CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW I

You’ve read the Constitution, Government Week is coming to a joyful conclusion, and the Taft Bar Exam is only a week and a half away – so, it’s time to begin reviewing the material that we have discussed dealing with the Constitution. This review activity is challenging, so do your best. Your first task is simple. Each of the news headlines listed below deals with at least one constitutional principle, idea, or topic. Some principles or ideas will be more than once. The number in parenthesis should guide the number of suggested responses. Your task is to list at least oneof the principles and ideas that apply and explain why it applies. You can try to get all of the corresponding principles for a perfect score.Look for and underline key terms on the headlines and try to apply your understanding to the material we have been discussing. This assignment is to be completed ALONE or WITH ONE PARTNER (it works better when your talk about it), and it must be turned in on Friday at the beginning of class. Do your best – it’s difficult!

Possible constitutional principles and ideas: (it’s a great idea to define each of these)

Popular Sovereignty / Delegated or Enumerated Powers / Commander in Chief
Republicanism / Implied Powers of Congress / Chief of State
Exclusive Powers / Nonlegislative Powers of Congress / The Cabinet
Reserved Powers / Chief Executive / Judicial Review
Concurrent Powers / Chief Legislator
Checks and Balances / Chief Diplomat
EXAMPLE - “Obama meets with Mexican President to talk trade treaty” (2 possible) (underlined terms are key words) / Exclusive Powers – only the national government can deal with foreign affairs
Chief Diplomat – Obama is dealing with foreign affairs by making a treaty
1)“Senate accepts President’s new ambassador nominee” (3 possible)
2)“Obama vetoes proposed law on environmental spending” (2)
3)“Federal District Court rules that “under God” in the Pledge is unconstitutional” (2)
4)“Congress passes law stating internet file sharing is copyright infringement” (2)
5)“Only 47% of possible Wisconsin voters register for 2008 election” (2)
6)“Obama calls troops to Liberia to help in civil war” (2)
7)“Milwaukee Public Schools post low minority graduation rates” (1)
8)“House discusses impeachment of federal judge” (2)
9)“Federal government changes bankruptcy enforcement after Enron disaster” (2)
10)“Milwaukee County voters add .1% to sales tax to pay for Miller Park” (2)
11)“U.S. troops addressed applauded by Secretary of Defense Gates” (2)
12)“Vermont legalizes same-sex marriage” (1)
13)“Congress reinstitutes draft to increase U.S. armed forces” (2)
14)“Obama appoints Kagen to Supreme Court” (2)

How do you feel about these terms? Are they coming to you pretty easy? Keep working on them as you prepare for the big Bar Exam next week!