Nature of the Constitution

• The constitution is codified, meaning that it is all written in a single document
• How many articles are there?

  7
• How many amendments?

  27
• What are the first 10 amendments known as?

  Bill of Rights
• The US constitution cannot be changed without a supermajority. Therefore it is entrenched
• What is needed to change the US Constitution?

  2/3 supermajority in Congress
• Which Article entrenches the US constitution?

  Article 5
• How does Article 5 entrench the US Constitution?

  Requiring a supermajority to change amendments or a 3/4 majority in a ratifying convention of the states
• What does the Bill of Rights list?

  Entrenched rights that cannot be changed on a legislative whim
• What are enumerated powers?

  Powers that are explicitly given to each branch of government
• What are implied powers?

  Those that are suggested or are required for enumerated powers to be used
• Implied powers give the Constitution vagueness. They allow Congress the freedom to make necessary laws and to use powers that the founders had not thought of
• What are the two types of powers contained in the constitution?

  Enumerated and implied powers
• What part of the constitution sets out the enumerated powers of Congress?

  Article 1, Section 8
• Examples of enumerated powers of Congress

  Power to tax citizens and spend this money. The power to issue a currency
• Which part of the constitution gives Congress implied powers?

  Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18. Gives Congress the power to make all laws ‘necessary and proper‘ for its ability to rule
• Example of an implied power of Congress

  Controls regulation of the sale of substances and the banning of the sale of other substances