Constitution Scavenger Hunt, Article I- Legislative Branch

How often are representatives elected?

Every 2 years.

What are the 3 requirement listed for House members?

At least 25 years old, US citizen for at least 7 years, and resident of the state/district in which they’re elected.

Who is the presiding officer of the House?

Speaker of the House.

The House has the sole power of…

Impeachment.

How long is the term for a Senator?

6 years.

How were Senators originally chosen?  Which amendment changed that?

They were chosen by the State legislatures – 17^th Amendment (Senators are now elected by the people).

What are the 3 requirements listed for members of the Senate?

At least 30 years old, US citizen for at least 9 years, and resident of the state in which they’re elected.

Who is the president of the Senate and when may that person vote? 

Vice-President – votes when there is a tie.

Which legislative body has the power to try an impeached official?

The Senate.

Who shall officiate when the President is tried for impeachment?

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

What is the required vote that is necessary to convict someone who has been impeached?

2/3 vote (66 out of 100).

What is the only penalty that can be imposed on someone who is impeached?  

Removal from office and disqualification from holding another federal position.

Who decides the times, places, and manner for holding elections for Congress?

The State Legislatures, but Congress can overrule state election laws.

What is the salary of members of Congress today?

As of 2012, the base salary for all members of the U.S. House and Senate is $174,000 per year, plus benefits.  Both houses of Congress have not raised member salaries since 2009.

Congressmen are protected from arrest while in session, except under what three conditions?

Treason, felony, and breach of the peace.

In what federal body do all bills concerning taxes/revenue originate?

House of Representatives.

What fraction of both houses must vote to override a veto?

2/3 vote of each house (House of Representatives and the Senate).

What happens when a president does not return a bill in 10 days and what is the exception to that rule?

- Bill automatically becomes a law 

- Exception is that if Congress is adjourned (not in session during those 10 days), the bill then dies (known as a pocket veto).

In Section 8, the Constitution list or enumerates the powers of Congress.  List 6 of them.

a – lay and collect taxes

b – borrow money 

c – regulate foreign and interstate commerce (trade)

d – establish naturalisation laws/laws on bankruptcy

e – coin and regulate the value of money

f – punish counterfeiting

g – establish post offices and post roads

h – pass copyright and patent laws

i – establish a federal court system

j – protect people (against piracies and felonies) committed on the high seas (Coast Guard)

k – declare war, grant letters of Marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and water

l – raise and support Armies

m – provide and maintain a Navy

n – make rules for the armed forces

o – create a militia (national guard) to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrections and repel invasions

p – create rules governing the national guard

q – make laws for Washington, D.C.

r – make all laws  which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the above powers (elastic clause).

In Section 8, which clause gives Congress the most general, non-specific powers?  Why has this clause been nicknamed the “elastic clause?” 

The Elastic Clause (“Necessary and Proper” Clause) - It allows Congress to make laws it needs to carry out its own powers.

In Section 9, clause 2-3, there are three limitations on the power of Congress to deny the people rights.  What are those three limitations?

No Writ of Habeas Corpus – Gov’t can’t hold someone in custody without reasonable evidence, cause or reason for holding them.

No Bills of Attainder - Government cannot find a person guilty of a crime and punish him or her without a trial.

No Ex Post Facto Law - Government can’t (after the fact) punish a person for committing an act that was legal at the time it was originally committed (ex. Person smokes weed which used to be legal, but has since become illegal. He can’t be charged for the act during the time when it was still considered legal).

When may the writ of habeas corpus be suspended?

During times of war (invasion/rebellion).

Name three limits on the powers of the states (section 10)

 a.  Can’t enter into any treaty/alliance, etc., (conduct foreign affairs).

b.  Can’t grant letters of Marque and reprisal.

c.  Can’t coin money.

d.  Can’t use tender aside from gold/silver for payment of debt.

e.  Can’t pass any bills of attainder/ex post facto law, or grant any title of nobility.

f.  Can’t levy taxes on imports/exports without consent of Congress.

g.  Can’t keep troops or war ships in time of peace.

h.  Can’t enter into any agreement with another state or foreign power, or engage in war unless invaded/in imminent danger.