US Constitution Quiz Flashcards
2 Houses of Congress
Lower House-House of Representatives (based on population, currently 435)
Upper House-Senate (equal by state, 2 per state, currently 100)
3 Branches of Government
Executive (President)-carries out laws
Legislative (Congress)-makes laws
Judicial (Supreme Court)-interprets laws
How long is the term for delegates of House of Representatives?
2 years
How long is the term for senate?
6 years
How long is the term for president?
4 years
What is the term limit for House of Representatives?
Unlimited
What is the term limit for senate?
Unlimited
What is the term limit for president?
2 terms (8 years)
What is the minimum age to become president?
35
Who is the president of senate?
The Vice President is the President of the senate and does not vote unless there is a tie
How is the president elected?
Electoral college
Name one thing the President has power to do
Can make treaties
Can pardon criminals
Appoints judges to Supreme Court (with approval of Senate)
Give one specific example of a check and balance
Congress may pass law but President may veto it
1st amendment of the constitution: what rights does it grant and what’s not there?
Gives people the right to/freedom of: Religion Speech Assembly Petition Press
How many judges are in the Supreme Court?
How long are they in office
9 justices
Unlimited unless of impeachment or retirement
Which house initiates money stuff (taxes and such)
House of Representatives
How many senators are in the US Senate?
100 (2 per state)
Describe how a bill becomes a law
- The bill starts off at the houses.
- All bills must pass both hoses of Congress in the exact same form.
- Bills that pass both houses are sent to the President, can either sign it (then becomes law) or veto it.
- If it is vetoed, the bill is sent back to Congress and if both houses pass it by two-thirds majority, the bill becomes law over the President’s veto. This is known as overriding a veto.
One thing that the constitution says states cannot do
Cannot declare war
Cannot make their own money
Cannot tax goods from other states
Cannot have navies
What is it called when you change the constitution?
An amendment
What is it called when you remove the President?
Impeachment
What does it mean to say the Constitution is a “living document” and why is it important?
It means that it is open to constant change whether by ratifying the Constitution with a new amendment or by repealing an existing amendment. In addition, as time goes on and new issues and concerns arise, the Constitution can be changed to meet the demands of the present and future. the Constitution is open to constant interpretation by the Supreme Court. It is important because it is the basis that formed the US and founded our government and provides protection of rights and protection from government for the people.
How does the constitution affect you personally?
The Constitution affects me personally because it allows me to practice my religion freely every single day of my life. Amendment one provides protection and freedom of speech, assembly, press, religion, and petition. Without this amendment in the Constitution or document in general, I would probably be restricted from this right. Thanks to the Constitution, I have the right to practice my religion, go to church, pray, etc.
6 Principals of the Constitution
Popular Sovereignty Limited Government Separation of Powers Federalism Checks & Balances Representative Government
