Constitution Background Flashcards
When was the Bill of Rights ratified?
1791
When and where was the Constitution written?
1787, in Philadelphia
This called for equal representation of states.
New Jersey Plan
This called for representation of states in accordance to population.
Virginia Plan
This stated that Senate is chosen equally and the House is decided by population of states.
Connecticut (Great) Compromise
What is a bill of attainder?
It is an act of legislature that declares a person or group of people guilty for a crime without the privilege of a judicial trial. Constitution states that no bill of attainder law will be passed.
How long does a Senator serve in a single term?
6 years
How long is a single term for a House Representative?
2 years
How many people make up the House of Representatives? The Senate?
435 in House, 100 in Senate.
What is a simple majority?
Half of the total number of possible votes, plus one to win.
What is a supermajority?
It is either a 2/3 majority or 3/4 majority.
How does impeachment work?
The President is accused of treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. The House impeaches/indicts by a simple majority. The Senate then, by 2/3rds vote, convicts the President of charges and removes him from the Presidency.
What is an ex post facto law?
It a law that is enacted to make illegal actions that were performed before the existence of the law. The Constitution forbids it.
