What is the U.S. Constitution composed of?
- Legislative Branch
- Executive Branch
- Judicial Branch
The Constitution establishes the framework for the U.S. government.
The Legislative Branch consists of how many houses?
2 houses
These are the Senate and the House of Representatives.
According to Section 1, what is the structure of the legislature?
Bicameral system
This means it consists of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
What are the age and citizenship requirements to serve in the House of Representatives?
- 25 years old
- U.S. citizen for 7 years
- Resident of the state represented
These requirements ensure that representatives have a connection to their constituents.
How many representatives are there in the House of Representatives?
435 Reps
Representation is based on state population.
Who fills a vacancy in the House of Representatives?
State governor
The governor has the authority to appoint someone to fill the vacancy.
What is the title of the leader of the House of Representatives?
Speaker of the House
The Speaker is elected by the members of the House.
What are the requirements to serve in the Senate?
- 30 years old
- U.S. citizen for 9 years
- Resident of the state elected from
These requirements ensure that senators have experience and a connection to their state.
How many senators are there from each state?
2 from each state
This ensures equal representation for each state in the Senate.
What is the role of the Vice President in the Senate?
President of the Senate
The Vice President only votes in the case of a tie.
Who is the President Pro Tempore?
Leader of the Senate when the Vice President is absent
This position is typically held by the longest-serving senator from the majority party.
What is required for the impeachment process to proceed?
2/3 must vote in favor of impeachment
This is necessary for the Senate to convict and remove a president from office.
According to Section 4, who can administer elections?
States
States have the authority to lead elections, ensuring local control.
How often must Congress meet according to the Constitution?
Once per year
This ensures that Congress remains active and responsive to the needs of the nation.
What does the term veto mean?
to decline something
A veto is a constitutional right to reject a decision or proposal made by a law-making body.
What is the quorum required for the House?
1 over half of members of house
A quorum is the minimum number of members required to conduct business in a legislative assembly.
What is the vote required to expel a Congress member?
2/3 vote
This is the threshold needed in both houses of Congress to expel a member.
What does each house keep a Congressional Record of?
daily events
The Congressional Record is the official transcript of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress.
True or false: A house cannot adjourn for 3 days without consent of the other.
TRUE
This rule ensures that both houses of Congress remain coordinated in their legislative activities.
Who pays the salaries of Congress members?
U.S Treasury
Salaries are funded by taxpayer money and are set by law.
Congress members cannot be arrested for what?
What they say or do while meeting
This protection is known as legislative immunity.
What must Congress members do to serve?
resign from any other public office
This rule prevents conflicts of interest and ensures full commitment to their congressional duties.
Where do bills dealing with money start?
House of Representatives
This is a constitutional requirement to ensure that taxation and spending originate in the lower house.
What happens after a bill passes through Congress?
signed by the President (who can veto)
If the President vetoes, Congress can still pass the bill with a 2/3 vote.
