civics assignment for August 23, 2012

1. Define the Constitution…..in your own words in a PARAGRAPH (3-5 sentences)

-The constitution is the reason why we have our independence. It is a written document that separated us from England. And we all know, no one wants to be a part of England.

2. How would your life be without the constitution ?  
-It would probably be a lot less satisfying. We wouldn't have near as much freedom as we do today. We also wouldnt have a democracy.

3. Define the following words:

Ratification

-to confirm

Faction

-A small, organized, dissenting group within a larger one, esp. in politics

Federalism

-The federal principle or system of government

Federalist/ Antifederalist

-An advocate or supporter of federalism

Compromise

-An agreement or a settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions

The Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)

- an agreement that large and small states reached during the Constitutional Convention of 1787 that in part defined the legislative structure and representation that each state would have under the United States Constitution. It retained the bicameral legislature as proposed by James Madison, along with proportional representation in the lower house, but required the upper house to be weighted equally between the states

Checks and Balances

- Under this model, the state is divided into branches, each with separate and independent powers and areas of responsibility so that no branch has more power than the other branches. The normal division of branches is into an executive, a legislature, and a judiciary

Democratic Republic

-A democratic republic is a country that is both a republic and a democracy. It is one where ultimate authority and power is derived from the citizens. However, in practice countries that describe themselves as democratic republics do not always hold free or fair elections.

Delegated Powers of the Federal Government

-Constitutional powers assigned to one Government agency.

Reserved Powers of the State Governments

-a power that can be empowered by the state without the approval of another branch of the government

Separation of Powers

-a model of the governments of the state

Civil Liberties
-provide individuals with specific rights