U.S. Constitution: Structure, Powers, and Processes

What are the two parts of Congress?

The Senate and the House of Representatives.

What is the minimum age to serve in the House of Representatives?

25 years old.

How long is the term for a member of the House of Representatives?

Two years.

What is the minimum age to serve in the Senate?

30 years old.

How long is the term for a Senator?

Six years.

How are Representatives allocated to each state?

Based on the state's population.

Who is the leader of the House of Representatives?

The Speaker of the House.

What role does the Vice-President play in the Senate?

The Vice-President breaks tie votes.

What is required for Congress to meet?

A minimum number of members must be present.

What happens if a member of Congress does not show up?

They may be fined or expelled.

What is the process for a bill to become law?

It must pass both houses of Congress in the same form and be signed by the President.

What can the President do if he vetoes a bill?

The bill can still become law if both houses pass it by a two-thirds majority.

What powers does Congress have?

To establish and maintain an army and navy, create courts, regulate commerce, declare war, and raise taxes.

What restrictions are placed on Congress regarding laws?

They cannot pass ex post facto laws, and no law can give preference to one state over another.

What is the minimum age to be President?

35 years old.

How are Presidents elected?

By the Electoral College.

What is the President's role in the armed forces?

The President leads the armed forces.

What is required for a treaty to be approved?

It must be approved by two-thirds of the Senate.

What is impeachment?

The process to remove the President from office.

What is the highest court in the United States?

The Supreme Court.

How long do Supreme Court judges serve?

For life or until they choose to retire.

What must states do regarding the laws of other states?

All states must honor the laws of all other states.

What is required to change the Constitution?

Two-thirds of the Representatives and Senators must vote for the change, and three-fourths of the states must approve it.

What does Article 6 of the Constitution establish?

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

How many states needed to ratify the Constitution for it to take effect?

Nine out of the original thirteen states.