Unit Three: Government Structure and Functions Review Guide

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches of the U.S. government as outlined in the Unit Three Review Guide.

How is power divided up between the three branches of government?

Power is divided into the Legislative branch (makes laws), the Executive branch (enforces laws), and the Judicial branch (interprets laws).

What are the ($3$) qualifications to become a member of the U.S. House of Representatives?

1. Must be at least $25$ years old; 2. Must have been a U.S. citizen for at least $7$ years; 3. Must be an inhabitant of the state they represent.

What are the ($3$) qualifications to become a U.S. Senator?

1. Must be at least $30$ years old; 2. Must have been a U.S. citizen for at least $9$ years; 3. Must be an inhabitant of the state they represent.

What is one job specific to the Senate and one specific to the House of Representatives?

The Senate has the specific power to approve treaties and presidential appointments; the House of Representatives has the specific power to initiate revenue (tax) bills and impeach federal officials.

How many total United States Senators are there, and how many come from each state?

There are $100$ total Senators, with exactly $2$ coming from each state.

How many total U.S. House of Representatives members are there, and how is the number per state determined?

There are $435$ total members; the number of representatives per state is determined by the state's population.

What are the term lengths for House of Representatives members and Senators?

House members serve $2$-year terms, and Senators serve $6$-year terms.

What is the difference between a Standing committee and a Conference committee?

A Standing committee is a permanent committee that meets regularly; a Conference committee is a temporary joint committee formed to resolve differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.

Explain the difference between enumerated and implied powers.

Enumerated powers are specifically listed in the Constitution; implied powers are not explicitly stated but are suggested by the 'necessary and proper' clause.

What is the 'necessary and proper' clause?

A clause in the Constitution that gives Congress the power to make all laws 'necessary and proper' for carrying out its expressed (enumerated) powers.

How long is the term of office for the President?

$4$ years

What are the ($3$) requirements to be elected President?

1. Must be at least $35$ years old; 2. Must be a natural-born U.S. citizen; 3. Must have been a resident of the U.S. for at least $14$ years.

What is the President's role regarding treaties and does it require help from Congress?

The President negotiates and signs treaties, but they must be approved by a two-thirds vote in the Senate.

Explain the impeachment process involving the House of Representatives and the Senate.

The House of Representatives has the power to impeach (formally charge) the President, while the Senate conducts the trial and acts as the jury to determine removal from office.

How did the 22nd Amendment change the office of the President?

It limited the President to serving a maximum of $2$ terms in office.

How did the 25th Amendment change the office of the President?

It established clear protocols for presidential succession and procedures for dealing with presidential disability.

What is the President primarily responsible for as Commander-in-Chief?

The President serves as the supreme commander of the nation's military and armed forces.

What is the term of office for federal judges?

Federal judges serve for life (during 'good behavior').

Explain how a Supreme Court justice gets their job.

The President (Executive) nominates a candidate, and the Senate (Legislative) must confirm the appointment through a majority vote.

Define Majority opinion, Dissenting opinion, and Concurring opinion.

Majority opinion: the official decision of the court; Dissenting opinion: written by justices who disagree with the majority; Concurring opinion: written by a justice who agrees with the majority's conclusion but for different legal reasons.

What is the difference between original jurisdiction and appellate jurisdiction?

Original jurisdiction is the authority to hear a case for the first time; appellate jurisdiction is the authority of a higher court to review decisions made by lower courts.

What is the difference between a civil and a criminal case?

A criminal case involves the government prosecuting someone for breaking a law, while a civil case involves a legal dispute between two or more private parties (individuals or organizations).