Constitution

What powers does Congress have over its own procedure and members?

Each house of Congress will manage the elections, returns, and qualifications of each of its members and a majority of each house must be present to manage the elections, returns, and qualifications. If a majority is not present, Congress can still have debates and participate in day-to-day activities, but cannot pass a law. Congress can decide if and how to punish absent members.

In what three ways may a bill become a law?

First way: A bill has to pass through the House of Representatives, through the Senate, and then the President must sign it. Second way: If the President does not approve the bill, he must return it with his objections to the house that it originated from. After this, 2/3 of that house has to agree to pass the bill. The bill will be sent to the other house with the objections and it will be considered there. If it is approved by 2/3 of that house, then it will become a law. Third way: If any bill is not returned by the President within ten days after it has been presented to him and congress is still in session, it will become a law.

What is meant by pocket veto?

If the president does not give back the laws in 10 days and Congress has adjourned, it is considered ignored by the President, and it will not become a law.

What punishment may be given to one convicted after impeachment?

Impeached presidents can be accused, tried, judged, and punished to the fullest extent of the law. Impeached presidents will be disqualified from all positions within the US government (even honorary titles)

Who may vote for the members of the house?

Members of each state will vote for their House Representatives

How are the members of the House apportioned among the various states?

New Hampshire:3 Massachusetts:8 Rhode Island and Providence Plantations:1 Connecticut:5 New York:6 New Jersey:4 Pennsylvania:8 Delaware:1 Maryland:6 Virginia:10 North Carolina:5 South Carolina:5 Georgia:3

The House of Reps has how many members?

One member for every 30,000 persons in a state, but each state has at least one representative

Explain the provisions for impeachment.

Only the House of Representatives can decide to impeach the president. Then the Senate will attend the trial. 2/3 of the senate must be present, and all must be under oath. The Chief Justice will preside over the trial.

What are the qualifications for membership in the House?

Reps must be 25 years or older, must have been a US citizen for 7 years, and must live in the state they represent

What are the most important powers of Congress?

1. Collect taxes and duties 2. Borrow money on the credit of the US 3. Produce money 4. Declare War 5. Maintain/Regulate Army and Navy 6. Govern the Capital

Where must all money bills originate?

All bills for raising revenue must originate from the House of Representatives, but the Senate may propose or agree with amendments made to the bill.

What special legal protection is given to members of the Congress?

Congressmen cannot be arrested or detained for questioning while congress is in session, unless they are charged with treason, felony (i.e. a violent crime), or "breach of peace"

How often are members of the House of Reps chosen?

Every 2 years

Explain how the terms of Senators are staggered. Why are they staggered?

Senate terms are six years. To prevent every single seat in the senate from being up for election at the same time every six years, senate terms were divided into three classes. These three classes were separated by two years each. This meant elections would occur every two years, but that only a third of the senate seats would be up for election at a time.

What are the qualifications for membership in the Senate?

Senators must be at least 30 years old, have been a US citizen for 9 years, and live in the states they represent.

Who presides over the House and how is he/she chosen?

The House will be presided over by a Speaker of the house elected by the House itself.

Explain the veto power of the President.

The President can veto a bill that is presented to him and return it with suggestions, but if 2/3 of the House of Representatives and 2/3 of the Senate agree on it a second time, it will become a law.

Who serves as the President of the Senate?

The Vice-President of the United States

What happens when there is a vacancy in House membership?

The governor of that state can order an election to fill the open spot.

How are Senators chosen?

They are chosen by the legislature