the constitution Flashcards
(30 cards)
what were the two states arguing about the constitution?
new jersey and virginia
what was new jersey in favor of?
single house of congress & equal votes for every state
what was virginia in favor of?
two houses of congress & votes based on population
how many houses of congress are listed in the constitution?
two houses of congress
how many senators are there per state?
two senators
how much of a vote is a slave equal to?
3/5 of a person
what is the electoral college?
select individuals who meet to elect the president
what are the federalist papers?
essays urging ratification of the constitution
who wrote the federalist papers?
james madison, john jay, and alexander hamilton
when was the constitution ratified?
september 17, 1787
how many branches are in the federal government?
three branches
how is the power between the three branches kept equal?
with checks and balances
what are the three branches called?
legislative, executive, judicial
what does the legislative branch (congress) do?
make the laws
what are the two groups in the legislative branch called?
the senate and house of representatives
how are the senate and house of representatives elected?
by the people
how long do the house of representatives serve for?
two years
how long does the senate serve for?
6 years
what is the house of representatives based on?
the population of the state
what does the senate do?
vote on treaties, hold trials, and review/approve presidential appointees
what does the house of representatives do?
recommend bills & decide if someone should be put on trial
what does the executive branch do?
carry out the laws
who elects the executive branch?
the electoral college
how long does the executive branch serve for?
four years
