Civics Final

What is the source of power for the federal government?

The people.

What does Section 1 of Article 1 establish?

It establishes the legislative branch and gives Congress the power to make laws.

What is the size of the House of Representatives?

435 members.

How many additional delegates are in the House of Representatives?

6 additional delegates.

Why are terms only 2 years in the House of Representatives?

To allow for replacement of members.

What is reapportionment?

The process of reallocating seats in the House of Representatives every 10 years based on census results.

When do elections occur?

On the Tuesday after the first Monday in November during even years.

What happens during midterm elections?

The House of Representatives gets new members, and the majority often flips.

What are the required qualifications for the House of Representatives?

25 years of age, a citizen for at least 7 years, and a resident of the state at the time of election.

What are some informal qualifications for House of Representatives members?

Party affiliation, gender, ethnicity.

What is the size of the Senate?

100 members.

What is the term length for a senator?

6 years.

Why is the Senate term length 6 years?

So senators can focus on long-term issues.

How many senators are up for reelection every two years?

One third.

What did the 17th Amendment do for the Senate?

It established direct elections and filled vacancies.

What are the required qualifications for a senate?

30 years of age, a citizen for 9 years, and a resident of the state at the time of election.

What is a filibuster?

An action, like a prolonged speech, that obstructs progress in a legislative assembly without technically breaking the rules.

What is cloture?

The process by which three-fifths of the Senate can end a filibuster.

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

President of the Senate and tie breaker.

How does the 27th Amendment regulate congressional pay?

Any law changing salary cannot take effect until after the next election of representatives.

What are some categories of power that Congress holds?

Power to declare war, regulate commerce, and borrow money.

What is habeas corpus?

A writ requiring a person under arrest to be brought before a judge.

What does 'ex post facto' mean?

A law that punishes actions that were not illegal when committed.

What is a bill of attainder?

A law that punishes a person without a trial.

Who are the US Senators for Michigan?

Slotkin D, Peters D.

Who is the US Congress Member from Michigan?

Jack Bergman R.

Who is the MI Senator?

Michael Webber R.

Who is the MI Representative?

Gregory Markkanen R.

Who is the Speaker of the House?

The leader of the majority party who presides over the House.

What is the main job of House Whips?

To keep party members in line for voting.

Who presides over the Senate?

The President of the Senate, who is the Vice President of the United States.

What is the President Pro Tempore of the Senate?

The person presiding over the Senate when the Vice President is absent.

Who was the first woman in Congress?

Jeannette Rankin.

What is gerrymandering?

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one party.

What are the two types of gerrymandering?

Cracking (splitting districts) and packing (consolidating districts).

What is the impact of gerrymandering on Congress?

It decides which party controls state legislatures.

What does Michigan Prop 18-2 establish?

A commission of 13 registered voters for redistricting.

Why does the presidential cabinet matter?

It advises the President on duties related to their offices.

What is a pardon?

A release from all or part of a prisoner's punishment.

What is commutation?

A reduction of a sentence to a lesser penalty.

What are the qualifications to be President?

Natural born citizen, resident of the US for 14 years, and at least 35 years old.

What did the 12th amendment change?

It revised the procedure for electing Presidents and Vice Presidents together.

What are the responsibilities of the President?

To execute and enforce laws created by Congress.

How is the President checked by Congress?

Through the power to override vetoes, approve appointments, and initiate impeachment.