U.S. Constitution Flashcards
Legislative Branch
Makes laws
What is the highest power in the land?
The Constitution
Executive Branch
Enforces or caries out laws
Judicial Branch
Interprets the laws
What is Congress made up of?
A (bicameral) legislature made up of The House of Representatives and the Senate
The Preamble
The introduction of the Constitution. It states the goals of the document and country.
The Senate
Based on equality and has 2 senators from each state making a total of 100
The House of Representatives
Based on population and there are currently 435 in total.
Senators
- 30 years old
- 9 years citizenship
- live in the state they represent
- term is 6 years
Representatives
- 25 years old
- 7 years citizenship
- live in the state they represent
- term is 2 years
Checks and Balances
Allow the branches to check on each other and balance each other out and to make sure no branch becomes too powerful.
Articles of Confederation
America’s original governing document.
Separation of Powers
Divides the responsibilities of government between the three branches. It also ensures no one person will ever gain too much power.
How a bill becomes a law
1) A member of Congress writes a bill
2) Both parts of Congress pass the bill with a majority vote
3) The President signs the bill
4) The bill becomes a law
If the President vetoes the bill…
1) It goes back to congress
2) If Congress passes the bill with a 2/3 vote, it overrides the president’s veto and becomes a law
In an impeachment situation…
The House of Reps. brings the charges and the Senate holds the trial.
Writ of Habeas Corpus
Protects a person’s right not to be seen in court. Congress can’t take this right away.
What can Congress not do in terms of punishment?
They can not punish someone for something that was not illegal when it was done. Dong so would be known as an ex post facto law.
Elastic Clause
Says that Congress can pass any law that is “necessary and proper”
President
- 35 years old
- native born citizen
- lived in U.S. for 14 years
- term is 4 years
- can serve a maximum of two terms
Inauguration
When the President officially becomes the President.
Who appoints the Supreme Court Justices and other high ranking officials?
The President but only with the approval of the Senate.
Who makes treaties?
The President but only with the approval of the Senate.
Who declares war?
Congress, but the president can ask for a declaration of war.
