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American Constitutions Questions
For American Foundations at BYUI
71
History
Undergraduate 1
10/08/2010

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Term
What six reasons are given in the Preamble for the creation of the Constitution?
Definition
- Form a more perfect union
- Establish Justice
- Insure domestic tranquility
- Provide for the common defence
- promote the general Welfare
- Secure the blessing of Liberty to ourselves & our posterity
Term
In what institution is the legislative power of the United States vested?
Definition
Congress
Term
What are the two houses in Congress?
Definition
- The house of Representatives
- The Senate
Term
When does Congress begin its session each year?
Definition
January 3rd at Noon
Term
How many senators are chosen from each state?
Definition
Two
Term
By whom were Senators originally chosen?
Definition
That state's legislature
Term
How are the terms of senators staggered?
Why?
Definition
Every 2 years, 1/3 leaves office. This is so at no point do we have to whipe clean our Senate.
Term
What are the three constitutional qualifications for a Senator?
Definition
- 30 years old
- 9 year citizen of the U.S.
- Cannot be an inhabitant of the state the state when elected.
Term
How long do senators serve?
Definition
6 years.
Term
What is meant by the House’s sole power of impeachment?
Definition
The house is the only body that can accuse a government official.
Term
What are the three constitutional qualifications of a member of the House?
Definition
- 25 years old
- 7 year citizen
- - Cannot be an inhabitant of the state the state when elected.
Term
By whom is a Congressman chosen?
Definition
By the people
Term
What is the term of office of a member of the House?
Definition
2 years
Term
How was the number of representatives each state had determined?
Definition
It's based off of population. (Census)
Term
What was the constitutional purpose for a census every ten year?
Definition
So that adjustments could be made in the number of representatives each state has.
Term
If a state’s population, in relationship to the other states, is very small, can it totally lose its representation in the House of Representatives?
Definition
No, every state is guaranteed at least one representative.
Term
How are vacancies in the House filled?
Definition
By the executive Authority via Writs of Election.
Term
How is the Speaker of the House chosen?
Definition
By the Representatives themselves.
Term
How was the election of Senators changed by Amendment 17?
Definition
By direct election.
Term
According to Amendment 17, how are vacancies in the Senate filled?
Definition
By the State's executive authority, provided that the state legislature permits temporary filling of the vacancy.
Term
Who is the President of the Senate?
Definition
The Vice President.
Term
When can the President of the Senate vote?
Definition
Only when the senate is divided.
Term
What is the president pro tempore of the Senate?
Definition
Takes the place as the President of the senate if the Vice President's unable.
Term
What is meant by the Senate's sole power to try impeachments?
Definition
Once the house has impeached an official, the Senate votes to determine if that person is guilty or innocent.
Term
Who presides if a President of the U.S. is tried by the Senate?
Definition
The Chief Justice
Term
In trying an impeachment, what vote is needed for conviction?
Definition
Two-thirds vote.
Term
What are the two possible punishments in cases of impeachment?
Definition
- Removal from office
- Disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of Honor, Trust, or Profit under the U.S.
Term
In impeachment, what qualification is given concerning that punishment?
Definition
The convicted can still be prosecuted under any criminal law that applies.
Term
Who can initiate bills for raising revenue?
Definition
The House of Representatives
Term
Does a bill need the approval of both houses to become law?
Definition
Yes
Term
What are the two ways a president can allow a bill to become law?
Definition
- Approving and Signing it.
- Not returning the bill within 10 days.
Term
What are the two ways a president can kill a bill?
Definition
- A presidential veto
- If Congress adjourns during the 10 days and the president doesn't sign it.
Term
How can Congress reverse a presidential veto?
Definition
A two-thirds vote.
Term
What are the powers given to Congress in Article I, Section 8?
Definition
- Lay taxes
- Borrow money
- Regulate commerce with foreign nations
- Establish citizenship
- Coin Money
- Punish counterfeiting
- Establish Post Offices & roads
- Copyrights (To promote art/science)
- Declare War
- Define piracy/felonies on the high seas.
- Raise and support armies.
Term
What is the purpose of Article I, Section 9?
Definition
To put off the decision on slavery for another generation.
Term
What is the purpose of Article I, Section 10?
Definition
To put limits on the states, keeping them from taking actions that are the responsability of the Federal Government.
