Constitution Basic Principles
System that allows the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to check, or restrain, the actions of one another.
Checks and Balances
First Amendment
Freedom of religion, speech, and press. Freedom to peaceably assemble and petition the government.
How many seats are there in the U.S. Senate?
100
Presidential Qualifications
35 years old, resident of the U.S. for 14 years, and a natural born U.S. Citizen
The decision at the end of the case.
Verdict
Principle in which the executive, legislative, and judicial branches are three independent and coequal branches of government.
Separation of Powers
Fourth Amendment
This amendment protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures. Must have a warrant based on probable cause to search private property.
How many seats are there in the U.S. House of Representatives?
435
Maximum number of years a president can serve.
10 years
Asking a higher court to review a case.
Appeal
Powers that both the National Government and the States possess and exercise.
This amendment prohibits extraordinarily large fines and cruel punishment.
How long are terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate?
Senate: 6 Years
The President is the main architect of American foreign policy and chief spokesperson to the rest of the world.
Chief Diplomat
How many justices serve on the U.S. Supreme Court?
Nine
A division of power between the national and state governments.
Federalism
Sixth Amendment
Right to a fair and speedy trial.
What fraction of Congress is needed to override a presidential veto?
2/3rds
What is the presidents appointment power?
Power of the president to name the heads of federal agencies in his/her cabinet, federal judges, ambassadors, top military commanders, etc.
Stand as examples to be followed in similar cases if they arise in the lower courts or reach the Supreme Court
Precedents
Establishes the Constitution and federal laws as the highest-ranking “Law of the Land”.
Supremacy Clause
Twenty-sixth Amendment
This amendment lowered the voting age to 18.
What is the role of subcommittee's in the Bill to Law process?
Research the bill and report back to the committee.
How can an executive order be checked or challenged?
-Federal laws created that contradict the order
-Supreme Court can declare the order unconstitutional
The power of the Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution or decide what it really says. Gives the Judicial Branch the power to determine if acts by the Legislative and Executive Branches are constitutional.
Judicial Review