US Government: The Constitution Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the introduction to the Constitution called?

The Preamble

What is explained in the Preamble?

Why the framers of the Constitution made our government

Why are parts of the Constitution lined through?

Those parts of the Constitution have been errors, been replaced, or have been modified via amendments.

Article I of the Constitution deals with what?

The Legislative Branch Signup and view all the answers

What is the chief purpose of the Legislative branch?

To make laws Signup and view all the answers

Who heads up the Legislative branch?

Congress Signup and view all the answers

What two groups make up Congress?

The Senate and the House of Representatives Signup and view all the answers

What is the term of office for a member of the House?

2 years Signup and view all the answers

What are the qualifications for a representative?

Age: 25 years old; Years as Resident: at least 7 years; Citizenship Requirement: at least 7 years Signup and view all the answers

How many representatives does each state receive?

At least one, but each state receives representatives based in proportion to the state's population. Signup and view all the answers

How often does the government take a census to adjust the representation in Congress?

Every 10 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the limit to the number of representatives allowed in the House?

455 representatives Signup and view all the answers

What state has the largest number of representatives and how many do they have?

California with 53 Signup and view all the answers

When a vacancy occurs in the House of Representatives, who has the authority to fill that vacancy?

The state's governor Signup and view all the answers

How many senators does each state receive?

2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the term of office for each senator and what are the qualifications for a senator?

6 years; Age: 30 years old; Years as Resident: At least 9 years; Citizenship requirements: At least 9 years Signup and view all the answers

Who is the president of the Senate? When can this person vote?

Joe Biden; only when there is a 50/50 tie in the Senate. Signup and view all the answers

Who presides over an impeachment trial when the president is being tried?

The Chief Justice Signup and view all the answers

Once a bill is presented to the president for his signature, how many days does he have before it becomes a law without his signature?

10 days, excluding Sundays Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to impeach a president?

To throw a president out of office. Signup and view all the answers

Which branch of Congress has the power to impeach a president?

The Legislative branch (The House of Representatives presents the evidence, the Senate acts as a jury) Signup and view all the answers

What does it take to remove a president from office?

2/3 majority vote in the Senate Signup and view all the answers

In what month do federal elections take place?

November Signup and view all the answers

How does a bill become a law?

It has to pass both houses (the House of Representatives and the Senate) and be signed by the president. Signup and view all the answers

What can the president do to keep a bill from becoming a law?

Veto it. There are two types: 1. A regular veto, the president doesn't sign the bill; 2. A pocket veto, it is left until the 10 days are up. Signup and view all the answers

What is the majority vote of both houses to override a presidential veto?

2/3 majority vote Signup and view all the answers

The process by which an immigrant becomes a citizen is called?

Naturalization Signup and view all the answers

Article II deals with which branch of the government?

The Executive branch Signup and view all the answers

What is the chief purpose of the Executive branch?

Implementing and enforcing laws. Signup and view all the answers

Who heads up the Executive branch?

The president Signup and view all the answers

What is the term of office for a president?

Two 4 year terms Signup and view all the answers

Who really elects the president?

The electoral college Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Constitution Overview

The introduction of the Constitution is known as the Preamble.
The Preamble explains the reasons for establishing the government by the framers.

Constitutional Changes

Parts of the Constitution that are lined through indicate errors, replacements, or modifications.

Legislative Branch (Article I)

Article I pertains to the Legislative Branch responsible for making laws.
Congress, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives, heads the Legislative branch.

Congress Structure

Congress has two groups: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Each state's representation in the House is based on its population; every state has at least one representative.

House of Representatives

Terms for House members are 2 years, requiring representatives to be at least 25 years old, have lived in the U.S. for 7 years, and be citizens for at least 7 years.
A census occurs every 10 years to adjust representation based on population.
The House can have a maximum of 455 representatives, with California having the highest number at 53.
Vacancies in the House are filled by the state’s governor.

Senate Overview

Each state has 2 senators with a term of 6 years. Senators must be at least 30 years old, have lived in the U.S. for 9 years, and be citizens for at least 9 years.
The President of the Senate, currently Joe Biden, votes only to break ties.

Impeachment Process

The Chief Justice presides over presidential impeachment trials.
Impeachment means removing a president from office, requiring a 2/3 majority vote in the Senate.

Law-Making Process

Federal elections are held in November.
A bill must pass both houses of Congress and be signed by the president to become law.
The president can veto a bill, through a regular veto (signature not given) or a pocket veto (not signed within 10 days).
A 2/3 majority in both houses is required to override a presidential veto.

Immigration and Citizenship

The process for an immigrant to become a U.S. citizen is called naturalization.

Executive Branch (Article II)

Article II focuses on the Executive Branch, which implements and enforces laws.
The president heads the Executive branch, serving terms of two 4-year periods.
The Electoral College is responsible for electing the president.

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Test your knowledge of the United States Constitution with these flashcards. Each card presents a question related to the Constitution's structure and significance, including the Preamble and amendments. Perfect for students and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of American government.