Home > Constitution, Test/Quiz > Constitution FAQ’s

Constitution FAQ’s

Here are a few definitions/questions that I’m getting in the comments that I’ll answer right here:

  • Lame Duck: This is the President or Congress at the end of his term; he loses power as a new President/Congress are coming in.
  • President-Elect: A newly elected, yet still powerless, President.
  • Why is the Constitution a “living document?” Because the Amendment process allows it to change with time, expanding rights and expanding them to new people. The Constitution should change dramatically, but evolve slowly over time as all “living” things do.
  • Specific powers of a President are listed in the Article 2 notes (commander-in-chief, pardon, executive order, veto, etc.). The Prez’s power IS the executive power!
  • Quorum is the minimum number of people that need to be present before a vote is allowed on a bill/action in the Senate or House.
  • The “elastic clause” is in Article 1, giving Congress the ability to stretch it’s power to cover all things “necessary and proper” and for the “general welfare.”
  • Federalism - the division of power between the state (IL state gov) and national (Prez, Congress). It allows states to be unique and different, yet united under one powerful central gov’t.
  • Tapirs – some weird animal Alex Johnson likes :)
  • Whip - a Representative who “gets” the other Reps to vote the way his party leadership wants them to.
  • The Speaker is so powerful because she controls all legislation via rules and committee. Don’t worry, not a test question though.
  • The Line of Succession is in the Art. 2 notes.  It’s simply an order of who takes over for the Prez.
  • Don’t worry about Const. influences. (just state of nature and such)
  • 3 leaders in Congress are Speaker, VP, and Pres. Pro Tempore.
  • Our gov’t needs us to be educated and dedicated citizens to be successful.
  1. Kaanan
    November 20, 2008 at 3:06 pm | #1

    THANK YOU MR. LITTLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    :) :) :)

  2. Someone
    November 20, 2008 at 4:11 pm | #2

    hey hey back again so ive got a question who represents all people and why do they
    thanks

  3. Someone
    November 20, 2008 at 4:28 pm | #3

    do we need to know are new senator and president or just that the answers are the ones we went over if not could u tell me who the new senators are

  4. Mr. Little
    November 20, 2008 at 5:51 pm | #4

    The President represents all people, as he is the only person voted on by all the people (via Electoral College). You could include the VP in that, too.

    And no, you don’t need to know the “old” Sens/Reps, as they are actually the same as the new ones. Except Obama, but we don’t know his replacement yet.

  5. Haleyy the Aweeessomeee
    November 20, 2008 at 5:53 pm | #5

    to much information even for doing this for 10weeks:[

  6. Haleyy the Aweeessomeee
    November 20, 2008 at 6:13 pm | #6

    i don’t remember discussing the establishment cluase, free exercise clause, poll tax, citizen, and register I was wondering if you could let me know if i’m going crazy and have no memory or hopefully we didn’t talk about them = ] = [ i don’t know which

  7. Mr. Little
    November 20, 2008 at 6:45 pm | #7

    No worries, Haley. If you remember from yesterday (Weds.), I told you not to worry about it, as we’ve just discussed it, and haven’t really practiced it or learned it well. None of those will be on the test. If I didn’t make that clarification yesterday in class, I will surely do so tomorrow!

  8. November 21, 2008 at 12:24 pm | #8

    Tapirs might be weird, but they are SOOOOO cute!

  9. November 21, 2008 at 12:33 pm | #9

    And I don’t think you should be calling them names. I read a story about a zoo keeper who tried to feed a baby tapir, but the momma got angry and bit off his arm. Don’t anger the tapir.

  10. Emily D.
    November 21, 2008 at 1:04 pm | #10

    What is the “5 questions from the Citizenship worksheet?????”

  11. Kaanan
    November 21, 2008 at 1:51 pm | #11

    Mr. Little….I was looking at the study guide and i dont know the answer of these problems:

    ~What does our gov. need in order to be successful?
    ~What people influenced our Constitution and how?
    ~How might the Speaker of the House be the “most important person in America”?
    ~Describe 3 different leaders in Congress
    ~Explain how line of succession works

    *I know they are a LOT of ques. but i want to do good………..sorry~
    Thanks :)

  12. Kaanan
    November 21, 2008 at 1:54 pm | #12

    Sorry Mr little i have ONE more ques.-What is whip?
    ……….help……………..

  13. Kaanan
    November 21, 2008 at 2:55 pm | #13

    Id appreciate it if u could answer ASAP……………thanks
    :) :)

  14. Mr. Little
    November 21, 2008 at 3:11 pm | #14

    No citizenship stuff on this Test, Emily.

  15. Kaanan
    November 21, 2008 at 3:33 pm | #15

    Thanks Mr. Little!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  16. Kim
    November 21, 2008 at 3:49 pm | #16

    okay.. those help alott!

