Constitution Quiz Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How often are Representatives to be elected?

every 2 years

How old must a Representative be to be elected?

at least 25 years old

How long is the term for a senator?

6 years

How were senators originally chosen? Which amendment changed that?

Chosen by the Legislature; changed by the 17th amendment Signup and view all the answers

How old does someone have to be to be a senator?

at least 30 years old Signup and view all the answers

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

The Vice President; can vote in case of a tie Signup and view all the answers

Which legislative body has the power of impeachment and which body has the power to try an impeached official?

The Senate has the power of impeachment Signup and view all the answers

Who shall officiate when a president is tried for impeachment?

The Chief Justice Signup and view all the answers

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

Two thirds of the members present Signup and view all the answers

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

Removal from office or disqualification Signup and view all the answers

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

The legislature Signup and view all the answers

In what federal body do all bills concerning taxes originate?

House of Representatives Signup and view all the answers

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

Two thirds Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a president doesn't return a bill in 10 days and what is the exception to that rule?

The bill is passed as law, except on Sundays Signup and view all the answers

List six powers enumerated in Section 8 of the Constitution.

<ol> <li>Borrow money on the credit of the United States. 2. Establish Post Offices and Post Roads. 3. Constitute Tribunals inferior to the Supreme Court. 4. Regulate commerce with foreign nations. 5. Provide and maintain a Navy. 6. Make rules for the government of land/naval forces.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Which clause in Section 8 gives Congress the most general, non-specific powers?

To make all laws necessary and proper for executing powers vested by the Constitution Signup and view all the answers

What are the three limitations on the power of Congress to deny people rights in Section 9?

<ol> <li>No suspension of Habeas Corpus. 2. No Bill of Attainder. 3. No Ex-Post Facto Laws.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

When may the writ of habeas corpus be suspended?

In cases of rebellion or invasion when public safety requires it. Signup and view all the answers

Name three limits on the powers of the States.

<ol> <li>Cannot enter treaties, alliances, or confederations. 2. Cannot lay imposts/duties on imports/exports. 3. Cannot keep troops or ships of war in peacetime.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

How old does someone have to be to be elected president?

at least 35 years old Signup and view all the answers

How is it determined how many electors each state has?

Equal to the number of Senators and Representatives for that state Signup and view all the answers

Name three powers of the President.

<ol> <li>Grant reprieves and pardons. 2. Make treaties with Senate consent. 3. Fill vacancies during Senate recess.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Which body of Congress must approve a treaty negotiated by the president, and what fraction must approve it?

The Senate; two thirds of the Senators present Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Election of Representatives and Senators

Representatives are elected every 2 years.
Minimum age to be elected as a Representative is 25, with at least 7 years of citizenship.
Senators serve a term of 6 years.
Originally, Senators were chosen by state legislatures until the 17th Amendment changed the process to direct election.
A Senator must be at least 30 years old and a citizen for at least 9 years.

Leadership and Legislative Powers

The Vice President serves as the President of the Senate and can cast a vote in case of a tie.
The Senate holds the exclusive power of impeachment, while the Chief Justice presides over presidential impeachment trials.
A two-thirds vote of members present is required to convict an impeached official.
The only penalties for conviction are removal from office or disqualification from holding future office.

Legislative Procedures

State legislatures determine the timing and manner of congressional elections.
All tax-related bills must originate in the House of Representatives.
A two-thirds majority from both houses is necessary to override a presidential veto.
If a president does not sign a bill within 10 days (excluding Sundays), it automatically becomes law.

Powers and Limitations of Congress

Article I, Section 8 enumerates specific congressional powers, including:
- Borrowing money on behalf of the U.S.
- Establishing post offices and roads.
- Constituting inferior tribunals to the Supreme Court.
- Regulating commerce with foreign nations.
- Maintaining a navy.
- Making rules for the army and navy.
The "Necessary and Proper Clause" allows Congress to enact laws for executing its powers and other constitutional authorities.

Restrictions on Congress and States

Congress cannot suspend habeas corpus except for instances of rebellion or invasion.
It is prohibited from passing bills of attainder and ex post facto laws.
States are restricted from:
- Entering treaties or alliances.
- Imposing duties on imports/exports.
- Maintaining troops during peacetime or engaging in war.

Presidential Qualifications and Powers

The minimum age for presidential candidates is 35.
The number of electors for a state is equivalent to its total number of Senators and Representatives.
Presidential powers include:
- Granting reprieves and pardons for federal offenses.
- Making treaties with Senate consent.
- Filling Senate vacancies during recess.

Treaties and Senate Approval

The Senate must approve treaties negotiated by the President, requiring a two-thirds majority of present Senators for ratification.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the U.S. Constitution with these flashcards. This quiz covers the election of Representatives, the age requirements, and the terms of Senators. Challenge yourself and learn more about the foundational document of American governance.