US Constitution Flashcards
TRUE or FALSE:
The US Constitution holds sovereignty
TRUE
What are the 5 principles of the US constitution?
- Separation of powers
- Checks and Balances
- Federalism
- Bipartisanship
- Limited government
Is the US Constitution codified or uncodified?
Uncodified.
Is the US Constitution entrenched or unentrenched?
Unentrenched.
Does the US Constitution enforce a fusion of powers or a seperation of powers?
Seperation of powers.
What are the three branches of US government?
Legislative, Judiciary, Executive
How often and when are elections?
Every four years in november
When is the President actually sworn in?
The following January after the November results.
What fraction of the House and Senate have to agree to pass a constitutional ammendment?
2/3rds
What is the 1st Amendment of the constitution?
Freedom of speech
What is the 2nd Amendment of the constitution?
Right to keep & Bear Arms
What is the 8th Amendment of the constitution?
Freedom from cruel & unusual punishments
What is the 10th Amendment of the Constitution?
Powers not given to the US by constitution are given to the States.
How many are elected in the House of Representatives?
450
How many are elected in the Senate?
100
Which represents districts?
House of Representatives or the Senate?
House of Representatives
What is federalism?
States have powers
How often are the House of Representatives up for election?
Every 2 years
How often are members of the Senate up for election?
Every 6 years
What are ballot initiatives similar to?
Referendums but for states
Give an example of a ballot initiative
- Oregon: Hard drugs decriminalised
- $15 minimum wage in Florida
Name a power held by the house
- Initiate money bills
- Impeachment
- Elect president if electoral college is deadlocked
Name a power held by the Senate
- Confirm appointments
- Ratify treaties
- Try cases of impeachment
- Elect vice president if electoral college is deadlocked
Name a power shared by both the house and the senate
- Pass legislation
- Override the president’s veto
- Initiate constitutional amendments
- Declare war
- Confirm a newly appointed vice-president
Name a progressive member of the house
- AOC
-Ilham Omar - Rashid Tlab
- Ayanna Pressley
- Jamal Bowman
Name a moderate republican senator
- Mitt Romney
- Susan Collins
Name an independent senator:
- Bernie Sanders
- Angus King
What is the Democrat/Republican split in the Senate?
49 Republican
47 Democrat
(as of 2024)
What are the key clauses of US congress?
- General welfare
- Interstate commerce clause
- Necessary and proper
What does Bicameral mean?
Two chambers
