Midterm Flashcards
Who are considered U.S. citizens?
People who are Native born and those who go through Naturalization
What is the primary responsibility of the Legislative Branch?
To create laws
What is the term length for a U.S. Senator?
6 years
How is the number of representatives in the House of Representatives determined for each state?
By the population of the state
Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of speech?
The 1st Amendment
Who is the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. armed forces?
The President
What is the highest court in the United States?
The U.S. Supreme Court
Which branch of government interprets laws and ensures they are constitutional?
The Judicial Branch
What is the purpose of the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution?
To protect individual liberties
How often are U.S. presidential elections held?
Every 4 years
What is the primary role of the Executive Branch?
To enforce laws
Which document outlines the basic principles and laws of the United States?
The Constitution
What is the minimum voting age in the United States?
18 years old
What is the purpose of the electoral college in U.S. presidential elections?
To cast the official votes that elect president and vice president.
Which branch of government has the power to declare war?
Legislative Branch (Congress)
What is the main duty of the U.S. Supreme Court?
To interpret laws
What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?
It reserves power to the states that are not given to the federal government.
How many total amendments are there in the U.S. Constitution?
27
What is the role of the Speaker of the House in Congress?
To preside over the House of Representatives
Who has the power to veto legislation in the United States?
The President
What is the purpose of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution?
It introduces the Constitution and its goals and purposes.
What is the term length for a U.S. President?
4 years
A president can serve no more than 2 terms
In the federal government, what is the role of the Vice President?
Presides over the Senate
The V.P. also is successor to the President, the advisor to the President, must stay fully informed, and develops policies.
Which branch of government has the power to impeach and remove the President from office?
Legislative Branch (House of Representatives)
What is the purpose of the U.S. Census?
To count the number of people living in the country, and find the characteristics of a population. (every 10 years)
What is the role of the Attorney General in the U.S. government?
To enforce federal laws and represent the U.S. in legal matters
How many total members are in the U.S. Senate?
100 members
Who is the head of the Executive Branch in a state government?
The Governor
What is the primary responsibility of the Judicial Branch?
To interpret the meaning of laws (passed by Congress)
Which document declared the American colonies independent from British rule?
Declaration of Independence
How is the President of the United States elected?
By the Electoral College (they decide who is elected president and vice president)
What is the purpose of the U.S. House of Representatives?
To make and pass federal laws (along with Senate)
Which branch of government has the power to confirm or reject presidential nominations for federal judges?
Legislative Branch
In the event of a tie in the U.S. Senate, who casts the deciding vote?
The Vice President
What is the term length for a U.S. Representative?
2 years (but there is no limit to the number of terms they can serve)
Which branch of government has the power to interpret laws and ensure they align with the U.S. Constitution?
Judicial Branch
Who has the power to propose amendments to the U.S. Constitution?
Congress
What is the purpose of the 5th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?
Protects against double jeopardy, self incrimination, and ensures due process of law.
Which branch of government has the power to levy taxes and allocate government spending?
Legislative Branch (Congress)
What is the purpose of the 3rd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?
Prohibits the quartering of soldiers in private homes.
How many members are there in the U.S. House of Representatives?
435 members
In the federal government, who is responsible for conducting foreign policy and representing the U.S. internationally?
Secretary of State
What is the purpose of the 7th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?
It guarantees a trial by jury in civil cases.
What is the main purpose of state governments?
- Ratify amendments
- Manage public health & safety
- Oversee trade in state
List some of the powers reserved for state governments rather than the federal government.
- OVERSEEING SCHOOLS
- MAKING MARRIAGE LAWS
- OVERSEE ELECTIONS
- Establish and maintain powers
- Provide for public safety
- Establish local governments
- Regulate business within state
What is the minimum age requirement to serve in the U.S. Senate?
30 years
Which two houses make up the U.S. Congress?
House of Representatives and the Senate
What is the role of the Legislative Branch in checking the power of the Executive Branch?
Making laws
also;
- Approves president nominations
- Controls the budget
- Power to impeach the President and remove him/her from office
What is the term length for a U.S. Supreme Court Justice?
Supreme Court Justices are appointed FOR LIFE
How many Justices serve on the Supreme Court?
9 Justices
List some of the powers of Congress.
- To lay and collect taxes
- To borrow money
- To coin money
- To establish post offices
What is the supreme law of the land in the United States?
The Constitution
What is the Bill of Rights
The FIRST 10 AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION that describe the freedoms and rights that Americans have in relation to their government
