US Constitution Study Guide--WYO Flashcards
What is the supreme law of the land?
The United States Constitution serves as the supreme law.
How is a vacancy in the US House of Representatives filled?
A special election is held in the state to fill vacancies.
By what means has the US Constitution been changed since its adoption?
The Constitution has been changed by amendment, court decisions, and presidential practices.
What are two ways in which amendments to the US Constitution may be proposed?
Amendments are proposed by a two-thirds vote of each house of Congress or by a convention called by two-thirds of the State Legislatures.
Why are the first ten amendments to the Constitution collectiveely known as the “Bill of Rights”?
These amendments guarantee to the people of the United States certain personal rights that are recognized by the federal government and cannot be infringed upon.
What basic freedoms are protected int he First Amendment?
The first amendment protects freedom of religion, speech, press, peaceable assembly, and the right to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
What is the purpose of each of the Amendments XIII, XIV, and XV? These are considered the Civil War Amendments.
- -The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery.
- -The Fourteenth Amendment gave citizenship to all persons born in the United States, including slaves.
- -The Fifteenth Amendment protected the right of citizens to vote regardless of race, color or previous condition o servitude (slavery).
What three restrictions on voting are forbidden in the Constitution?
A citizen’s right to vote is protected regardless of race, color or sex.
What is meant by naturalization?
Naturalization is the process by which a citizen of another nation becomes a citizen of the United States.
What form of government is guaranteed to each state by the Federal Constitution?
Each state in the union is guaranteed a Republic form of government which ultimately means that supreme power is held by the people who are represented by their elected officials.
How are new states admitted to the Union?
Congress has the authority to admit new states into the union; however, the boundaries of new states may not infrige upon territories of existing states.
Where does a power reside when it is not delebgated or prohibited by the Constitution?
As per the tenth amendment, these powers are reserved to the States or to the people.
What are five powers forbidden to the states?
- -Coining money
- -Making treaties with foreign nations
- -Declaring war
- -Granting titles of nobility
- -Passing ex-post facto laws (retroactively chnges the legal consequences of actions that were committed before the enactment of the law)
What is an ex-post facto law and can such a law be passed?
An ex-post facto law is one that attempts to inflict a penalty or to dclare a particular act illegal after it has already occurred. This type of law cannot be enforced and is prohibited.
What are the functions of the legislative, the executive, and the judicial branches of the government?
Legislative–creates the laws
Executive–enforces the laws
Judicial–interprets the laws
Which two bodies make up the Congress of the United States and have Legislative powers?
The Legislature is made up of the US House of Representatives and the US Senate.
When does Congress regularly meet?
As per the twentieth amendment, Congress shall assemble on the third day of January each year.
How are special sessions of Congress called?
Special sessions of Congress can be called by order of the President.
What are the qualifications in age, US citizenship, and habitation to be a member of the House of Representatives?
A member of the House must be at least twenty-five years of age, been citizen of the United States for seven years and must be a resident of the state from which he/she is chosen.
What are the qualifications in age, US citizenship, and habitation to be a member of the US Senate?
A member of the Senate must be at least thirty years of age, been a citizen of the United States for nine years and must be a resident of the state from which he/she is chosen.
Who prescribes the times, places, and manner of holding elections forsenators and representatives?
These are prescribed by the legislature of each state, while vacancies are filled by special election in that state.
Who is the judge of the election returns and qualifications of members of Congress?
Each house of the US Congress oversees election returns and the qualifications of its members.
How many senators are provided by the Constitution?
The Constitution calls for two senators to be elected at large from each state.
What are the terms of office for the House of Representatives and the Senate?
Members of the House serve two years, while members of the Senate serve six year terms.
Who are the respective presiding officers over the House of Representatives and the Senate?
The Speaker of the House presides over the house of Representatives and is elected by the House members, while the Vice-President of the United States presides over the Senate.
What are the specific powers vested in the Speaker of the House of Representatives?
The Speaker assigns all bills introduced to the appropriate standing committee, and the Speaker exercises control and limitation of debate in the House of Representatives.
