Podcast
Questions and Answers
How often are representatives elected?
How often are representatives elected?
Two years
How old must a Representative be to be elected?
How old must a Representative be to be elected?
Twenty-five years
How long is the term for a Senator?
How long is the term for a Senator?
Six years
How were Senators originally chosen?
How were Senators originally chosen?
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How old does someone have to be to be a senator?
How old does someone have to be to be a senator?
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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?
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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?
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Who shall officiate when the President is tried for impeachment?
Who shall officiate when the President is tried for impeachment?
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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?
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What is the only penalty that can be imposed on someone who is impeached?
What is the only penalty that can be imposed on someone who is impeached?
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Who decides the times, places, and manner for holding elections for Congress?
Who decides the times, places, and manner for holding elections for Congress?
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In what federal body do all bills concerning taxes/revenue originate?
In what federal body do all bills concerning taxes/revenue originate?
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What fraction of both houses must vote to override a veto?
What fraction of both houses must vote to override a veto?
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What happens when a president does not return a bill in 10 days and what is the exception to that rule?
What happens when a president does not return a bill in 10 days and what is the exception to that rule?
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What are the powers of Congress listed in Section 8 of the Constitution?
What are the powers of Congress listed in Section 8 of the Constitution?
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Which clause gives Congress the most general, non-specific powers?
Which clause gives Congress the most general, non-specific powers?
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What are the three limitations on the power of Congress to deny the people rights?
What are the three limitations on the power of Congress to deny the people rights?
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When may the writ of habeas corpus be suspended?
When may the writ of habeas corpus be suspended?
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What are the three limits on the powers of the states?
What are the three limits on the powers of the states?
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How old does someone have to be to be elected President?
How old does someone have to be to be elected President?
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How is it determined how many electors each state has?
How is it determined how many electors each state has?
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What are three powers of the President?
What are three powers of the President?
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Which body of Congress approves nominations by the president?
Which body of Congress approves nominations by the president?
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When can the President appoint people without approval by anyone else?
When can the President appoint people without approval by anyone else?
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What can a President or other officers be impeached for?
What can a President or other officers be impeached for?
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What is the term of office for Supreme Court justices?
What is the term of office for Supreme Court justices?
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Who gets to decide how many federal courts we have?
Who gets to decide how many federal courts we have?
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In which cases does the Supreme Court have original jurisdiction?
In which cases does the Supreme Court have original jurisdiction?
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What must be necessary to convict someone of treason?
What must be necessary to convict someone of treason?
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Study Notes
Election and Legislative Facts
- Representatives are elected every two years.
- Minimum age to be elected as a Representative is 25 years.
- Senators serve a term of six years.
- Originally, Senators were chosen by state legislatures; the 17th Amendment established direct election by the people.
- Minimum age to be a Senator is 30 years.
Leadership and Impeachment
- The Vice President is the President of the Senate and votes only in case of a tie.
- The House of Representatives has the power to impeach, while the Senate tries the impeached officials.
- The Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court officiates during a Presidential impeachment trial.
- A 2/3 vote is required in the Senate to convict an impeached official.
- The only penalty for convicted impeachment is removal from office and a ban on holding future federal positions.
Election Procedures and Legislative Powers
- Each state legislature determines the times, places, and manner for congressional elections, overriding state laws if necessary.
- Tax and revenue bills must originate in the House of Representatives.
- A 2/3 vote from both houses is needed to override a presidential veto.
- If a President does not return a bill within 10 days, it automatically becomes law unless Congress adjourns.
Congressional Powers and Limitations
- Congress has the power to tax, borrow money, regulate commerce, establish naturalization laws, punish counterfeiting, and maintain a navy.
- The "necessary and proper clause" (elastic clause) provides Congress with broad powers.
- Limitations on Congress: cannot suspend habeas corpus, enact bills of attainder, or pass ex post facto laws.
- Habeas corpus may be suspended during wartime.
State Powers and Presidential Facts
- States cannot conduct foreign affairs, wage war, or control interstate commerce.
- Minimum age to be elected President is 35 years.
- The number of electors per state is determined by the sum of its Senators and Representatives.
Presidential Powers and Treaties
- The President can make treaties, serve as Commander in Chief, and grant reprieves and pardons.
- Treaties negotiated by the President require a 2/3 Senate approval.
- The Senate has the authority to approve presidential nominations.
Appointment Powers and Judiciary
- The President can make appointments when Congress is not in session without needing approval.
- Grounds for impeachment include treason, bribery, and other high crimes and misdemeanors.
- Supreme Court justices serve for life and can only be removed for misconduct.
- Congress is responsible for establishing the number of federal courts.
- The Supreme Court has original jurisdiction in cases involving ambassadors and other high-ranking officials.
Treason
- Conviction of treason requires the agreement of two witnesses or a confession in open court.
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Description
Test your knowledge of the U.S. Constitution with these scavenger hunt flashcards. Learn about the election frequency of representatives, age requirements, and the terms of Senators, along with historical changes to the selection process. It's a fun way to reinforce your understanding of governmental foundations!