Constitution Scavenger Hunt Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How often are representatives elected?

Two years

How old must a Representative be to be elected?

Twenty-five years

How long is the term for a Senator?

Six years

How were Senators originally chosen?

By state legislatures Signup and view all the answers

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

Thirty years old Signup and view all the answers

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

The vice president, and only when there is 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?

House of representatives; and when Senate tries an impeached official Signup and view all the answers

Who shall officiate when the President is tried for impeachment?

The Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court Signup and view all the answers

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

2/3 Vote Signup and view all the answers

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

Removed from office and prevented from holding another federal position Signup and view all the answers

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

Each state legislature decides its own rules Signup and view all the answers

In what federal body do all bills concerning taxes/revenue originate?

House of Representatives Signup and view all the answers

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

2/3rd Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a president does not return a bill in 10 days and what is the exception to that rule?

The bill automatically becomes a law. The exception is when Congress adjourns it Signup and view all the answers

What are the powers of Congress listed in Section 8 of the Constitution?

Power to tax, power to borrow/bonds, regulate foreign and interstate commerce, establish naturalization laws, punish counterfeiting, maintain a navy Signup and view all the answers

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

The necessary and proper clause, as well as the elastic clause Signup and view all the answers

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

Habeaus Corpus, Bill of attainder, and Ex Post Facto Signup and view all the answers

When may the writ of habeas corpus be suspended?

During times of war Signup and view all the answers

What are the three limits on the powers of the states?

Cannot conduct foreign affairs, carry on a war, or control interstate and foreign commerce Signup and view all the answers

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

Thirty-five years old Signup and view all the answers

How is it determined how many electors each state has?

Total amount of senators and representatives from each state Signup and view all the answers

What are three powers of the President?

Make treaties, is Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy, and has the power to grand reprieves and pardons Signup and view all the answers

Which body of Congress approves nominations by the president?

Senate Signup and view all the answers

When can the President appoint people without approval by anyone else?

When congress is not in session Signup and view all the answers

What can a President or other officers be impeached for?

Conviction of treason, bribery, high crimes, and misdemeanors Signup and view all the answers

What is the term of office for Supreme Court justices?

They serve for life Signup and view all the answers

Who gets to decide how many federal courts we have?

Congress establishes lower federal courts Signup and view all the answers

In which cases does the Supreme Court have original jurisdiction?

When related to ambassadors & other high officials Signup and view all the answers

What must be necessary to convict someone of treason?

Two witnesses Signup and view all the answers

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!