AP GOV

Preamble

The introduction to the Constitution that explains the reasons for writing the document and its goals.

Objectives of Constitutional Government

A more perfect Union, Establish justice, Insure domestic tranquility, Provide for the common defense, Promote the general welfare, Secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.

Article I, Section 1

Establishes the Legislative branch of government, consisting of Congress, and describes the law-making process.

Term of Office for House of Representatives

Members of the House are elected every 2 years and may run for re-election.

Qualifications for House Members

Must be at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least 7 years, and an inhabitant of the state represented.

Filling Unexpired Seats in House

Special elections are called by the state's executive authority to fill vacancies.

Presiding Officer of the House

The Speaker is elected by members of the House and presides over its sessions.

State Representation in House

Determined by population, with at least one representative per state.

Impeachment

A formal accusation against a government official for wrongdoing; only the House of Representatives has the power to impeach.

Term of Office for Senators

Senators serve for 6 years and can be re-elected for unlimited terms.

Qualifications for Senators

Must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least 9 years, and an inhabitant of the state represented.

Presiding Officer of the Senate

The Vice President of the United States serves as President of the Senate.

Impeachment Power of the Senate

The Senate tries impeachment cases, requiring a 2/3 vote to convict.

Congressional Election Control

Each state legislature controls its own congressional election process.

Revenue Bills

Must originate in the House of Representatives, though the Senate can propose amendments.

Veto

A rejection of a bill by the President; Congress can override with a 2/3 vote.

Pocket Veto

Occurs when the President does not sign a bill within 10 days and Congress adjourns, preventing the bill from becoming law.

Commerce Power of Congress

Congress has the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, states, and Indian tribes.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Allows Congress to make laws necessary to carry out its enumerated powers, often referred to as the 'elastic clause'.

Habeas Corpus

A legal procedure allowing individuals to challenge unlawful detention. It may be suspended in cases of rebellion or invasion.

Bill of Attainder

Legislation that imposes punishment without a judicial trial.

Ex Post Facto Law

A law that retroactively criminalizes or increases the punishment for an action.

Presidential Term

The President and Vice President serve a term of 4 years.

Electors

Each state's number of electors equals its total number of senators and representatives. Government officials cannot be electors.

Federal Judges' Term

Federal judges serve for life, pending good behavior.

Treason

Levying war against the U.S. or adhering to its enemies.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Requires states to respect the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of other states.

Privileges and Immunities Clause

Ensures that citizens of one state are given the same rights as citizens of another state.

Extradition

The process of transferring a person from one jurisdiction to another for trial or punishment.

Method to Propose Amendments

An amendment can be proposed by a 2/3 vote in both houses of Congress or by a convention called by 2/3 of state legislatures.

Method to Ratify Amendments

An amendment can be ratified by 3/4 of state legislatures or by conventions in 3/4 of the states.

Preemption

Federal law takes precedence over state law when there is a conflict.

No Religious Test Clause

There shall be no religious tests for public office.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Established the principle of judicial review, where the court can determine the constitutionality of laws.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Confirmed the constitutional power of Congress to create a national bank and established federal supremacy over state laws.

Schenck v. United States (1919)

Ruled that free speech can be limited if it creates a clear and present danger.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, establishing the 'separate but equal' doctrine as inherently unequal.

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

Ruled that states must provide an attorney for defendants in serious criminal cases.

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

Affirmed students' rights to free speech in public schools.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

Protected the right to abortion under the constitutional right to privacy.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

Struck down restrictions on independent political expenditures by corporations and unions, citing free speech.