Chapter 9: The Constitution

Lesson 1 - Principles of the Constitution (Pages 256 261)

1. How does the Constitution reflect the principle of popular sovereignty?
2. How does the Constitution reflect the principle of republicanism?
3. Why did the Framers want to establish a limited government?
4. What is the importance of federalism in the Constitution?
5. Describe the 3 types of government power defined in the Constitution and
give examples for each.
6. Why did the Framers provide for power to be separated among different
branches of government?
7. What is the purpose of the system of checks and balances?
8. How are a citizens individual rights protected in the Constitution?
9. How is the Constitution a flexible document?
10. Describe the two steps in the amendment process.
11. What three clauses are the sources for the idea of implied power? What
effects did these three clauses have on the Constitution?
Lesson 2 - Government and the People (Pages 262 265)
1. How is the principle of separation of powers reflected in the structure of the
federal government?
2. Why is it important for people from every part of the U.S. to be represented
fairly in Congress?
3. What type of laws are passed by Congress?
4. What are the roles played by the president and other members of the
executive branch?
5. What type of courts are found in the federal court system?
6. How is judicial review an example of checks and balances?
7. How do due process and equal protection help guarantee your constitutional
rights?
8. Summarize the basic freedoms outlined in the First Amendment.

9. How are the rights of American citizens limited?

10. What are some of the responsibilities (or civic duties) that American citizens
have?
11. Why is it important for every American citizen to vote?
12. Explain at least 2 ways you can fulfill the responsibility of supporting or
helping your family.
Chapter 1: Exploring Social Studies
Lesson 3 - Government and Citizenship (Page 28
ONLY
)
1. What are ways a person becomes a U.S. citizen by birth?
2. How does a person become a U.S. citizen through naturalization?