The Senate
How many US senators are elected for each state?
Each state has 2 US senators.
How is the President elected?
By the electoral college
How do Supreme Court justices get their position?
They are nominated by the President but must be confirmed by the Senate.
How many US representatives are elected for each state?
It depends on the population. Larger states have more reps
What are the three branches of government?
The Legislative Branch, the Executive Branch and the Judicial Branch.
How long do Senators serve?
6 years
What is a veto and when can the president use that power?
A veto is when the president does not sign a bill into law. They can use this power when they do not approve of a law and don't want it to pass.
For how long do federal and Supreme Court judges serve?
They have lifetime appointments.
How long do Representatives serve?
2 years
What was the Three-Fifths Compromise the Drafters come up with when writing the Constitution?
It was a compromise between Northern and Southern states about how to count enslaved people who were not considered citizens. They agreed to count enslaved people as 3/5 of a person when determining state population.
What are the requirements for running for the Senate?
30 years old and a US citizen for at least 9 years.
What are the requirements for running for president?
They must be a US citizen, be 35 years old and a resident of the country for 14 years.
What must all criminal trials have?
A jury of randomly picked citizens that hear and decide cases.
What are the requirements for running for the House of Representatives?
25 years old and a US citizen for at least 7 years.
What was the "Great Compromise"?
A compromise between 2 plans for deciding how citizens would be represented. Virginia Plan-2 houses, each based on the size of the state. New Jersey Plan-one house with equal representation for each state.
The compromise is our Congress that has elements of both.
What is the Senate's role in impeachment?
The Senate has the power to have an impeachment trial to investigate and decide upon the claims against the person being impeached.
Name three powers of the President.
Chief Military officer, pardon someone who has committed a crime, make treaties with foreign nations, nominate and appoint government officials, nominate Supreme Court justices and federal judges, give a State of the Union address.
Why does the Supreme Court hear cases that have already been decided by a lower court?
If the people involved in the case want to question the verdict and there are important Constitutional issues brought up in the case that will impact all citizens.
What is the House of Representatives's role in impeachment?
The House can impeach a government official which means they can accuse an official of illegal actions.
Name five powers of Congress.
Tax, borrow money, regulate commerce, establish rules for how immigrants become citizens, coin/print money, punish counterfeiting, establish post offices, copyright protection, establish federal courts, punish treason and crimes on the sea, declare war, raise and support and army and navy, call out state militias to protect the country, govern the District of Columbia, create laws to fulfill these duties.
Who is the leader of the Senate and who takes their place if they cannot serve as leader?
The Vice President is the leader of the Senate but the President Pro Tempore is the leader when the Vice President cannot serve.
What are the reasons a president can be impeached?
Treason, bribery, and high crimes and misdemeanors.
What is Habeas Corpus?
It is the guarantee that citizens who are arrested are given a reason for their imprisonment, brought before a judge in a timely manner, and can challenge their imprisonment.
What type of laws must originate, or start, in the House of Representatives?
Any laws about taxes
Name two principles or beliefs that are in the Preamble to the Constitution.
The citizens elect leaders and make decisions.
The 13 colonies would become one unified country.
The government must treat citizens fairly.
The government must keep peace internally and protect the country from attack.
The government will take care of citizens' well-being.
The government would protect citizens' freedom.