Untitled Flashcards Set

What are the qualifications required to become a member of the House of Representatives?

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

What are the qualifications required to become a member of the Senate?

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

What is the procedure for filling vacancies in the House of Representatives?

The governor of the state calls for a special election.

What is the procedure for 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).

What are three important powers granted to Congress?

Regulating commerce, declaring war, and raising/supporting armies.

How often is the number of congressional districts per state determined?

Every 10 years during the U.S. Census.

What is one limitation placed on Congress in Section 9 of Article I?

Congress cannot suspend habeas corpus except in cases of rebellion or invasion.

What is the role of the Vice President in the Senate?

The Vice President serves as the President of the Senate and votes only to break ties.

Who has the sole power of impeachment?

The House of Representatives has the sole power to impeach (bring charges).

Who has the sole power to try all impeachments?

The Senate has the sole power to try impeachments (hold trials and convict or acquit).

Can a chamber expel a member?

Yes, each chamber can expel a member with a two-thirds vote.

How does a bill become a law?

Congress drafts and passes laws, the President can veto or approve them, and Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote.

What does the Necessary and Proper Clause do?

It allows Congress to pass laws necessary to carry out its powers, expanding federal power.

What are the qualifications required to become President of the United States?

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

What are the powers of the President as Commander in Chief?

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

What is the President required to do ‘from time to time’?

Deliver the State of the Union Address to Congress.

How are the number of Electors determined for each state?

Electors = Senators (2) + Representatives for each state.

What happens if no candidate has a majority in the Electoral College?

The House of Representatives elects the President.

What does the impeachment process reflect about the balance of power?

It ensures the legislative branch can remove a President for misconduct, preventing abuse of power.

What is established in Article III regarding the federal judiciary?

It establishes the Supreme Court and allows Congress to create lower courts; judges serve for life unless impeached.

What is the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court?

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

What does the Full Faith and Credit Clause require?

It requires each state to recognize and respect the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state.

What guarantees does Article IV, Section 4 make to every state?

The U.S. government guarantees a republican form of government, protection against invasion, and protection against domestic violence.

What are the two methods by which amendments can be proposed?

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

What does the Supremacy Clause declare?

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

What must all public officials do according to Article VI?

They must take an oath to support the U.S. Constitution.

How many states were required to ratify the Constitution?

Nine out of thirteen states were required for ratification.

What freedoms are protected by the First Amendment?

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

What right does the Second Amendment protect?

It protects the right to keep and bear arms.

What does the Fourth Amendment protect individuals from?

It protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

What does the Fifth Amendment say about double jeopardy and self-incrimination?

Double jeopardy prohibits being tried twice for the same crime; self-incrimination allows individuals to not testify against themselves.

How do the First and Fourth Amendments reflect tension between civil liberties and national security?

They protect individual freedoms while sometimes being restricted for national security gains.

What rights does the Fourteenth Amendment guarantee?

Citizenship rights, equal protection, and due process.

What does the Fifteenth Amendment prohibit?

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

What change did the Nineteenth Amendment make?

It granted women the right to vote.

What is the significance of the Twenty-Second Amendment?

It limits the President to two terms in office.

How do the later amendments reflect the evolution of voting rights?

They reflect a progression toward inclusivity and equality in American democracy.