Constitution

Constitution

• The preamble tells the purpose of the Constitution. It reflects the ideas of Locke (i.e. “the Blessings of Liberty”)
o Lockes Ideas: People have certain inalienable rights such as life, liberty, and property. People form government to enhance rights and protect them. Should the government fail to protect these rights, the people have the right to rebel
• Section 1: All legislative powers are in the hands of Congress which is made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
• Section 2: House of Representatives Qualifications
o Elected every 2 years by the qualified electors in each state
o At least 25 years old
o 7 years a US citizen
o Resident of the state
o Number of representatives in the house depends on the state’s population
o 3/5 Compromise: A compromise to the South, that blacks were 3/5 a person.
o Enumeration is a count/ census. The first one was in 1790 and they must take a count every ten years.
o If a representative cannot finish their term, the governer has the choice to either:
 Call for an election
 If the state allows, pick a representative.
o There is a Speaker of the house
o The House has the power of impeachment. Impeachment solely means to be formally accused. The Senate actually kicks officials out of office
• Section 3: Senate Qualifications
o 2 senators from each state for 6 years.
o Senators chosen by qualified electors from their state
o 17th ammendment (Progressive Era): The governer can fill vacancies in the Senate provided that the legislature allows them that power. If not, an election must occur.
o 30 years old
o 9 years citizen
o Resident of the state
o Vice president is president of the Senate and can vote if there is a tie
o President pro tempore: longest sitting senator from the majority. Runs proceedings
o Once the House impeaches someone, the Senate runs the trial. The Chief Justice runs the trial and for anybody to be convicted there needs to be a 2/3 vote
o Being impeached disqualifies...

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