Constitution!! Flashcards
How many houses does the Congress have?
Two: Senate and House of Representatives.
What does Congress have the power to do?
The power to make laws.
How long do the representatives serve?
2 years.
What are the requirements of being a rep. ?
- You have to be at least 25 yrs. old
- You have to be a U.S. citizen for at least 7 yrs.
- live in the state you represent
What’s the total number of reps. ?
435
How is the amount of representation determined?
Population of state based on the census U.S. population / 435 representatives = 184 citizens per representative.
What are 6 powers of Congress?
- Borrow money
- Declare WAR!!!!
- Raise and support an army
- regulate foreign and domestic trade
- Punish Counterfeiters
- Patent and Copyright laws
How many Senators for each state?
2 Senators.
What’s the total amount of Senators?
100 Senators.
How long is a senator’s term?
6 years. (1/3 of senate every 2 years)
What are the three qualifications to be a senator?
- 30 years of age. (at least)
- 9 years of citizenship
- live in state you represent. (duh)
How does the Vice President serve the Senate?
He/she is president of the Senate. If there’s a tie they will vote.
When is the Congress’ election?
First Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
What definition of Impeachment?
Being removed from Office. They’re never allowed to run for president again, OR serve as any role in the govt. (including locally)
How is payment handled in the Senate?
Determine their own pay; can only hold the job of Rep/Senator while serving.
How does a bill become a law?
All tax bills start in House. Bill need to pass both House and Senate, send it to the President, the President can sign or veto.
What are 3 powers denied by Congress?
- All taxes should be the same for every citizen in the US.
- Can’t tax goods exported from any state
- Cannot pass laws that favor a state over another
What’s the order of succession?
President, Vice president, Speaker of The House, Senate pro Tempore.
Qualifications for being a President?
- 35 years or older
- Natural born citizen
- Reside in US for 14 years.
Who decides president’s salary?
Congress.
What is the Elastic Clause?
Necessary and Proper (Elastic) Clause:Congress has the power to make all laws necessary to enforce the powers granted in the first 17. Also to carry out powers granted to the government by Constitution.
What is the Supreme Court? How long is their term?
To interpret law. Life-long term.
How many Justices does the Supreme Court have?
9 Justices.
What are the sole powers of the House of Reps. ?
- Power to draw Impeachment charges
- All money (tax)bills start in the House
What are the sole powers of the Senate? (2 powers)
- Tries Impeachment, serves as jury
- Approve President’s appointments
What’s the power of the Legislative branch?
To make the laws.
What’s the power of the Executive branch?
To execute the laws.
What’s the power of the Judicial branch?
To interpret the law.
What are the powers of the Presidency?(4)
- Commander in Chief
- Grant pardons
- Fill vacancies when Senate is in recess
- Make treaties, nominate ambassadors,Supreme Court judges
What are three powers denied by states?
- Go to war, tax ships, keep troops
- Lay a tax on goods imports/exports
- Make treaty, coin money, pass a bill of attainder, ex post facto law, title of nobility
What is the Electoral College?
The process of electing a president and vice president.
Define Amendments.
Changes.
Define Bill of Attainder.
A piece of Legislation that declares a party is guilty of a crime.
Define Ex post facto law.
thereby criminalizing conduct that was legal when originally performed.
(Mrs.Shuck’s skateboarding in Medina Square example)
Define Writ of Habeas Corpus.
To challenge the decision of being imprisoned, and if it was lawful. (or to explain why they’re being held)
Define pardon.
To be released from the legal consequences of a crime.
How many articles are in the Constitution?
7 articles.
What’s the Supremacy Clause?
National law always wins over State law.
