The Bill of Rights
How many amendments comprise (make up) the Bill of Rights?
10
Define AMENDMENT.
an official change
What do we call a proposal for a law?
a bill
Which branch of government has the ability to impeach a President?
The Legislative Branch (Congress)
How old does a person have to be in order to run for the office of President?
35
Which amendment guarantees Americans the "right to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects?
The 4th Amendment
Define VETO.
Presidential rejection of a bill
How many members of each house of Congress have to vote in favor of a bill in order for it to move on to the next step?
*I'm not looking for a number.
a majority
What is one way in which the President can exercise a check over Congress?
veto legislation/bills
If the Senate is split on a bill, 50/50, who gets to cast the deciding vote?
The Vice President
What are 2 conditions that the 8th Amendment tells us punishments cannot be?
Cruel, Unusual
Define CONGRESS.
The branch of the federal government that makes the laws
Where does a bill go next if both houses approve of it?
The President/Executive Branch
Which branch has the power to declare war?
Legislative Branch/Congress
Name 3 rights or freedoms outlined in the 1st Amendment.
Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to peacefully assemble, freedom to protest, the right to a free press (media)
Why were these first 10 Amendments added to The Constitution before it was ratified?
To ensure that the government would not abuse its power or take away citizens basic rights.
Define RATIFICATION.
The act of signing a bill or proposal into law
OR
The act of making a bill or proposal official
What fraction of both houses must vote in favor of a bill in order to override a presidential veto?
2/3
Which branch has the power of carrying out the war?
The Executive Branch/The President
Name 3 of the Founding Fathers (writers) of the Constitution.
James Madison
Alexander Hamilton
Thomas Jefferson
George Washington
John Adams
Benjamin Franklin
John Jay
Let's see who read their Constitution when they weren't in class!
Which 3 amendments in The Bill of Rights outline the rights and protections of Americans accused of crimes?
5th, 6th and 7th
Define SEIZURE
The act of taking/capturing someone or something by force.
What power does the Judicial Branch have over the Legislative and Executive Branches after they sign a law into legislation?
It can declare the law UNCONSTITUTIONAL.
Let's see who read the Constitution outside of class!
What is one power the President has over the Judicial Branch?
The president nominates judges.
When was the last amendment (27) added to The Constitution?
1992