The US Constitution
Framework of American Government
Read & Understand
Study guide and key takeaways · 5-10 min
The United States Constitution, written in 1787, is the supreme law of the United States. It establishes the framework of the federal government and defines the rights and freedoms of citizens.
Key Takeaways
Our national government has 3 branches: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial
Checks and balances means each branch can limit the others so no one branch becomes too powerful
The Judicial branch does NOT make laws, it interprets them and can strike down unconstitutional laws through judicial review
Article II of the Constitution lists the duties of the Executive branch (the President)
The House of Representatives has the sole power to impeach government officials
The Senate has the sole power to try (hold the trial for) impeachments
There are 27 Amendments to the Constitution, the first 10 are called the Bill of Rights
The Constitution replaced the weaker Articles of Confederation
Discussion Questions
- Q1.Our national government has 3 branches, what are they and what does each do?
- Q2.Explain checks and balances in your own words. Why did the Founders create this system?
- Q3.Does the Judicial branch help make laws? Explain why or why not.
- Q4.Which article of the Constitution lists the duties of the Executive branch?
- Q5.Why is the amendment process intentionally difficult?
- Q6.How does federalism affect daily life differently in different states?
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