Legislative
What does the term "bicameral" refer to in the context of Congress?
refers to the two-chamber structure of Congress, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate
How long do Supreme Court Justices serve for?
until they resign, retire, or die
How many electoral votes are there?
538 total
Who has power to declare war?
Congress
What is Gerrymandering?
The practice of drawing political boundaries to give one party an advantage over another
What is the Rule of Four?
4 out of 9 Justices agree to hear a case, petition for review is granted
How many electoral votes needed to secure the presidency?
270 total electoral votes
How are Federal Judges selected?
Congressional Approval
What clause allows Congress to exercise implied powers?
The Necessary and Proper Clause/Elastic Clause
What is a writ of certiorari (cert)?
request for lower court to send up record of case for review
What is the "winner-take-all" system?
he candidate with the most votes in a state wins all of that state's electoral votes.
What is Judicial Review?
courts check if government action is constitutional
(Marbury v. Madison)
How Congress overrides a Presidential Veto?
2/3 majority vote in both houses of Congress
Explain the philosophical approach of a "living" constitutionalist
belief that historical/origins meanings cannot provide answers to modern issues
○ Apply values in Constitution to modern problems
○ If something is vague or unclear, Justices consider underlying values
○ “Active liberty”
○ Supporters believe that the constitution must evolve
Who follows the Vice President in the line of succession?
The Speaker of the House of Representatives.
What is the Presidents role in the passing of a Bill?
Sign it
Veto it (reject and send back)
Inaction (law passes or pocket veto)
What are the qualifications required to be a senator?
Must be 30 years old, U.S. Citizen for 9 years, and live in the state they represent
Possible responses:
Burden of proof (Preponderance of evidence vs. proving beyond a reasonable doubt)
Parties involved (plaintiff vs defendant vs gov prosecutor vs def)
Purpose (resolve disputes between individuals vs punishing crimes against society)
Outcomes (monetary damages vs imprisonment)
What are all the Constitutional requirements for presidency?
35 years of age
Natural Born US citizen
Resident of US for 14 years
How did the War Powers Act of 1973 limit Executive power?
president must notify Congress within 48 hours of military action and prohibits armed forces from remaining for more than 60 days.