General Constitutional Knowledge
What is the Constitution of the United States?
The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the land, establishing the framework for the federal government, outlining the separation of powers among the three branches and protecting individual rights.
How many years do you have to be a citizen of the United States to be a senator?
Nine years
How many people does each house need to expel a member?
They need ⅔ of the house
What is the purpose of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution?
The First Amendment protects several fundamental rights, including freedom of speech, religion, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government.
What is the principle of popular sovereignty?
Popular sovereignty is the principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives.
Who is known as the "Father of the Constitution"?
James Madison is often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution" for his pivotal role in its drafting and his contributions to the Federalist Papers.
How old do you have to be to become a senator?
Thirty years of age
How many days can each house adjourn before needing the consent of another?
They need 3 days
Which amendment abolished slavery in the United States?
The Thirteenth Amendment, ratified in 1865, abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime.
How does the principle of checks and balances work?
Checks and balances is a system that ensures that no one branch of government (executive, legislative, or judicial) becomes too powerful. Each branch has the ability to limit the powers of the others, maintaining a balance.
How can the Constitution be amended?
The Constitution can be amended through a two-step process: First, an amendment must be proposed either by a two-thirds majority vote in both houses of Congress or by a national convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures. Second, the proposed amendment must be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures or by conventions in three-fourths of the states.
Who is the president of the Senate?
The vice president of the United States
Where does compensation for senators and representatives come from?
It comes from the treasure of the United States
What does the Second Amendment protect?
The Second Amendment protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms.
What is federalism?
Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and smaller political units, such as states. In the U.S., this means that both the federal and state governments have their own powers and responsibilities.
What is the significance of the separation of powers?
The separation of powers is a foundational principle of the U.S. Constitution that divides government responsibilities among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. This structure is designed to prevent the concentration of power in any one branch and to provide a system of checks and balances, ensuring that each branch can limit the powers of the others, thus protecting individual freedoms and promoting accountability.
When does congress assemble every year?
They assemble once in every year on the first Monday of December
Who determines the rules of each house?
The houses themselves make up there own rules
How many amendments are in the U.S. Constitution?
As of now, there are 27 amendments in the U.S. Constitution.
What does the principle of limited government entail?
The principle of limited government means that governmental powers are restricted by law, often through a constitution, to protect individual rights
What year was the U.S. Constitution ratified?
Judicial review is the power of courts to examine the actions of the legislative and executive branches and determine whether those actions are constitutional. Established by the landmark case Marbury v. Madison in 1803, judicial review allows the judiciary to invalidate laws and executive actions that violate the Constitution, serving as a critical check on governmental power.
What does the senate have the sole power to do?
They have the sole power to try all impeachments
How does the Constitution ensure a balance of power among different branches of government?
The three branches of government—legislative, executive, and judicial—each have unique powers that check and balance each other. Congress makes laws, the President can veto them, and the judiciary ensures they follow the Constitution, promoting accountability and protecting rights
What is the significance of the Nineteenth Amendment?
The Nineteenth Amendment, ratified in 1920, granted women the right to vote, marking a significant victory in the women's suffrage movement.
What is the rule of law?
The rule of law is the principle that all individuals and institutions, including the government, are accountable to the law. It ensures that laws are applied fairly and consistently, maintaining order and justice in society.