Constitutional Law Test Review Overview

Bill

A proposed law, presented to the legislature for enactment

Mark Up

The detailed revision of a bill by a legislature committee

Statute

A law enacted by the government, an act

Joint resolution

A resolution passed by both houses of a bicameral legislature

Pocket Veto

An unofficial veto by the president; neither signing nor vetoing it, hold on to the bill until the session ends

Recess appointment

An appointment of an officer of the U.S. by the president while the Senate is in Recess.

Reprieves

The postponement of the carrying out of a sentence. This is merely a delay.

Pardons

An act of grace by the government's chief executive relieving a person of the legal consequences of a crime for which he or she has been convicted. A pardon erases conviction

Amnesty

An act of the government granting a pardon for a past crime. Amnesty is rarely extended in favor of individuals, but is usually applied to a group or class of persons who are accountable for crimes which they have not yet been convicted

Executive orders

An order issued by the chief executive of the government

Electoral College

The body empowered by the Constitution to elect the President and Vice President of the U.S. composed of the presidential electors chosen by the voters at each presidential election.

House of Representatives

The lower chamber of Congress with members elected by citizens of the district, serving 2-year terms.

Senate

The upper chamber of Congress with members serving 6-year terms, with 2 senators per state.

Commerce Powers

Article 1, Section 8, Clause 3 provides that Congress shall have the power to 'regulate Commerce with Foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian tribes'

Emergency Powers

The government's extortionary powers to respond rapidly to a public emergency

Martial Law

The imposition of military control over normal civilian functions.

Investigatory Powers

The legal authority granted to conduct investigations and gather information related to criminal activities, national security, and other matters of public interest

Suspensions Power

Article 1 Section 9, Clause 2: 'the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public Safety may require it'

Contempt Power

The authority of a court to punish for contempt of court, which can be criminal or civil.

Criminal Contempt

This is intended to vindicate the authority of the courts and is punishable by fines or imprisonment.

Civil Contempt

This is used to bring a party into compliance with a court order or to force the contemnor to compensate the victim of their acts that were committed in disregard of a court order.

Examples of Contempt

Disturbing court proceedings, interfering with attempts to obtain evidence, disobeying a court order, intimidating witnesses, refusal to respond to a subpoena, testify, or provide certain information.