Federalism, the Bill of Rights & Constitutional Change — Drills · Grade 11 Social Studies
Chapter: Colonial Foundations & Constitutional GovernmentWhat these drills covers
By the end of Federalism, the Bill of Rights & Constitutional Change you should be able to:
- I can distinguish two divisions of power.
- I can explain a historical connection using relevant evidence and qualify the conclusion.
4 questions, written answer, each with a worked explanation.
Vocabulary used: context, evidence, interpretation, federalism, incorporation.
Problem 1
Answer and explanation
Federalism concerns the allocation of authority between national and state governments; separation of powers concerns legislative, executive, and judicial functions. A dispute may ask whether a state or Congress has authority and whether an executive action follows a valid law. These are related questions about different divisions of power.
Problem 2
Answer and explanation
The Bill of Rights originally constrained the federal government. Later amendments, litigation, and incorporation changed the application of particular protections to states. To explain a state court’s action, identify the date, right, governing rule, and remedy rather than applying the entire later system backward to 1791.
Problem 3
Answer and explanation
A recognized right establishes a legal basis for a claim, while a remedy concerns what an institution can actually do when it is violated. Jurisdiction, procedure, enforcement, and access may affect the result. The existence of constitutional words alone cannot establish that every affected person obtained effective protection.
Problem 4
Answer and explanation
A Court decision interprets or applies constitutional provisions in a case; an Article V amendment changes the constitutional text through a separate proposal and ratification process. Both may alter legal practice, but their institutions, procedures, and documentary evidence differ.