1. 27 Amendments (1-10 Bill of Rights) Amend = to change
Preamble—introduction/opening statement
hapter 8, Section 1
Article VII Explains that nine states had to ratify the Constitution in order for it
to go into effect.
Article I
Describes the legislative branch. Establishes powers and limits on Congress.
Article II
Describes the executive branch. Establishes powers and limits of the President.
Article III
Describes the judicial branch. Establishes powers and limits of the courts.
Article IV
Explains relations between the states. Requires states to honor one another’s laws. Sets out a system for admitting new states.
Article V
Provides a process for amending the Constitution.
Article VI
Says the Constitution is the “supreme law of the land.” No state law may violate the Constitution.
27 Amendments (1-10 Bill of Rights)
Amend = to change

2. Powers of Congress To make laws To declare war To levy taxes
To borrow money
To coin money
Chapter 8, Section 2

3. Qualifications for Representatives
At least 25 years old
Citizen of US for at least 7 years
Resident of the state he or she is elected from

4. The Legislative Branch: Congress
Chapter 8, Section 2
House of Representatives
435 members
Number of representatives for a state is based on that state’s population
2-year terms
Presiding officer is the Speaker.

5. Powers – House
Brings the charge of impeachment
All revenue (tax bills) must originate

6. Qualifications for Senators
At least 30 years old
Citizen of the US for at least 9 years
Resident of the state he or she is elected from

7. Legislative Branch: Congress
Senate members
Two senators per state
6-year terms
President of the Senate is the Vice President of the United States – Joe Biden.

8. Powers - Senate Approve or reject treaties President made
Approve or reject Presidential appointment – Supreme Court Justices
Holds trial for impeached official accused of committing a high crime or misdemeanor

9. How a Bill Becomes a Law
Bill—a proposed law
Chapter 8, Section 2

10. Impeachment
To formally accuse/bring serious charges of wrongdoing against for:
Treason, Bribery, Other high crimes or misdemeanors
House brings the charge of impeachment

11. Impeachment Senate holds trial for impeached official
If President is impeached, Chief Justice presides over the trial
2/3 vote needed for conviction
Johnson and Clinton were impeached, but NOT convicted

12. Executive Branch – Powers of the President
Chapter 8, Section 2
To carry out the nation’s laws
To make treaties
Can appoint Supreme Court Justices, Cabinet officers, ambassadors
Can grant pardons

13. Powers of the President
Commander in Chief of the armed forces
Can veto (reject) bills passed by Congress
President must “from time to time give to Congress information on the State of the Union

14. Electing the President
Chapter 8, Section 2
The President is elected for a 4-year term.
The President can only serve for two terms.

15. Qualifications - President
At least 35 years old
Natural born citizen of the US
Reside in US for at least 14 years

16. Chapter 8, Section 2

17. President and Congress
One branch
checks another branch
by doing the following
President
Congress
vetoing, or rejecting, bills Congress has passed
overriding, or overruling, the President’s veto by 2/3 majority vote of both houses
Senate
approving or disapproving Presidential appointments
ratify or not ratify treaties the President has negotiated
The House can impeach, or bring charges of wrongdoing against, the President. The Senate then conducts a trial. If the President is impeached, the Chief Justice presides over the trial. 2/3 vote needed for conviction.
Supreme Court
President and Congress
declaring laws unconstitutional
Chapter 8, Section 2

18. Checks and Balances