General Constitutional Knowledge
No amendment can take away the equal representation in the Senate that states have.
What is the only limitation in the Constitution as to what can be the basis of an amendment?
Treason or other high Crimes and misdemeanors.
What can a President or other officers be impeached for?
Congress sets the number
Who gets to decide how many federal courts we have?
Religion, speech, press, assemble, and petition
Name the five basic civil liberties guaranteed in the First Amendment.
In Article 1 Section 8, there were four different eras of this principle. post-founding, post-Civil War, post New Deal, and from the Rehnquist Court to today.
What is Federalism?
National law predominates state law (Supremacy Clause)
What does the Constitution say about which law shall predominate if there is any conflict between laws?
30 years old, citizen for at least 9 years, and live in the state you are elected to represent
What are the 3 requirements listed for members of the Senate?
States must treat citizens of other states equally
Explain Privileges and Immunities.
14th
Which amendment defines citizenship?
In this constitutional principle, the founders believed that the government was based on the consent of the governed.
What is Limited Government?
January 20th (from March); 20th Amendment
On what day does the Constitution state that a new president shall be inaugurated? Which amendment establishes this? When must the new Congress meet?
The Senate
Which body of Congress approves nominations, in other words “advice and consents”?
2/3rds of states can call for a Constitutional Convention without the involvement of Congress
What fraction of the states can ask for a convention to propose new amendments?
If it is not in the Constitution, the state governments have authority over it (Reserved Powers, concept of Federalism)
Put the tenth Amendment in your own words.
In Article Section 4, this constitutional principle states the Constitution created a representative democracy where citizens vote for representatives to make policy decisions.
What is Republicanism?
Borrow money, make laws, provide and maintain an army/navy, regulate commerce with foreign nations, coin/print money and post offices
In Section 8, the Constitution lists or enumerates the powers of Congress. List 6 of them.
They were originally chosen by their home state legislature (or governor) but the 17th Amendment allowed for the direct election of Senators by the people of that state.
How were Senators originally chosen? Which amendment changed that?
No religious tests for office
What qualification for holding any public office is forbidden?
Due Process – all of the rights a citizen has in the Constitution
What phrase is repeated both in the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments? Explain what this phrase means.
In Article 1 Section 1, an example of this principle is the Constitution allows the President to veto legislation but requires the President to gain the Senate’s consent to appoint executive officers and judges or enter into treaties.
What are Checks and Balances?
Put the Ninth Amendment in your own words.
All basic rights are protected – just because it is not in the Constitution doesn’t mean “you don’t have x-right” (non-enumerated powers)
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."
What is the oath that the President must say upon entering the position?
They serve for life but can be removed for impeachable offenses. Can elect to retire/resign at any point.
What is the term of office for Supreme Court justices? When can they be removed?
5th Amendment – property taken by the government for public use must receive just compensation (Eminent Domain)
When can the government take private property and what must the government give the owners? Which Amendment established this?
In this constitutional principle, there are three equal branches. They are the legislative branch, the executive branch, and the judicial branch.
Final Jeopardy:
The Constitution is based on the Virginia plan. Included three branches of government. These branches are the executive, legislative, and judicial. It also allowed for the use of force against states if they didn't perform their duties.
What is the Separation of Powers?
Final Jeopardy:
What was the Virginia plan and why is it important?