Unit 41777 – 1791
Historical Development of the Constitution
Study the words
Vocabulary
Standard 7.5b — Branches, Checks and Rights: 0 of 13 Words Mastered
13 words still to learn. You choose what counts as mastered — you can always move a word back.
Choose a standard
- Still learning
Standard 7.5b — Branches, Checks and Rights
Preamble
The Preamble is the introduction to the United States Constitution. It is one sentence containing 52 words.
Student tip
The Preamble explains why the Constitution was written.Still learning - Still learning
Standard 7.5b — Branches, Checks and Rights
Separation of Powers
Separation of powers is the division of government authority into different branches.
Student tip
Power is divided so no single group controls everything.Still learning - Still learning
Standard 7.5b — Branches, Checks and Rights
Executive Branch
The executive branch is the branch of government responsible for enforcing and carrying out laws. It is outlined in Article II of the Constitution.
Student tip
Think of the executive branch as the branch that “executes” or carries out laws.Still learning - Still learning
Standard 7.5b — Branches, Checks and Rights
President
The president is the head of the executive branch and the leader of the federal government.
Still learning - Still learning
Standard 7.5b — Branches, Checks and Rights
Legislative Branch
The legislative branch is the branch of government responsible for making laws. It is outlined in Article I of the US Constitution.
Student tip
Legislative = law-making.Still learning - Still learning
Standard 7.5b — Branches, Checks and Rights
Congress
Congress is the national legislature, or lawmaking body of the United States. It is made up of two houses and together they make bills and vote them into laws.
Student tip
Once a bill is passed by both houses of Congress, it is sent to the president for approval before it can become a law.Still learning - Still learning
Standard 7.5b — Branches, Checks and Rights
House of Representatives
The House of Representatives is a chamber of Congress consisting of 435 voting members and 6 nonvoting members that are elected as representatives of the state in which they reside.
Student tip
Some states with the most representatives are largely populated states like California, Texas, Florida and New York.Still learning - Still learning
Standard 7.5b — Branches, Checks and Rights
Senate
The Senate is the second chamber of Congress and is more prestigious, made up of only 100 members.
Still learning - Still learning
Standard 7.5b — Branches, Checks and Rights
Judicial Branch
The judicial branch is the branch of government responsible for interpreting laws.
Student tip
Judicial = courts.Still learning - Still learning
Standard 7.5b — Branches, Checks and Rights
Supreme Court
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States and currently has nine members called justices appointed by a President.
Student tip
The Supreme Court has the final say on constitutional questions.Still learning - Still learning
Standard 7.5b — Branches, Checks and Rights
Checks and Balances
Checks and balances are a system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches.
Example
The president can veto laws passed by Congress. Congress can override a veto and approve judges. Courts can declare laws unconstitutional
Student tip
Each branch checks the power of the others.Still learning - Still learning
Standard 7.5b — Branches, Checks and Rights
Electoral College
The Electoral College is the system used to elect the president and vice president of the United States.
Student tip
Americans vote for president, but the Electoral College officially chooses the winner.Still learning - Still learning
Standard 7.5b — Branches, Checks and Rights
Federalist
Federalists were people who supported the ratification of the Constitution and supported a stronger national government.
Still learning
Mastery by standard
The same colours as your packet. Pick a standard to practice just the words you are still learning in it.
Standard 7.4b — The Articles of Confederation
0 / 10 Mastered
Standard 7.4b — The Articles of Confederation: 0 of 10 terms mastered.Standard 7.4c — The Constitutional Convention
0 / 9 Mastered
Standard 7.4c — The Constitutional Convention: 0 of 9 terms mastered.Standard 7.5b — Branches, Checks and Rights
0 / 13 Mastered
Standard 7.5b — Branches, Checks and Rights: 0 of 13 terms mastered.Other Vocabulary — Not listed under a standard
0 / 3 Mastered
Other Vocabulary — not listed under a standard: 0 of 3 terms mastered.