the power to make treaties with foreign governments, subject to the approval of two-thirds of the Senate. The President also has the authority to negotiate and enter into agreements with other countries, known as executive agreements. These agreements do not require Senate approval but still have the force of law within the United States.
In summary, Article II of the Constitution establishes the Executive Branch of the United States government and outlines the powers and responsibilities of the President. The President serves as the chief executive, responsible for executing and enforcing the laws of the country, appointing and removing federal officials, implementing and enforcing federal laws, and conducting foreign relations.
Article III – The Judicial Branch
The third article of the United States Constitution establishes the judicial branch of the government. The judiciary is responsible for interpreting and applying the laws of the nation and ensuring that justice is served. It consists of one Supreme Court and such inferior courts as Congress may establish.
The Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the land and is composed of one Chief Justice and eight associate justices. They are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Supreme Court has the power of judicial review, which means it can review the constitutionality of laws and interpret the Constitution. This power gives the Supreme Court an important role in shaping the laws of the country and protecting individual rights and liberties.
- Judicial Power
The Constitution grants the judicial power of the United States to the Supreme Court and other federal courts established by Congress. The judicial power extends to all cases arising under the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties, as well as cases involving ambassadors, public ministers, and disputes between states. It also includes cases involving citizens of different states and cases between a state or its citizens and foreign governments or citizens.
The Constitution lays out the structure and powers of the judicial branch, ensuring an independent and impartial judiciary that plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of the American people.
Article IV – The States
Article IV of the United States Constitution outlines the relationship between the states and the federal government. It establishes the privileges and immunities that citizens of each state are entitled to when traveling or relocating to another state. This ensures that individuals are not discriminated against based on their state of origin and promotes the idea of a united country.
One of the key provisions in Article IV is the Full Faith and Credit Clause. This clause requires each state to give full faith and credit to the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states. This means that a marriage, for example, that is valid in one state must be recognized as valid in all other states. Similarly, a court judgment rendered in one state must be recognized and enforced by other states. This clause helps to create a sense of consistency and fairness across state lines.
The Constitution also grants the federal government the power to admit new states into the Union. The process for admission is outlined in Article IV, Section 3, and it requires the consent of Congress. This provision ensures that the federal government has control over the expansion of the country and allows for the orderly admission of new states. It also provides a framework for the relationships between the existing states and any new states that may be added.
Overall, Article IV of the United States Constitution is essential for maintaining the unity and cooperation between the states and the federal government. It establishes the rights of citizens when traveling between states, requires states to recognize the actions of other states, and provides a process for the admission of new states. This article serves as a foundation for the structure and functioning of the United States as a federal system of government.
Article V – The Amendment Process
Article V of the United States Constitution outlines the process by which amendments can be made to the Constitution. This process ensures that the Constitution remains a living document that can adapt to the changing needs and values of society. The amendment process is intentionally designed to be difficult, requiring a broad consensus among the states and the federal government.
The first step in the amendment process is proposal. There are two methods for proposing amendments: by Congress or by a convention of states. The most common method is for Congress to propose amendments. A proposed amendment must be approved by a two-thirds majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Once approved, the proposed amendment is sent to the states for ratification.
Ratification is the second step in the amendment process. A proposed amendment must be ratified by three-fourths of the states in order to become part of the Constitution. This can be done either by the state legislatures or by conventions held in the states. The ratification process typically involves debate and discussion at the state level, allowing for input from the citizens and elected officials.
Article V also establishes a timeframe for the amendment process. Once an amendment is proposed, it has no set deadline for ratification. However, Congress can set a specific deadline for ratification when proposing an amendment. This ensures that the process does not drag on indefinitely and allows for a sense of urgency in the ratification process.
The amendment process outlined in Article V is a reflection of the Founding Fathers’ belief in the importance of ensuring that the Constitution remains a dynamic and adaptable document. It strikes a balance between stability and flexibility, requiring a broad consensus among the states and the federal government while also allowing for input from the citizens. The amendment process has allowed for important changes to the Constitution throughout history, reflecting the evolving values and needs of the American people.