Constitution Articles Quiz- AP Gov

Who was given the power to create the lower federal courts?

Who was given the power to create the lower federal courts?

Congress

What are the goals of the document as stated in the preamble?

establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity

What is the significance of saying "We the people" of the United States in the very begining?

explains where the Constitution gets its powers from. They are allocated BY the people for the people, and not by a tyrant of legislators or powers solely allocated by the rulemakers

what are the two parts of Congress?

1. Senate
2. House of Representatives

How long do members of the HOR serve?

2 years

Requirements to be a member of the House of Reps

Reside in the state they are representing, be a U.S. citizen for 7+ years, and be at least 25 years old

How is the number of reps for each state determined?

based on the population of the state

How many senators are there per state?

2

how long do senators serve in office?

six years

how often are there senatorial elections?

two years

what are the three qualifications to be a Senator?

age 30+, been a U.S. citizen for 9+ years, and a resident of the state they are representing

Who is the president of the Senate?

the Vice- President

If the VP is absent, who becomes president of the Senate?

the Senate chooses their own president

Can Congress punish one of its members? How?

"with the concurrence of two thirds, expel a member".

All bills for raising revenue shall originate in what house?

House of Representatives

what is stated in section 7, clause 2 of the constitution?

Laws pass the House of Reps and the Senate before being signed by the president

What are five powers given to Congress?

1. Lay & collect taxes
2. coin money
3. establish post offices
4. Provide & maintain a navy
5. Declare war

What does the elastic clause state?

Congress has the ability to make laws not specifically mentioned in the Constitution, that are 'necessary and proper' for a functioning government.

What is the writ of Habeas Corpus?

people cannot be held in jail without being formally charged with a crime in court
- "a person who is in custody be brought before a judge or court and that they be able to challenge that custody"

When can it be suspended?

In cases of rebellion or invasion, or when public safety may require it

What is a Bill of Attainder? (illegal punishment)

legislation that imposes punishment on someone without a trial

What is an ex post facto law? (illegal punishment)

a law that punishes someone for something that was legal when the act was performed

What shall not be granted by the United States?

titles of nobility

What powers are denied to the states?

1. coining money
2. Entering treaties
3. lay import/export taxes
4. Engage in war or lay duty of tonnage without the consent of Congress

How often are presidential elections held?

every four years

How is the number of electors in the electoral college determined?

equal to the whole number of senators and representatives from each state

Qualifications to become president

1. natural born U.S. citizen
2. 35+ years old
3. Has been a U.S. resident for at least 14 years

Who becomes president in case of removal due to death, resignation, or inability to perform the powers and duties of the presidency?

the vice-president

What does the military powers clause 1 state?

The president is commander-in-chief of the armed forces

What is the process for creating a treaty?

the president can make treaties with the advice and consent of the Senate, beit that 2/3 of the present Senators concur

When can the president convene both houses of Congress?

on "extraordinary occassions"

What types of trials are heard by a jury?

all crimes, except in cases of impeachment

Where would the trial be held?

in the state where the crime was committed

What is the full faith and credit clause?

addresses the duties that states within the United States have to respect the "public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state." (ex. a New Jersey official marriage license is valid in all other states)

What is guaranteed to every state in the U.S.?

a republican form of government

How many states were needed to ratify the Constitution?

9

What is the main job of the president?

he shall receive ambassadors and other public ministers, take care that the laws be faithfully executed, and commission all the officers of the United States

In what cases can the President of VP be impeached?

conviction of treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors

In what cases does the Supreme Court have original jurisdiction?

original jurisdiction- a court's authority to hear and decide a case for the first time before any appellate review occurs

the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in all cases affecting ambassadors, public ministers and consuls, and those in which a state shall be a party

What does the Constitution state about how often the president must give the State of the Union Address?

"From time to time" (pretty much each year)

What is the highest judicial authority?

the Supreme Court

How long do federal judges serve?

until their death, retirement, or conviction by the Senate

What are the two ways in which amendments can be proposed?

1. by Congress, whenever two thirds of both houses deem it to be necessary
2. on the applications of the legislatures of the several states

What are the two ways that amendments can be ratified?

1. by the Legislatures of 3/4 of the several states, or by conventions in 3/4ths thereof

What is the supreme law of the land?

the Constitution; all treaties and judges are bound under the rules of the Constitution