Howell Constitution Margins Quiz Review pt.5

Advice & Consent

Under the Constitution, presidential nominations or executive and judicial posts take effect only when confirmed by the Senate, and international treaties become effective only when Senate approves them by a two-thirds vote.

Amendment

An article added to the U.S Constitution

Appropriation

A sum of money or total of assets devoted to a special purpose.

Bill

A draft of a proposed law presented to parliament for discussion.

Filibuster

An action such as a prolonged speech that obstructs progress in a legislative assembly while not technically constraining the required procedures.

Gerrymandering

The act of manipulating the boundaries of an electoral constituency so as to favor one party of class

Quorum

The minimum number of members of an assembly or society that must be present at any of its meetings to make the proceedings of that meeting valid

Resolution

A document written with purpose of solving a certain problem

Act

A statutory plan passed by Congress or any legislature which is a "bill" until enacted and becomes a law.

Checks and Balances

Counterbalancing influences by which an organization or system is regulated. Typically those ensuring that political power is not concentrated in the hands of individual or groups.

Executive

The branch of federal and state government that is broadly responsible for implementing, supporting, and enforcing the laws made by the legislative branch and interpreted by the judicial branch

Legislative

The part of the United States government that creates laws.

Judicial

The court systems of local state, and federal governments, responsible for interpreting the laws passed by the legislative branch and enforced by the executive branch.

Override Veto

The congress overrides the veto by a two-thirds majority in each house, and if so, it becomes a law without the President's signature. Otherwise, the bill fails to become law unless it is presented to the President again and he chooses to sign it.

Veto

A constitutional right to reject a decision or proposal made by a law-making body.

Judicial Review

Review by the US Supreme Court of the constitutional validity of a legislative act

The right to appoint judges

Judges are chosen by the president and must be approved by the senate. The role of federal or supreme court judge is a life-long duty.

Create Courts and Jurisdictions, Approve Appointments

The legislative branch is given the ability to create courts. Article III allows the legislative branch to create federal courts, and Article 1 allows congress to create courts and tribunals.

First Amendment of the Constitution

Freedoms of religion, speech, assembly, and petition (the government)

Second Amendment of the Constitution

Right to bear arms

Third Amendment of the Constitution

You are not required to quarter troops, unless prescribed by law

Fourth Amendment of the Constitution

Search and Seizure- People cannot be searched unreasonably and no warrants can be issued without probable cause

Fifth Amendment of the Constitution (5 parts)

Rights of accused person- Guaranteed trial by jury, no double jeopardy, cannot be a witness against themselves, cannot have private property taken for public use, cannot be punished without due process of law

Sixth Amendment of the Constitution (5 parts)

Right to a public, speedy trail, an impartial jury, to be informed of the charges against you, to call witnesses to your defense, and the right to an attorney

Seventh Amendment of the Constitution

You have the right to a jury in cases concerning the common law exceeding 20 dollars

Eighth Amendment of the Constitution

No excessive fines or bails, no cruel and unusual punishments

Ninth Amendment of the Constitution

Individual rights that are not enumerated in the constitution are secure and cannot be violated

Tenth Amendment of the Constitution

Any power not reserved for the Federal gov in the constitution is for the state

Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution

Definition of Citizens- Everyone (including former slaves) born or naturalized in the U.S. is a citizen of the country, as well as the state they live in.

Elastic Clause

A statement in the U.S. Constitution (Article I,Section 8) granting Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out the enumerated list of powers.

Impeachment

A formal process in which an official is accused of unlawful activity, the outcome of which results in removal from office.

Bully Pulpit

A public office or position of authority that provides its occupant with an outstanding opportunity to speak out on any issue.