Legislative Branch
What is the main function of the legislative branch?
To make laws
Who is the head of the executive branch and what is their primary duty regarding laws?
The President, to enforce/execute laws
What is the main function of the judicial branch?
To interpret laws
How many states are there in the U.S.?
50
What three things does Article VI declare to be the "supreme Law of the Land"?
U.S. Constitution, federal laws, and treaties
Name the two chambers of Congress and identify which one is the upper house.
Senate (upper house) and House of Representatives (lower house)
What military title does the President hold?
Commander-in-Chief
What power allows the Supreme Court to strike down an unconstitutional law?
Judicial Review (declaring a law unconstitutional)
Who holds the authority to admit new states into the Union and govern federal property?
Congress
Can a candidate ever be required to pass a religious test to hold public office under Article VI?
No
What are the minimum age, citizenship, and term length requirements for members of the Senate?
Senate: 30 years old, 9 years citizen, 6-year term.
How is a President elected?
Elected by the Electoral College (or by the people)
What are the age and citizenship requirements and the term of office for Supreme Court Justices?
No minimum age or citizenship requirements listed; Life term (during good behavior)
Name two things the federal government promises to protect states against under Article IV Section 4.
Invasion and domestic violence (rebellion)
How many states were required to ratify the Constitution before it took effect under Article VII?
9 out of 13 states
What are the minimum age, citizenship, and term length requirements for members of the House?
House: 25 years old, 7 years citizen, 2-year term.
What action can the President take if they disagree with a bill passed by Congress?
Veto
How many Supreme Court Justices are there?
9
Under Section 2, what process requires a state to return a fleeing criminal suspect to the state where the crime occurred?
Extradition
What are the rules for PROPOSING a new amendment (for Congress and the States)?
Congress: Must pass a 2/3rds vote in both houses.
States: 2/3rds of state legislatures (34 out of 50) must call for national Constitutional Convention.
Define "Emoulment"
An emolument is a salary, fee, profit, or benefit received from employment, holding an office, or performing a service.
Found in Article I, Section 9, it blocks federal officeholders from accepting gifts, payments, titles, or emoluments from foreign states or rulers without congressional consent.
What are the Presidents chief departmental advisors called?
Cabinet
What are the rules for RATIFYING (approving) an amendment (for state legislatures and state conventions)?
State Legislatures: Must be approved by 3/4ths of state legislatures (38 out of 50).
State Conventions: Must be approved by 3/4ths of special state ratifying conventions.