U.S. Constitution: Articles I-VI & Bill of Rights Key Concepts

What is the purpose of the Preamble?

To set out the purposes of the Constitution.

How long do Representatives serve?

2 years.

How long do Senators serve?

6 years.

What qualifications are required to be a Representative?

At least 25 years old and a U.S. citizen for at least 7 years.

What qualifications are required to be a Senator?

At least 30 years old and a U.S. citizen for at least 9 years.

What is the power to impeach?

The power to accuse executives and judicial members of wrongdoing or power abuse.

Who has the power to impeach?

The Senate.

What voting percentage is required to impeach?

A ⅔ simple majority.

Who holds the trial in an impeachment case?

The Senate.

Who presides over the impeachment trial?

The Chief Justice.

What voting percentage is necessary to convict on impeachment charges?

2/3.

What are the consequences of being convicted in an impeachment trial?

Automatic removal from office and possible disqualification from future federal office.

Who chairs the Senate?

The Vice President.

What is quorum?

The minimum majority needed to conduct business.

What is the quorum for the House of Representatives?

218 out of 435.

What is the quorum for the Senate?

51 out of 100.

How does the Presidential veto process function?

The president must approve or veto everything that Congress approves; Congress can override the veto with a ⅔ majority in each chamber.

Who pays the members of Congress?

The Treasury of the United States.

Where are the specific powers of Congress listed?

In Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.

What is the function of a copyright?

To protect people's rights to their intellectual products.

How long does a copyright last?

The life of the author plus 70 years.

What is the function of a patent?

To protect inventions.

How long does a patent last?

20 years from the filing date.

What is the Elastic Clause power?

To make extra-constitutional laws necessary for executing the powers of government.

What powers are denied to Congress?

Suspending habeas corpus, punishing without trial, retroactively criminalizing actions, and more.

What is a bill of attainder?

A law that declares a person or group guilty of an offense.

What is an ex post facto law?

A law that punishes someone for an action that was legal when it was taken.

What is prohibited to the federal government in regulating interstate commerce?

Taxing state exports and favoring specific state ports.

What powers are denied to the States?

Making treaties, coining money, and passing unfair legal acts.

What is the length of the President's term?

Four years.

What is an Elector?

A representative chosen by the people to elect the president.

How is the number of electors determined for a State?

By adding the number of Senators and Representatives.

What are the qualifications required to be President?

At least 35 years old, a native-born U.S. citizen, and a resident for 14 years prior to election.

What is the President's inauguration?

The ceremony where the President takes the Oath of Office.

What are the powers of the President?

Commander in Chief, making treaties and appointments, and filling vacancies during Senate recess.

What are the duties of the President?

Authority over the executive branch, selecting cabinet members, and being the Chief diplomat.

What triggers impeachment trials?

Treason, bribery, high crimes, or misdemeanors.

What are high crimes and misdemeanors?

Official misconduct and severe abuse of authority.

How is the judicial branch structured?

The power is vested under the Supreme Court. Lower courts are created by Congress.

What cases are under federal jurisdiction?

Federal courts take on cases that concern the meaning of the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties, and involve citizens of different states and citizens of foreign nations.

What cases reach the Supreme Court?

Cases involving foreign diplomats and cases in which states are a party, as well as cases on appeal from lower federal courts.

What defines treason?

Making war against the United States or giving aid to its enemies.

How are charges of treason handled?

Charges can result in five years of prison.

What is the right to a trial by jury?

Any person accused of a federal crime is granted the right to a trial by jury in a federal court in the state where the crime was committed.

What does Article VI of the Constitution establish?

It establishes the obligations states have to each other and to the citizens of other states.

What is the Full Faith and Credit Clause?

States must respect one another's legal judgments and records, and a contract agreed to in one state is binding in other states.

What is the Privileges and Immunities Clause?

All U.S. citizens are entitled to the same privileges and rights as the citizens of the state they are in.

What does the Extradition Clause state?

Any person accused of a crime who flees to another state must be returned to the state in which the crime occurred.

How are states admitted to the Union?

Only Congress has the power to admit new states to the union.

What are the federal government's duties to the states?

The national government must ensure that every state has a representative democracy, protect from foreign invasion, and assist states in addressing mass breaches of domestic tranquility.

How can the Constitution be amended?

Amendments can be proposed by Congress or by a special convention called at the request of the states, and three-fourths of state legislatures must ratify an amendment for it to become part of the Constitution.

What does the First Amendment protect?

It protects basic freedoms: religion, speech, the press, and petition of the government.

What does the Second Amendment protect?

It protects the individual right to bear arms.

What does the Third Amendment state?

The government can't force citizens to house, feed, or quarter military soldiers in their private homes during times of peace without the owner's consent.

What does the Fourth Amendment protect against?

It protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government.

What rights are protected during legal proceedings?

Rights include no self-incrimination, no double jeopardy, due process, and just compensation.

What does the Sixth Amendment guarantee?

The right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury of peers.

What does the Eighth Amendment prohibit?

It prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment.

What is eminent domain?

The power of the government to take private property for public use without the owner's consent, provided that compensation is given.

What is self-incrimination?

Saying or doing something that proves one's involvement in a crime.

What is a warrant?

A written order signed by a judge allowing the police to search a location or person.

What is due process?

No person's right to life, liberty, or property may be taken away without fair legal procedures.

What are 'papers and effects'?

Individuals' private documents and personal belongings that are protected from unreasonable search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment.

What is bail?

Temporary release of an accused person by depositing money as a guarantee that they will appear in court.

What is a grand jury?

A group of citizens who decides if there is enough evidence to charge someone with a serious crime.

What is an impartial jury?

A jury that has no bias or personal ties and sets aside personal views while on duty.

What is a search?

When police look through a person's property where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.

What is a seizure?

When police take physical possession or control of property.

What are reserved powers?

Powers not delegated by the Constitution are reserved to the states or the people.

What is the right of assembly?

The people have the right to convene and protest the government or voice their opinions.