U.S. Constitution Flash Cards
Make these cards and you will do great on the test!
Who was the author of the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
Who was the President of the Constitutional Convention?
George Washington
What are the two symbols of the two major political parties?
Democrats = DonkeyRepublicans = Elephant
The Preamble
Beginning of the Constitution and states the goals of document
(Remember “PRE” beginning)
Six Goals of Preamble
Goals
• Form a more perfect union• Establish Justice• Insure domestic tranquility• Provide for the common defense• Promote the general welfare• Secure the blessings of liberty
What are the three branches of government?
1. Legislative2. Executive3. Judicial
How many articles are in the Constitution?
Seven
How many amendments are in the Constitution?
27
What is the job of the Legislative Branch?
Make the laws
What is the job of the Executive Branch?
Enforce the Laws
What is the job of the Judicial Branch?
Interpret or Carry Out the Laws
Who makes up the legislative branch?
Congress:The House of Representatives
and the Senate
Who makes up the Executive Branch?
The President, Vice President, and the Cabinet
Who makes up the Judicial Branch?
Supreme Court, U.S. Court of Appeals, and District Courts
What type of government is the United States?
Democratic Republic
What is FEDERALISM?
Sharing of power between national government and the states.
Checks and Balances
Distribution of powers among the three branches to prevent one from getting too much
power.
LEGISLATIVE BRANCH FLASH CARDS
The following are flashcards for the Legislative Branch
How many Senators are there from every state?
Two
How many representatives are there from every state?
At least ONE*depends on population
Who calls SPECIAL sessions of Congress?
The President
Where does Congress meet?
The Capitol Building in Washington D.C.
Where are the notes and bills from daily meetings in Congress kept?
The Congressional Record
How many Senators are there?
100*Two from each state
Who are Illinois’s two Senators?
Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk
What are the the qualifications of a Senator?
- Must be 30 years old-A U.S. citizen for at least 9 years
-Live in state he/she represents in Senate
Who is the PRESIDENT of the Senate (leader)?
The Vice President
-Looks over Senate but does not vote or debate on issues
Unless there is a tie
What is a BILL?
A proposed law by Congress
What are important powers of the Senate?
- Approve treaties made by president-Approves Selections of federal officers by president
-Jury for impeachment trials
How many representatives are there in the House of Representatives?
435
How many representatives are there from Illinois?
19
What are the qualifications for a Representative?
-Must be 25 years old-A U.S. citizen for at least seven years-Live in the state he/she represents
Who is the leader of the House of Representatives?
The Speaker of the House
Who is the Speaker of the House?
John Boehner
What are important powers of the House of Reps.?
- Start all bills on revenue or concerning money-House has sole power of Impeachment against
any federal officer (the Senate decides case).
Where do all money BILLS begin?
In the House of Representatives
What is the census?
A count of U.S. population to help determine government spending.
How often is the census taken?
Every 10 years
What is impeachment?
When a federal officer is ACCUSED of committing a crime
Who has the sole power of IMPEACHMENT?
Only the House of Representatives can impeach or accuse a federal officer of wrongdoing.
Who is the jury for an impeachment trial?
The Senate serves as the jury and must vote 2/3 guilty to convict.
What happens if a federal officer is convicted of impeachment charges?
They are removed from office and cannot serve another government job.
Habeas Corpus
A person cannot be denied a right to be brought to court for trial in front of a judge.
*Cannot lock someone up without telling their what he or she was charged with.
Bill of Attainder
Government cannot declare someone or a group guilty of a crime without trial
*Example: German government saying Jews were enemies of the state.
Ex Post Facto Law
Can’t make a law illegal to have done something that was not illegal when it was done.
*Drink alcohol at the age of 18 when it was legal to drink alcohol.
Where do all money bills start?
The House of Representatives
When a bill makes it to Congress, where does it get placed?
The Hopper
In order for a bill to make into Congress, what must happen?
A member of Congress must sponsor the bill.
Who must sign a bill before it gets placed on the president’s desk?
The Vice President and Speaker of the House
How long does the President have to make a decision on a bill?
10 days
What three things can president do with a bill?
1. Sign the bill2. Veto the bill
3. Pocket veto- becomes law if Congress is session.