AP Government and Politics: 2014 Summer Assignment

Transcription

1 Name Read the U.S. Constitution. Complete this packet using any online or print resources. You will have a test on the content in this assignment on Friday, September 5, At that time, your summer assignment will be collected and graded. Please remember that this is an individual assignment and the content of this assignment should be completed in your own words. Part I: The Structure of the Constitution-Read each article of the Constitution. Summarize the general purpose or subject of each article. Article I Article II Article III Article IV Article V Article VI Article VII Page 1

2 Which article is the longest and most detailed? Why do you think that is? Part II: The Amendments Identify the main point of each Constitutional Amendment. Amendment 1 Big Idea: What did this Amendment Accomplish? Page 2

3 If you could keep only two amendments to the Constitution, which would they be? Why? Page 3

4 Part III: The Three Branches Enumerated powers are those listed specifically in the Constitution. Look through the first three Articles for examples. Pay careful attention to checks and balances-how each branch of government controls the others. Legislative Branch What enumerated powers does Congress have? Checks & Balances: What are TWO enumerated powers it has over the president? Checks & Balances: What s ONE enumerated power it has over the courts? Executive Branch What enumerated powers does the president have? Checks & Balances: What is ONE enumerated power it has over Congress? Checks & Balances: What s ONE enumerated power it has over the courts? Page 4

5 What are the express powers of the Vice President? Judicial Branch What enumerated powers do the Courts have? Checks & Balances: What is ONE enumerated power it has over Congress? Checks & Balances: What s ONE enumerated power it has over the president? Identify and explain three powers that the Constitution specifically DENIES to Congress Page 5

6 Part IV: Rules for Policymakers What are the requirements to hold political office in the United States? Age Requirement Citizenship Requirement Length of Term Gaining Office: How does the person obtain their position? House Senate President Supreme Court Justice Why would the requirements vary from different offices? Come up with some theories on why the founders would make different rules for different branches. Page 6

7 Part V: Amendment Process In your own words, describe TWO ways to propose an amendment, and TWO ways to ratify an amendment. Proposing an Amendment Ratifying an Amendment Part VI: Majority and Supermajority The Constitution requires a simple majority for some actions and a supermajority for others. A simple majority means more than half, while supermajority requirements can involve 2/3 majority or a 3/4 majority. Most elections in the United States require a plurality, or the most votes, but not necessarily a majority. Define Plurality: 1. Veto Power a. What bodies have the power to override a presidential veto? b. What margin is required to override a presidential veto? Page 7

8 2. Ratification a. What body has the power to ratify treaties? b. What margin is required to ratify treaties? 3. Impeachment Power a. What body has the power to impeach the president? b. Where in the Constitution is the impeachment power described? (Article and Section) 4. Conviction a. What body has the power to convict the president of charges brought against him in the impeachment process and thereby remove him from the presidency? b. What margin is required to convict and remove a president? 5. Nomination Process a. What body has the power to accept or reject a president s nominations to the Supreme Court? b. What margin is required to elevate a president s nominee to a seat on the Court? 6. Elections a. If no candidate for the presidency wins a simple majority of the total electoral votes, what body has the power to choose the president? b. What margin is required to choose the president?. c. Where in the Constitution is the Electoral College described? (Article and Section)(There are two parts) 7. See Article VI, Explain the supremacy clause in your own words. Page 8

9 VII: Democratic Theory Using the internet, analyze each democratic theorist and explain how each person influenced the formulation and adoption of the democratic principles found in the Constitution. Theorist Philosophy Influence John Locke Jean-Jacques Rousseau Charles de Montesquieu Thomas Hobbes Page 9

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