Term
In whom is the executive power of the United States vested?
Definition
A President
Term
What is the term of office of the president and the vice president?
Definition
Four years
Term
What limit is placed on this in Amendment 22?
Definition
No person shall serve as president for more than two terms.
Term
What is the basic constitutional method by which the president and vice president are elected? (see Amendment 12)
Definition
The electoral college origionally voted for both on the same ballot. With ammendment twelve that changed to 2 separate ballots.
Term
Hhat is the basic constitutional method by which the president and vice president are elected? (see Amendment 12)
Definition
Washington DC gets suffrage.
Term
When does the president take office? (see Amend. 20)
Definition
Noon on January 20th.
Term
What are the three constitutional qualifications of the president?
Definition
- Natural born citizen
- 35 years old
- 14 year resident
Term
What can the Congress do if both the president and the vice president are removed from office?
Definition
Congress may declare what Officer shall act as President.
Term
What condition is placed on the president’s compensation?
Definition
He has a set compensation, and he can't receive extra payment from any state.
Term
The President faithfully swears to:
faithfully execute…[what?]
Definition
the Office of President of the United States
Term
The President swears to:
preserve, protect, and defend…[what?]
Definition
The Constitution
Term
What specific powers are given to the president in Article II, Sections 2 & 3?
Definition
- Commander in Chief of Military
- Creation of a cabinet
- Grant Pardons
- Make treatis
- Send/Receive Ambassadors
- Give State of Union
- Ensure proper execution of the laws
- Commission officers
Term
For what reasons can a president or other officer be impeached?
Definition
Treason, Bribery, other High Crimes & misdemeanors.
Term
In what institutions is the judicial power of the United States vested?
Definition
the Supreme Court
Term
In what two ways did the Founders guarantee “judicial independence”?
Definition
- Separation of powers (They can't be pressured by othe branches.)
- Not elected, so they don't have to appease the public.
Term
To what kinds of questions and judicial cases does the judicial power of the United States government extend? (see also Amendment 11)
Definition
Cases entailing Original Jurisdiction or Appellate Jurisdiction.
Term
In what cases does the Supreme Court have original jurisdiction?
Definition
When one of the parties is at a state or international level.
Term
What is meant by appellate jurisdiction?
Definition
Cases that are worked as a result of appeals from the lower courts.
Term
What two basic rights of the people were guaranteed in Art. III, Sec. 2, clause. 3?
Definition
Right to a trial, and a jury of peers.
Term
What constitutes treason?
Definition
- Warring agains the U.S.
- Adhering to her Enemies
- Aiding / comforting enemies.
Term
What is necessary for a conviction on charges of treason?
Definition
Two or more witnesses.
Term
Why do you think the Founders so carefully defined and limited the act of treason?
Definition
They themselves had recently participated in it, but it's something that's very important to know what it is, especially as it applies to a newly forming nation.
Term
To what things must a state give full faith and credit?
Definition
To the laws, proceedings and rulings of other states.
Term
What is meant by the privileges and immunities clause?
Definition
States cannot discriminate agains citizens of other states without justification.
Term
How can new states be admitted to the Union?
Definition
With the consent of Congress.
Term
What power does Congress have in regards to the territory of the United States?
Definition
To take make rules and regulations regarding the territory or property of the U.S.
Term
What guarantee is given to each state regarding a republican government?
Definition
Each state is garanteed one.
Term
What are the two methods to propose an amendment?
Definition
2/3 of Congress, or 2/3rds of the state's legislatures.
Term
What are the two methods to ratify an amendment?
Definition
3/4 of Congress, or 3/4 of the State's legislatures.
Term
What does the first clause of Art. VI say about the payment of debts?
Definition
All debts before the constitution will still apply.
Term
What is the basic intent of the Supremacy Clause?
Definition
Establishes the Constitution as the Supreme Law of the Land.
Term
What must all legislators, executive officers, and judicial officers of the states and United States do?
Definition
Swear an oath to support the constitution.
Term
What can they never be required to do?
Definition
Take a religion test to qualify for office.
Term
How many states were required to ratify the Constitution?
Definition
Nine
Term
Amendment 1 — what five rights are guaranteed in this amendment?
Definition
- Spech
- Press
- Religion
- Petition
- Assembly
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