Constitution
The introduction to the Constitution
Contains no laws
Expresses the most important ideas behind our government
What is the Preamble?
Power being divided between national and state governments
What is Federalism?
- The President vetoing bills
- Congress overriding the President's veto
- Supreme Court declaring laws unconstitutional
What is Checks and Balances?
Number of people in the House of Representatives and what it is based on
What is 435 representatives and based on population?
What is 100 senators and equal representation?
Provides structure for the national government and established the three branches of government
What is the Constitution?
The government's ability to maintain peace and stability within the country and protect its citizens from internal threats
What is Domestic Tranquility?
Floor Leaders and Party Whips; chooses the Speaker at a caucus (private meeting)
What are Congressional Leaders?
Term Limit for Representative
What is 2 years?
Term limit for Senators
What is six years?
Sets up legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government
What is Article 1(Legislative), 2(Executive), and 3(Judicial)?
All political power resides with the people; government can only work with the Consent of the Governed (The People)
The idea that people should have the right to rule themselves
What is Popular Sovereignty?
Powers given to the federal government, powers given to the states, and powers given to both
What is Enumerated powers, Reserved powers, and Concurrent powers?
Age someone has to be to run for House of Representatives
What is 25 years old?
Age someone has to be to run for the Senate
What is 30 years old?
Main purpose of the Constitution
What is to provide a structure for the national government?
Gives congress the ability to exercise powers not listed in the Constitution
What is The Necessary and Proper Clause?
Implied Powers, Proposing Constitutional Amendments, Money Powers (Taxes and Coining Money), Defense Powers (Declaring War), Regulating Trade, and in charge of the US Postal System
What are Congressional Powers?
The leader in the House of Representatives who is third in line for Presidency
What is Speaker of the House?
The leaders in the Senate
What is the Vice President and President Pro Tempore?
Checks and Balance system, separation of powers, and federalism being designed to prevent concentration of power
What is limiting government's power?
Temporary; Helps House and Senate agree on details of proposed laws
What is a Conference Committee?
Four types of Legislative Committees
What is Standing, Select, Joint, and Conference Committee?
How long someone has to be a US resident for to run for a spot in the House of Representatives
What is 7 years?
Senators are chosen by the people instead of State Legislators
What is the 17th Amendment?
1. Popular Sovereignty
2. Limited Government
3. Separation of Powers
4. Checks and Balances
5. Judicial Review
6. Federalism
What are the 6 basic principles?
The practice of drawing districts to favor one political party or racial group - Packing and Cracking
What is Gerrymandering?
A trial for serious crimes of misconduct that is done by the House of Representatives then the Senate; can result in losing their position
What is Impeachment?
- Sole authority to impeach federal officials if accused of misconduct
What are the special powers of the House of Representatives?
- Approve or reject presidential nominees
- Impeachment Trial
-Approve treaties (with a 2/3 vote)
What are the Senate Special Powers?