Untitled Flashcards Set

House of Representatives Qualifications

Must be at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least 7 years, and an inhabitant of the state they represent.

Senate Qualifications

Must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least 9 years, and an inhabitant of the state they represent.

Filling Vacancies in the House of Representatives

The governor of the state calls for a special election.

Filling Vacancies in the Senate

The governor of the state may appoint a temporary replacement until a special election is held (if allowed by state law).

Powers granted to Congress

Include taxation, regulating commerce, coining money, declaring war, and establishing post offices.

Regulating commerce

One of the important powers of Congress that keeps the economy stable.

Declaring war

A key power of Congress that protects national security.

The Elastic Clause

Allows Congress to pass laws necessary to carry out its powers, expanding federal authority.

Number of congressional districts determination

Every 10 years during the U.S. Census.

Limitations placed on Congress

Cannot suspend habeas corpus except in cases of rebellion or invasion, no ex post facto laws or bills of attainder, no taxes on exports from any state.

Role of the Vice President in the Senate

Serves as the President of the Senate and votes only to break ties.

Power of impeachment

The House of Representatives has the sole power to impeach; the Senate has the power to try impeachments.

Expelling a member from Congress

Each chamber can expel a member with a two-thirds vote.

Checks and balances in lawmaking process

Congress drafts/passes laws, President can veto, and Congress can override veto with a two-thirds vote.

Powers of the President as Commander in Chief

Leads armed forces, can deploy troops, grants pardons and reprieves.

Qualifications to become President

Must be at least 35 years old, a natural-born citizen, and have lived in the U.S. for at least 14 years.

Determination of Electors per state

Electors equal the number of Senators (2) plus Representatives for each state.

Impeachment process balance of power

Legislative branch can remove a President for misconduct, ensuring a check on executive power.

Federal judiciary structure

Establishes the Supreme Court and allows Congress to create lower courts.

Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court

Handles cases involving the Constitution, federal laws, disputes between states, ambassadors, and treaties.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Requires states to recognize and respect public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state.

Guarantees to every state

A republican form of government, protection against invasion, and protection against domestic violence.

Methods to propose amendments

1. Congress proposes an amendment with a two-thirds vote. 2. Two-thirds of state legislatures request a constitutional convention.

Supremacy Clause

States that the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land.

Public officials' requirement under Article VI

Must take an oath to support the U.S. Constitution without a religious test.

Five freedoms of the First Amendment

Freedom of speech, religion, press, right to assemble, and right to petition the government.

Second Amendment

Protects the right to keep and bear arms; a topic of modern debate.

Protection of the Fourth Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring probable cause or a warrant.

Fifth Amendment on double jeopardy

A person cannot be tried twice for the same crime; cannot be forced to testify against themselves.

Tension between civil liberties and national security

First Amendment protects free speech, while Fourth Amendment guards privacy, raising ongoing debates.

Fourteenth Amendment guarantees

Citizenship rights, equal protection of the laws, and due process.

Fifteenth Amendment

Prohibits denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous servitude.

Nineteenth Amendment

Granted women the right to vote in 1920.

Twenty-Second Amendment significance

Limits the President to two terms or maximum of 10 years if assuming office mid-term.

Evolution of voting rights

Reflects the progression of American democracy, including expansions to Black men, women, abolishing poll taxes, and lowering voting age.