Overview of the Constitution: Article 1 - Legislative Branch

Question 1

Legislative Branch

Answer 1

• Origin:
• HR = Virgina Plan
• Senate = New Jersey Plan
• Members:
• HR = 435 and 2 year terms
• Senate = 100 and 6 year terms (must be at least 25 years old ad citizen for 7 years)
• HR Members based on population of a state
• Senate is proportional = each state gets two
• Vacancy:
• HR = Special Election
• Senate = Position filled till next election
• Role in Impeachment
• HR = Bring charges of impeachment
• Senate = Trial for removal
• Confirming Supreme Court Justice
• President Appoints Justice
• Senate = Approves with 2/3 Vote

Question 2

Powers Granted to Congress

Answer 2

• taxation
• borrow money
• “commerce clause” (anything that deals with money)
• coin money
• declare war
• maintain army and navy
• “elastic clause”

Question 3

Powers Denied to Congress

Answer 3

• Habeas Corpus
• No Bill of Attainder = Must have trial (can’t be sent to jail if not found guilty)
• No Ex Post Facto
• No Titles of Nobility