Chapter 5 - Citizenship and the Constitution

Three Dash fourths of the state has to ratify an amendment for it to become a law

"The Congress, whenever two thirds of both houses shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this constitution, or, on the application of the legislatures of two thirds of the several states, shall call a Convention for proposing amendments, which, in either case, shall be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of this constitution, when ratified by the legislatures of three fourths of the several states, or by conventions in three fourths thereof, as one of four the other Mode of Ratification may be proposed by the Congress."

US citizen, foreign born policy

Anyone born in the United States or a territory it controls is a citizen. People born a foreign country are US citizens if at least one parent is a US citizen. Foreign-born people whose parents are not citizens must move to United States to become naturalized citizens. Once in the United States they go through a long process before applying for citizenship. If they succeed they become naturalized citizens giving the most of the rights responsibilities of other citizens.

What does the president-elect do before starting a new job

Article II is the executive branch and section two is the presidency. Part 8 is about the oath of office. "Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath of Affirmation:- 'I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.'"

Checks and balances judicial branch - supreme court

Checks of executive branch- made executive actions unconstitutional Checks on legislative branch - maybe declare laws constitutional

Checks and balances, legislative branch -- Congress

Checks on executive branch - may reject appointments, may reject treaties, they withhold funding for presidential initiatives, may impeach President, may override a veto. Checks on judicial branch - may propose constitutional amendments to overrule judicial decisions, may impeach Supreme Court justices.

Checks and balances executive branch - president

Checks on the legislature branch - adjourn Congress in certain situations and may veto bills Checkers on judicial branch - appoints judges

Bill of Rights added to the Constitution, why

Federalist, James Madison promise that this would be added to the constitution. This promise allowed the constitution to pass. In 1789 Madison began writing down a huge list of proposed amendments. He then presented a shorter list to the House of Representatives. Of those the house approve 12. The states ratify 10, which took affect December 15, 1791 those 10 amendments for protected US citizens individual liberties.

Job of the court of appeals

If someone convicted of a crime believes the trial was unfair, he or she may take the case to the Court of Appeals. There 13 Court of Appeals. Each has a panel of judges to decide of cases heard in the lower courts were tried appropriately. If the judges uphold, or accept, the original decision, the original outcome stands. Otherwise, the case may be retried in the lower court.

Legal immigrant privileges

In the United States legal immigrants have many of the rights responsibilities of citizens but cannot vote or hold public office. The US government can deport, or return to the country of origin, immigrants who break the law.

Congress overriding a president's veto

Once the president has vetoed the bill, Congress has to get a two-thirds majority vote to override it.

State powers in the constitution

State governments offer free education from elementary to high school--to all citizens. It recognizes that the states and the people have additional powers these powers are any ones of the Constitution does not specifically give to Congress--the delegated powers.

Constitution gives what role to the Judicial Branch?

The Constitiution created the Supreme Court, but the Judiciary Art of 1789 created the system of lower district and circuit courts. Article III generally outlines the courts' duties.

Who brings impeachment charges against the president or other public officials

The House of Representatives can impeach, or vote to bring charges of serious crimes against, president. Impeachment cases are tried in the Senate. If a president is found guilty, Congress can remove him from office. In 1868 Andrew Johnson was the first president to be impeached. President Bill Clinton was impeached in 1998. However, the Senate found each man not guilty.

US Senate members, how many

The Senate has two members, or senators, per state. The senators represent the interests of the whole state not just a district. They must be at least 30 years old, have been US citizens for nine years, and live in the state they were present. They serve six-year terms. There are 100 senators total.

Bill of rights, delegated powers

The constitution assigns certain powers to the national government. These are called delegated powers. Among them are the rights to coin money and to regulate trade.

Fifth amendment, double jeopardy

The fifth amendment also protects people from having to testify at their own criminal trial. Keep from testifying. A person need only "take the Fifth." In addition, anyone found not guilty in a criminal trial cannot face double jeopardy. In other words, here she cannot be tried again for the same crime.

Federal system

The framers of the constitution wanted to create a government powerful enough to protect the rights of citizens and defend the country gets his enemies. To do so, they set up a federal system of government, a system that divided powers to the states and the federal government. The constitution assigned certain powers to the national government. They're called delegated powers. Reserved powers are those kept by the state. Concrete powers are those shared by the federal and state governments.

Majority rule

The idea that the greatest number of people in society can make policies for everyone.

First Amendment

The ideas spelled out in this, form the most basic rights of all citizens. They include the freedom of religion, freedom of the press, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the right to petition.

President checking the power of the Legislative Branch

The president may adjourn Congress in certain situations and he may also veto bills

Executive branch, pardoning a criminal

The president may grant pardons or freedom from punishment, to persons convicted of federal crimes are facing criminal charges.

House of representatives members, how many

There are 135 members in the House of Representatives is the larger congressional house. The U.S. Census, population count mean every 10 years, determines how many members represent each state. A system called up apportionment keeps total membership at 435 if one state gains member, another state loses one. Members must be at least 25 years old, live in the state where they were elected, and have been US citizens for seven years. They serve two-year terms.

Executive Branch job with the nation's laws

This branch enforces the laws created by Congress. The president can impeach bills