  17. dana
    November 21, 2008 at 5:23 pm | #17

    Wow that was alot of info. Are w going to have to know all the amendments in order because I don’t the order let lone most of them.

  18. Mr. Little
    November 22, 2008 at 12:55 am | #18

    Yes, Dana. You’ll have to know all 10 Bill of Rights Amendments.

  19. Kaanan
    November 22, 2008 at 8:19 am | #19

    By the way… to people needing help with definitions…a lot( 25or more0 are in your book(COnstitution book) in the glossary on page 89…………….just to let ya kno.

  20. Gummi Bear
    November 22, 2008 at 8:48 am | #20

    u changed it,,,cool

  21. Ding
    November 22, 2008 at 9:37 am | #21

    Executive Power is the same as xecutive order right?

  22. Ding
    November 22, 2008 at 9:38 am | #22

    sorry:Executive power is the same as executive order,right?

  23. Dana kremer
    November 22, 2008 at 5:43 pm | #23

    Great now i feel good bout the test

  24. Kayla
    November 23, 2008 at 8:20 am | #24

    heyy this is christina and kayla!

    uhmm how do we determine the number of electors from each state?

  25. Kayla
    November 23, 2008 at 9:03 am | #25

    MR LITTLE I HAVE NEVER STUDIED SO HARD IN MY LIFE I HATE IT SOOO MUCH AND CHRISTINA AND I ARE SOOOOO TIRED FROM STUDYING ALLL NITE

  26. Haleyy the Aweeessomeee
    November 23, 2008 at 11:27 am | #26

    mr. little I was wondering if the president has to be born in the U.S. because the article 2 notes only say they have to be natural born citizens. I’m kinda lost even though i know it doesn’t mean you have to be born in the u.s. but i thought you said they did.
    argg.
    ~~short arms

  27. Haley the Aweeessomeee
    November 23, 2008 at 11:30 am | #27

    Also again I understand what a precedent is but i can’t put it into words. Is there any way you could explain it to help me?

  28. Someone
    November 23, 2008 at 11:40 am | #28

    mr little thanks so much but this is going to be relly hard and if we have any questions in the morning will u except them and tell us the answer or will u say that it is test day i can not tell u

  29. Someone
    November 23, 2008 at 11:44 am | #29

    can u tell me if u will exceept questions in the morning
    asap please

  30. Someone
    November 23, 2008 at 11:46 am | #30

    MR LITTLE U THERE

  31. Someone
    November 23, 2008 at 11:47 am | #31

    PLEASE PLEAS ERESPOND QUICKLY I Have to go study

  32. Mr. Little
    November 23, 2008 at 11:48 am | #32

    Kim – yes, you’ll have to know the amendments. In order.

    Tess – yes, you can ask me questions tomorrow!

    Haley – A precedent is something that sets an example for future (similar) events. So, if you talk too much in my class, and I don’t care, what precedent does that set? Right – that I don’t care so you can do what you want! That’s a BAD precedent! Make sense?

    Also Haley – you MUST be born in the US to be a Natural Born Citizen. The only (rare) exceptions would be in John McCain’s case, where he was born outside the US, but on a US territory/base (Panama).

    Good Kayla!!! You’ll see the results!

    Ding – Executive Powers are numerous (veto, treaties, etc.) with Executive Order being just one of them.

  33. Someone
    November 23, 2008 at 11:48 am | #33

    thanks for trying gtg study

  34. Mr. Little
    November 23, 2008 at 11:52 am | #34

    YES!! I’ll accept questions in the morning, Tess!

  35. Haley the Aweeessomeee
    November 23, 2008 at 11:59 am | #35

    in the 7th amend. it states that is trial by jury in civil cases what does it mean by civil cases we talked about something to do with judge judy in class when we talked about it.

  36. Mr. Little
    November 23, 2008 at 12:04 pm | #36

    No, not “judge judy” civil cases, but actual “real” ones where one person sues another for damages. These actions aren’t a crime, otherwise it would be a criminal trial. Judge Judy type cases aren’t (usually) real court cases, but the parties (people) involved sign something saying Judy is the mediator and will resolve the problem.

    Make sense?

  37. Haley the Aweeessomeee
    November 23, 2008 at 12:11 pm | #37

    what do you mean by they aren’t a crime? judy’s cases or the supreme court cases? and damages you mean like anything that breaks a law right?

  38. Kayla
    November 23, 2008 at 12:12 pm | #38

    heyy this is christina and kayla!

    uhmm how do we determine the number of electors from each state????

  39. Ahona
    November 23, 2008 at 12:40 pm | #39

    thanks mr.little. that was very helpful. i dont think ill email u any questions….yet! and i think i did something to my toe today, its hurting:( well gotta go study before dance. bye, and thanks again for all the help!

  40. Ahona
    November 23, 2008 at 12:41 pm | #40

    Kayla….

    u determine the electoral votes by adding the senators to reps.

