Podcast
Questions and Answers
How often are Representatives to be elected?
How often are Representatives to be elected?
every 2 years
How old must a Representative be to be elected?
How old must a Representative be to be elected?
at least 25 years old
How long is the term for a senator?
How long is the term for a senator?
6 years
How were senators originally chosen? Which amendment changed that?
How were senators originally chosen? Which amendment changed that?
How old does someone have to be to be a senator?
How old does someone have to be to be a senator?
Who is the president of the Senate and when may that person vote?
Who is the president of the Senate and when may that person vote?
Which legislative body has the power of impeachment and which body has the power to try an impeached official?
Which legislative body has the power of impeachment and which body has the power to try an impeached official?
Who shall officiate when a president is tried for impeachment?
Who shall officiate when a president is tried for impeachment?
What is the required vote that is necessary to convict someone who has been impeached?
What is the required vote that is necessary to convict someone who has been impeached?
What is the only penalty that can be imposed on someone who has been impeached?
What is the only penalty that can be imposed on someone who has been impeached?
Who decides the times, places, and manner for holding elections for Congress?
Who decides the times, places, and manner for holding elections for Congress?
In what federal body do all bills concerning taxes originate?
In what federal body do all bills concerning taxes originate?
What fraction of both houses must vote to override a veto?
What fraction of both houses must vote to override a veto?
What happens when a president doesn't return a bill in 10 days and what is the exception to that rule?
What happens when a president doesn't return a bill in 10 days and what is the exception to that rule?
List six powers enumerated in Section 8 of the Constitution.
List six powers enumerated in Section 8 of the Constitution.
Which clause in Section 8 gives Congress the most general, non-specific powers?
Which clause in Section 8 gives Congress the most general, non-specific powers?
What are the three limitations on the power of Congress to deny people rights in Section 9?
What are the three limitations on the power of Congress to deny people rights in Section 9?
When may the writ of habeas corpus be suspended?
When may the writ of habeas corpus be suspended?
Name three limits on the powers of the States.
Name three limits on the powers of the States.
How old does someone have to be to be elected president?
How old does someone have to be to be elected president?
How is it determined how many electors each state has?
How is it determined how many electors each state has?
Name three powers of the President.
Name three powers of the President.
Which body of Congress must approve a treaty negotiated by the president, and what fraction must approve it?
Which body of Congress must approve a treaty negotiated by the president, and what fraction must approve it?
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.
