constitution test review Flashcards
how many amendments make up the bill of rights?
10
supremacy clause
states that the Constitution is the law of the land
3/5 compromise
dealt with slavery, taxation and representatives in Congress
free exercise clause and free establishment clause deal with..
freedom of religion
bill of rights
guarantees individuals’ civil liberties and rights
how many states necessary to ratify the constitution?
9/13
who is the father of the constitution?
james madison
why did the constitution replace the articles of confederation?
the articles were too broad and vague to serve the new country
what is the largest weakness of the articles of confederation?
congress did not have the power to tax
virginia plan
president elected by the people
new jersey plan
president elected by the electoral college
how is the president elected?
by the electoral college
how is the number of electoral votes for each state determined?
number of senators plus number of representatives
what amendment lowered the vote age to 18?
26
what amendment states the right of citizens of the united states to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the united states or by any state on account of sex?
19
why would the process of gerrymandering be used?
to manipulate congressional election results by concentrating or separating certain groups of people
the practice of drawing district lines in an oddly shaped manner
gerrymandering
when are federal elections held?
the tuesday after the first monday in november
how many total electoral votes?
538
which amendment allows for direct election senators by the people?
17
how long is a term in the senate?
6 years
how long is a term in the house of reps?
2 years
how many members in the senate?
100
how many members in the house of reps?
435
the senate approving all presidential appointments is an example of:
checks and balances
which house has the power to filibust?
senate
the term used to end a filibuster
cloture
if congress adjourns during the ten days the president considers a bill, but it is not signed what is the result?
pocket veto
the necessary and proper clause allows for what type of powers?
implied
what needs to happen in order for a bill to become a law?
the bill must pass through both the house, the senate, and be signed by the president
what needs to happen if a bill deals with taxing and spending?
the bill must begin in the house
what is required to overturn a presidential veto?
2/3 vote of both houses of congress
what is a power that is shared by the house and senate?
proposing bills to become laws
which type of committee ensures that the house and the senate do not pass two different versions of a bill?
conference committee
how long is a presidential term?
4 years
what are the requirements to run for president?
35 years old, reside in the US for at least 14 years, US born citizen
what is a unique qualification of the presidency?
natural born us citizen
pardon
given to a single person charged for a crime