  41. Haley
    November 23, 2008 at 12:43 pm | #41

    you add up the # of senators(always 2!) + the # reps. that each state has
    for ex. IL 2senators for 19 reps. = 21 electoral votes
    get it?

  42. Haley
    November 23, 2008 at 12:43 pm | #42

    not for 19 sorry + 19

  43. Mr. Little
    November 23, 2008 at 12:46 pm | #43

    Kayla/Chris – Representatives + Senators = Electoral Votes.

    Haley – Read this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liebeck_v._McDonald%27s_Restaurants Did anything illegal happen? Any crime committed? No. But the woman (Liebeck) was so badly burned that she felt the need to sue for millions. That’s the civil law system, one we don’t get into much in 7th grade. If no crime is committed, but “wrong” is done, lawsuits happen. Some, like this, seem frivolous, but others are very legitimate.

    Judge Judy is a whole ‘nother story! It’s essentially a “negotiation,” where both people agree that judy’s decision is final. No “real” court case takes place, just a glorified actor settling a dispute.

  44. Mr. Little
    November 23, 2008 at 12:49 pm | #44

    Haley is right:

    IL: 19 Reps + 2 Senators = 21 Electoral Votes
    CA: 53 Reps + 2 Senators = 55 Electoral Votes
    MT: 1 Reps + 2 Senators = 3 Electoral Votes

    Ahona – I hope you feel better!!

  45. Haley
    November 23, 2008 at 12:53 pm | #45

    thanks mr. little i get it now it just kinda seems stupid the whole Mcdonalds thing is it me or are people really greedy?

  46. Mr. Little
    November 23, 2008 at 12:57 pm | #46

    Yes Haley, people are very greedy. There was a bit of truth in the lawsuit (weeks in the hospital, surgery is expensive/coffee shouldn’t be that hot), but not for 3 million!!!

  47. tEss
    November 23, 2008 at 1:35 pm | #47

    thanks mr little another question what is popular soverigty

  48. DAN
    November 23, 2008 at 1:43 pm | #48

    I cant find my bill of rights notes can you tell me the names of them

  49. Mr. Little
    November 23, 2008 at 1:53 pm | #49

    Pop Sov – Gov’t gets its power from the peole.

    Dan – look in your textbook for the Bill of Rights. That file is at school, so I cannot up load it.

  50. Mariah
    November 23, 2008 at 2:09 pm | #50

    Mr Little– I know how late it is to ask this question, but I hope u answer NEway.
    Some of the stuff that was on the study guide and on the judicial branch notes we havent gone over yet, is that still gonna b on the test?

  51. Mr. Little
    November 23, 2008 at 2:23 pm | #51

    LIke what, Mariah? Short answer is NO. Anything we didn’t go over will not be on the Test, of course. How could I test you over something we didn’t study?

  52. tEss
    November 23, 2008 at 2:48 pm | #52

    mr little what is civic virtue

  53. tEss
    November 23, 2008 at 3:07 pm | #53

    hey mr little what can u be impeached for can u please list some reasons

  54. tEss
    November 23, 2008 at 3:13 pm | #54

    mr little do u know any easy way to remember the 10 amendments

  55. Mr. Little
    November 23, 2008 at 3:16 pm | #55

    Tess, you can be impeached for Treason, High Crimes and Felonies.

    Civic Virtue – when we give up something we want for the common good.

    No, I don’t have a method for memorizing the 10 BoR. I’ve just studied them for a long time, so I’ve got them. Straight memorization, for me. If anything, try to picture the photos. If you can visualize the number and a picture representing it, you’ll be better off.

  56. tEss
    November 23, 2008 at 3:20 pm | #56

    can* you please help me with remembering the first 10 amandments because i keep remembering them for an hour than i forget them the next thank u so much for reasponding to my late question(that is if u do) :0 :) :8 :^) l**l (tape roll hahahha)thanks so much
    tess

  57. tEss
    November 23, 2008 at 3:20 pm | #57

    :(

  58. tEss
    November 23, 2008 at 3:22 pm | #58

    thanks sosososososoososososososososososo much mr little u helped alot :) witha ll the questions that ihad now i get it

  59. Mr. Little
    November 23, 2008 at 6:58 pm | #59

    You’re welcome, Tess. Happy to help!

  60. unknown
    November 30, 2008 at 1:46 pm | #60

    wow! this helped me on my conistution test! thanks mr. little! i am going to re-take the test anyway becaues i got a c!

  61. December 1, 2008 at 5:45 pm | #61

    I found out what a Tapir is.(alex johnson’s creepy animal)Look it up on google……how is that thing cute……..

  62. Dan Bennington
    March 24, 2009 at 2:44 pm | #62

    Mr.Little what were we supposed to do with the words for tonights homework?

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