Democracy: Article 1 Test

What does the Preamble explain?

In order for everyone to have a better government, they want to be able to have peace, freedom, safety, and health.

What is the Preamble?

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty (freedom) to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America 

What does Article 1 explain about which branch is organized?

Legislative Branch

Congress is divided into what 2 parts?

House of Representatives and Senate

What are the requirements for becoming a US Representative?

• At least 25+ 

• U.S. citizen for at least 7 years 

• Resident of the state from which elected

Who are RI’s 2 US Representatives?

• Seth Magizer 

• Gabe Amo

Of the 435 HOR members, each individual state is guaranteed how many representatives?

1 person

The House of Representatives shall have what power?

They should have sole power of impeachment charges, and lay taxes

The Senate of the U.S has a total of how many members? There are a total of how many senators from each individual state?

There are 100 members in the Senate, and there are 2 from each state.

Who are RI’s two US senators?

Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed

Each senator has a total of how many votes?

1 vote

Senators are elected for a term of how many years?

6 years

Why do only 1/3 of all senators reach the end of their term of office at any one time?

They would do it this way so that there is not a complete turnover every election cycle. So there is some leadership.

What are the 3 qualifications to become a U.S. senator?

• No less than 30 years old 

• Must be an inhabitant of the state that you are representing 

• Must have been a citizen in the U.S. for 9 years

Who is the President of the Senate?

The VP is the President of the Senate

What is the VP’s duty's?

The Senate’s President presides over Senate proceedings, has the sole power to break a tie vote in the Senate

What is the job of the President pro-tempore?

Their job is to take the place of the VP when they are not available to be there for meetings.

The Senate has the sole power to do what?

To try all impeachment cases.

If the President of the USA is on trial, he can only be convicted when what occurs?

The President can only be convicted when ⅔ of the members of the Senate are present. 

If the President is found guilty, what judgment can be issued by the Senate? 

If the President is found guilty, the judgment that can be issued by the Senate is that they should not be extended further than to removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, Trust, or Profit under the United States. 

What other charges may the President face? 

The charges that the President may face are that the party convicted shall nevertheless be liable and subject to indictment, Trial, Judgement, and Punishment, according to Law.

When are elections for Congress held?

Once every year in Novemeber.

When must Congress meet in regular session?

At least once a year

The President has the power to do what at any time with regard to Congress?

You can call them into session, but only one Senator from each state can attend.

What does each House have in regards to the behavior of its members?

It has its own rules because they have a code of conduct.

What is the Congressional Quarterly?

A record of everything said in Congress.

What is the rent pay of Congressmen and women?

$175,000 every year per term

Why are members of Congress protected from most criminal charges while in office?

To keep the government running.

What are 3 instances in which Congressmen and women can be arrested?

• Treasen

• Feleny

• High Crimes

Can a memeber of Congress hold a civil office concurrently?

No

The power to tax belongs to what group?

House of Representatives

Name the respective powers afforded to the President and Congress with regard to the system of checks and balances. 

The President and veto laws, and the Congress can override a veto with a ⅔ vote and control spending.

Name 5 major duties of Congress.

• Can declare war  

•  Lay taxes 

•  Control trade 

•  Can make post offices 

•  Federal Laws

What may not be suspended? 

Writ of habeas corpus- no one can hold someone without charges 

 

What is the only exception for the Writ of habeas corpus? 

 When there is an invasion, war, or national crisis. 

What shall not be granted to any person in the USA? 

 The title of nobility