The Constitution
What document did the Constitution replace because it was too weak?
The Articles of Confederation
Who is the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces?
The President
What does it mean to impeach an official?
To formally charge them with misconduct (not removal).
What is a bill?
A proposed law
What power does Congress have over a presidential veto?
Override with a two-thirds vote in both houses
What are the three branches of government created by the Constitution?
Legislative, Executive, and Judicial
Which presidential power requires Senate approval?
Making treaties or appointing federal judges
Which part of Congress has the sole power to impeach?
The House of Representatives
Where can a bill be introduced?
Either the House of Representatives or the Senate
How does the judicial branch check the legislative branch?
Declaring laws unconstitutional (judicial review)
What does the Supremacy Clause establish?
Federal law is the supreme law of the land
What is the difference between formal and informal powers of the President?
Formal powers are in the Constitution; informal powers are not written but exercised (like executive orders or media use).
Who presides over the Senate trial when the President is impeached?
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
What happens in committee markup?
Committees review, debate, and revise a bill
How can Congress check the President besides impeachment?
By approving appointments, ratifying treaties, or controlling funding
Why did the framers include an amendment process in the Constitution?
To allow the Constitution to adapt to changing times and needs
What role does the President play in the lawmaking process?
Signing or vetoing bills passed by Congress
What fraction of Senators must vote to convict and remove a President?
Two-thirds of the Senate
What is the role of a conference committee?
To reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of a bill
How does impeachment reflect checks and balances?
It allows Congress to hold the President accountable for misconduct
Give one example of how an amendment has expanded rights for Americans.
Examples include: 13th Amendment (abolished slavery), 19th Amendment (women’s right to vote), 26th Amendment (lowered voting age to 18), etc.
How has modern media increased presidential power?
Presidents use media (TV, social media) to shape public opinion and bypass traditional news filters.
Name one President who was impeached but not removed from office.
Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, or Donald Trump
What is a pocket veto?
When the President ignores a bill and Congress adjourns before 10 days, the bill does not become law
Why is the lawmaking process considered an example of checks and balances?
It requires cooperation between the House, Senate, and President; each has power to review, approve, or block laws