Social Science 8 Constitution Flashcards

How does a President recognize that the government of a foreign country is the true government of that country?

When the president sends an ambassador to a foreign country/when they receive an official visit from an ambassador.

What is the President’s job in making a bill a law?

The president either signs the bill, lets it sit on their desk for 10 days while Congress is still in session, vetoes it, or pocket vetoes it.

What discriminatory practice was made illegal by the 24th amendment?

Denying anyone the right to vote because they have not paid a poll tax.

Explain the protections against unreasonable searches and seizures in Amendment Four.

Your property cannot be taken w/o reasonable cause, and search warrants are required in most cases.

What is a “republican” form of government?

A republican form of government is Representative Democracy, where people vote for representatives and the elected representatives write & enforce the laws.

Who was guaranteed the right to vote by the 26th amendment? What year was it added to the constituion?

Voters 18 and above were guaranteed the right to vote by the 26th amendment. It was ratified in 1971.

How do we get a new Vice President if the Vice President’s job needs to be filled?

President appoints a new VP and their choice must be approved by Congress.

How can the President be removed from office if they are medically unable to carry out his or her duties?

• When President informs Congress he/she is ill

• Vice President & majority of President’s cabinet inform Congress that VP is taking over and:

  • President doesn’t object

  • President objects but 2/3 congress agrees w/ vice president

What did the 22nd amendment do to limit the length of time a person could be President?

Person cannot be elected to president for more than two terms, cannot serve more than 10 years as president.

Who was guaranteed the right to vote by the 19th amendment? What year was it added to the constituion?

Women (all citizens) were guaranteed the right to vote! It was added in 1920.

What kind of trial is a person accused of a crime guaranteed to have?

A trial by jury.

What is habeas corpus?

Means that you must be brought to a judge soon after arrest. The judge must be shown that a crime was committed and the person arrested MIGHT have done it.

What is the main responsibility of the Supreme Court?

To judge any/all laws and judge cases appealed from “lower” courts

What are the four ideals stated in the Declaration of Independence?

• Everyone is equal

• You have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

• The government exists to protect your rights

• If the government doesn’t protect your rights, you must change it and make a new government that will protect your rights.

Who elects the President and Vice President if nobody wins a majority of Electoral College votes?

The House of Representatives elect the president, and the Senate elects the Vice President.

Name two problems about the Articles of Confederation.

The national government could not collect taxes and there was no national army.

What are the five basic freedoms guaranteed by the 1st amendment?

• Religion

• Assembly

• (the) Press

• Speech

• Petition

What are the two ways that an amendment to the Constitution can be ratified?

• ¾ of the states’ legislature vote in favor of the amendment

• Conventions in ¾ of the states vote to ratify an amendment

What are the two ways to propose an amendment to the Constitution?

• Congress votes by 2/3 majority to propose an amendment

• Conventions in 2/3 of the states vote to propose an amendment

What is a filibuster? Who can do one, and why? How can a filibuster be stopped?

A filibuster is when you debate as long as you’d like. Senators can do it to delay/block a vote on a bill. A filibuster can be stopped when 60 senators vote to end the debate (cloture).

How can a federal judge or justice of the Supreme Court be removed from office?

Impeachment by the House of Representatives & Senate

What are the 3 qualifications for being President?

You must be:

• 35 years old

• A native-born citizen (mainland US)

• A resident of the US for the past 14 years

Explain the 3 steps of how the Electoral College elects the President.

• Voters go to the polls and select their favorite candidate.

• The first candidate to 270 votes wins.

• If no candidate reaches 270, the House of Representatives choose a candidate.

What was the purpose of the Third Amendment?

To prevent the government from forcing citizens to shelter soldiers

Describe who decides on impeachment, why, and who holds the impeachment trial.

Majority of House of Representatives decide an impeachment because a person commits a high crime or misdemeanor. The Senate holds the trial.

Which amendments were about alcohol, and what did they do?

Amendments 18 & 21 were about alcohol. Amendment 18 prohibited alcohol. Amendment 21 stated that states may make their own laws about alcohol, and that prohibition of alcohol is repealed.

Who was guaranteed the right to vote by the 15th amendment? What year was it added to the Constitution?

Former enslaved men were guaranteed the right to vote, and it was added in 1870.

What does the 14th amendment say about how states must treat citizens?

The 14th amendment says that all states must guarantee due process of law (Amendments 5-8) to all citizens.

How was slavery ended in the United States?

The 13th amendment prohibited slavery, and it was ratified in 1865.

What is the rule on bail?

It cannot be excessive.

Name five of the six important rights that Amendment Six gives you if you are on trial.

SPUFFKL:

1. A speedy and public trial

2. A fair and unbiased jury

3. Know the crime for which you are accused

4. Face in court the person or persons who accuse you

5. Force witnesses to testify for you if their testimony can prove you are innocent

6. Have a trained and knowledgeable Lawyer

What is the meaning of “due process of law”?

You cannot lose your life, liberty, or property without having all the rules followed according to the law and the Constitution.

Do you have to be a witness at your own trial? Why?

You cannot be made a witness against yourself at your own trial. The fifth amendment states so.