Concepts
In this part of the Constitution, the founders listed six goals for American government.
What is the Preamble?
What is the purpose of the Legislative Branch?
The Legislative Branch makes laws, controls federal spending, and represents the interests of the people.
What roles does the Vice President fulfill?
The Vice President serves as President of the Senate and assumes the presidency if the President is unable to perform duties.
What is the primary function of the U.S. District Courts?
The U.S. District Courts handle federal cases, including civil and criminal matters.
This section of the Constitution is responsive to the needs of a changing nation.
What are the amendments?
The 3/5 Compromise benefited Southern states because it
The 3/5 Compromise counted each enslaved person as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation purposes.
How is representation determined in the House and Senate?
Representation in the House is based on population; each state has two Senators regardless of population.
What is the treaty power of the President?
The President has the power to negotiate and sign treaties, which require Senate ratification.
How many justices serve on the Supreme Court?
There are 9 justices currently serving on the Supreme Court.
I plead the ____! This amendment in the Bill of Rights protects you from self-incrimination.
What is the 5th Amendment?
In this part of the Constitution, the three branches of the government are named.
What are the Articles?
How does Congress override a presidential veto?
Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers.
What is an executive order?
A directive issued by the President to manage the operations of the federal government.
How are Supreme Court Justices selected and approved?
Justices are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
The 22nd amendment established these for President, but not for Congress or the Courts.
What are term limits (2 term limit specifically).
The Constitution includes many of these which ensure that no one branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.
What are checks and balances?
What are the requirements to be a Member of the House of Representatives?
Must be at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for 7 years, and a resident of the state they represent.
Describe the appointment power of the President.
The President nominates judges, ambassadors, and other officials, subject to Senate approval.
What is the function of the U.S. Courts of Appeals?
The appellate courts review decisions made by lower courts and determine if legal procedures were followed.
"Old enough to fight, old enough to vote" became a rallying cry for the 26th amendment which did what.
Lowered the voting age nationally to 18.
This idea divides power between the national and state governments.
What is federalism?
What are the requirements to be a Senator?
Must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for 9 years, and a resident of the state they represent.
What is the President's veto power?
The President can reject legislation passed by Congress.
What is judicial review?
The power of the courts to review laws and actions for constitutionality.
What is the amendment process?
The amendment process requires a proposal by two-thirds of both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states.