Benchmark Review Flashcards
Congressional Districts
A fixed number of districts into which a state is divided, each district electing one member to national House of Representatives
House Members
435
Senate Members
100
Requirements for Senate
- At least 35 yrs of age
- U.S Citizens for at least 9 yrs
- Resident of State
House Requirements
- 25 yrs at least
- Citizens for 7 yrs
- Resident of state
Gerrymandering
The dividing of a state, country, etc. into election districts so as to give one political party a majority in many districts while concentrating the voting strength of other party into as few districts as possible
Powers of the House
- Initiate revenue bills
- Impeach federal officials
- Elect Pres. in case of electoral college tie
Power of Senate
- try cases of impeachment
- advice and consent appointments made by Pres.
- approve treaties
Functions of Congress
pass rules that all Americans must obey
Judicial Review
Gov. power of a court to adjudicate the constitutionality of the laws of a gov. or the acts of a gov. official
How a bill becomes a law
- Citizens suggest idea
- Members of House of Rep. or Senate propose bill
- If more than 2/3 of House and Senate approve, it becomes a law
Filibuster
An effort to prevent action in a legislature (such as U.S Senate or House of Rep) by making a long speech or series of speeches
Seniority Rule
A rule in Congress by which members have their choice of committee assignments in order of rank based solely on length of service
Speaker of the House
most powerful, precludes over proceedings on House floor, influences which bills go to which committees
Majority Leader
Party leader on floor, help plan party’s legislative program
Chief Executive
Power to enforce and lead the nation
Commander in Chief
Directs military, can launch nuclear missiles
Chief Legislature
Sets public policy
Chief Admin
Representative of nation
Chief Diplomat
Architect of U.S foreign policy
Presidential Act of 1947
Establishes the line of succession to powers and duties of Pres. in the event that neither a Pres. or VP is able to discharge duties of the office
20th Amendment
sets the dates at which federal gov elected officials end (president terms)
22nd Amendment
Limited president terms to 2 for any other person, or to one elected if the person has completed more than 2 yrs of another term
25th Amendment
Establish succession to presidency in event of president’s death
Electoral College Cons
Possibly electing minority president, failure to accurately reflect national pop will
Electoral College Pros
Enhances status of minority interests, encourages 2 party system
War Power Act of 1973
Limit power of president to deploy military forces w/o consent of Congress
National Security Council
Advise president on all domestic, foreign, and military matter that relate to nation,s security
Progressive Taxes
From the wealthy
Regressive Taxes
Poor ppl
Monetary Policy
Changing interest rate and influencing money supply
Fiscal Policy
Gov. changing tax rages and levels of gov. spending
Federal District a Courts
District trial court of law and equity that heard cases under federal jurisdiction
Jurisdiction
Official power to make legal decisions and judgements
Bill of Rights
Protect individual liberties
4th Amendment
Protect us from unreasonable search and seizure
5th Amendment
No person shall be held to answer for capital or infamous crime unless accusation of grand jury
6th Amendment
the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial
8th Amendment
Prohibits cruel and unusual punishments
Exclusionary Rule
Evidence obtained illegally cannot be used in federal court cases
Civil Rights
Positive acts of gov. designed to protect people against discriminatory treatment by gov or individuals
Quotas
A rule requiring certain numbers of jobs or promotions for members of certain groups
Civil Liberties
Liberties usually said in Bill of Rights or a constitution that guarantee the protection of people, opinions, and property from interference or gov. officials
