Read each article (I-VII) of the Constitution. Summarize the purpose of each article in one to two sentences.
List Articles I-III in order of largest to smallest. What conclusion can be made on which branch the Founding Fathers thought was to have the most and least influence.
What are two ways that amendments to the Constitution can be proposed? (Article V)
What are two ways that amendments to the Constitution can be ratified? (Article V)
Article V of the Constitution of 1787 singles out two matters that are beyond the reach of the amendment process. What are they? (Article V)
Identify and state the purpose of amendments that:
extended voting rights.
prohibited certain practices by the states.
Were written directly after the Civil War (Reconstruction Amendments).
Elastic clause
Which article and section is known as the “elastic clause”?
How does this affect the powers of Congress, and how is this related to the traditional debate between strict constructionism (original intent)and loose constructionism (living constitution)?
Part B: Majority actions by Congress
What margin is required to:
override a presidential veto?
ratify treaties?
impeach a president?
convict and remove a president?
approve a presidential nominee to the Supreme Court?
choose a president if neither candidate wins a simple majority of electoral votes?
Modified from Critical Thinking & American Government, Kent M. Brudney and Mark E. Weber, 2007