Civics + Econ: Unit 3 (Constitutional Gov)

Comprehensive practice flashcards reviewing the U.S. Congress, its qualifications and powers, constitutional plans and compromises, and essential government vocabulary.

What is the primary role of the legislative branch in the U.S. government?

To make the laws for our country.

What does the term "bicameral" mean?

Having two houses.

What is a bill?

A proposed law that must pass by a vote in both houses of Congress.

How many members serve in the House of Representatives, and how is representation determined?

There are $435$ members, and the number per state is based on state population.

What are the age, citizenship, and residency qualifications to serve in the House of Representatives?

A member must be at least $25$ years old, a U.S. citizen for at least $7$ years, and must live in the state where elected.

How many members are in the Senate, and how is representation determined?

There are $100$ members, with $2$ senators per state.

What are the age, citizenship, and residency qualifications to serve in the Senate?

A senator must be at least $30$ years old, a citizen for $9$ years, and must live in the state where elected.

What powers does Congress hold besides making the nation's laws?

Approving the annual budget submitted by the president, approving or rejecting presidential appointments, raising revenue with taxes and fees, regulating interstate and foreign affairs, and officially declaring war.

What are expressed powers, and what are two examples?

Powers specifically listed and written in the U.S. Constitution, such as taxing and declaring war.

What are implied powers, and what are examples from the notes?

Powers not written in the U.S. Constitution but still used and necessary to carry out expressed powers, such as creating a post office website, the IRS, or a national bank.

Where does the U.S. Congress meet?

Washington, D.C.

What was the legislative structure proposed under the Virginia (VA) Plan?

A bicameral legislature with representation in both houses based on population, where the House of Representatives was elected by the people and the Senate was nominated by state legislatures.

What was the legislative structure proposed under the New Jersey (NJ) Plan?

A unicameral (one-house) legislature where each state received an equal number of representatives.

How did the Great Compromise establish the structure and representation of Congress?

It created a bicameral legislature consisting of the House of Representatives (representation based on population) and the Senate (equal representation with $2$ members per state).

Under the Virginia Plan, how could the executive and judicial branches check the legislature?

By creating a council with both branches that had the power to veto laws passed by the legislature.

What does "confirm" mean?

To officially approve.

What is "revenue"?

Money the government collects through fees and taxes.

What is the difference between "interstate" and "intrastate"?

Interstate means between states, while intrastate means within a state.

What is a "constituent"?

A voter represented by an elected official.

What does "appeal" mean?

To take a case or decision to the next level.

What is "judicial review"?

The Supreme Court's power to declare laws unconstitutional.

What is a "veto"?

The presidential power to block a law.

What does "convene" mean?

To call a meeting.

What does "nominate" mean?

To select a person for a position.

What does it mean to "impeach"?

To charge a public official with a crime they committed while in office.

What are "levies"?

Taxes and fees collected by the government.

What is a "policy"?

A plan of action or law.