Constitution Scavenger Hunt | PDF - Free Printable

You’ve uploaded a “Constitutional Law I Cards” student handout — a set of 10 flashcards designed to test understanding of U.S. Constitutional provisions, particularly those related to the powers and limitations of the federal government, presidency, Congress, and judiciary.

Let’s solve each card one by one with clear explanations based on the U.S. Constitution.

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Card 1: Your uncle just celebrated his 30th birthday. Can he run for the House of Representatives?

✔ Answer: No

🔹 Explanation:
Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution sets the qualifications for members of the House of Representatives:
- Must be at least 25 years old
- Must have been a U.S. citizen for at least 7 years
- Must be an inhabitant of the state they represent

Since your uncle is 30, he meets the age requirement (he’s older than 25). So why “No”? Wait — actually, he CAN run! The question says he just turned 30 — that’s well over 25. So unless there’s another disqualifier (like citizenship or residency), he qualifies.

➡️ Correction: YES, he can run.

*Note: There may be a trick here — perhaps the card is testing if you know the minimum age is 25, not 30. Since 30 > 25, he qualifies.*

✔ Final Answer: Yes

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Card 2: A candidate you strongly support was just elected senator. How many years must pass before this candidate can be reelected?

✔ Answer: 6 years

🔹 Explanation:
Article I, Section 3 of the Constitution states that U.S. Senators serve six-year terms. Elections for Senate seats are staggered so that approximately one-third of the Senate is up for election every two years.

So, the senator can be reelected after 6 years.

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Card 3: The media are reporting a rise in federal income tax for the coming year. Where did the proposal for this new tax originate?

✔ Answer: The House of Representatives

🔹 Explanation:
The Constitution (Article I, Section 7, Clause 1) states:
> “All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives…”

This is known as the Origination Clause. While the Senate may propose or concur with amendments, the actual bill to raise taxes must start in the House.

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Card 4: Troops from a foreign country have invaded Oregon. Which branch of government has the power to declare war against this aggressor?

✔ Answer: Congress

🔹 Explanation:
Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the Constitution grants Congress the power:
> “To declare War…”

While the President is Commander-in-Chief (Article II, Section 2), only Congress can formally declare war. (Note: In practice, presidents have often used military force without formal declarations — but constitutionally, the power rests with Congress.)

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Card 5: The United States and another country recently agreed to a treaty on arms reductions. Who has the power to make such a treaty with a foreign country?

✔ Answer: The President (with Senate approval)

🔹 Explanation:
Article II, Section 2, Clause 2 gives the President the power to:
> “make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur”

So, while the President negotiates and signs treaties, they require ratification by 2/3 of the Senate to become binding.

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Card 6: The president appointed a new ambassador to Haiti. Who must approve this appointment before it can take effect?

✔ Answer: The Senate

🔹 Explanation:
Article II, Section 2, Clause 2 also gives the President the power to:
> “appoint Ambassadors… with the Advice and Consent of the Senate”

This means the Senate must confirm the appointment by majority vote (not 2/3 like treaties).

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Card 7: A Supreme Court justice has announced her retirement. Who has the power to nominate a replacement?

✔ Answer: The President

🔹 Explanation:
Again, Article II, Section 2, Clause 2:
> “The President… shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint… Judges of the supreme Court…”

So the President nominates; the Senate confirms.

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Card 8: The presidential candidate you favor has been called the “youngest person ever to run for president.” How old must this candidate be to qualify for the presidency?

✔ Answer: 35 years old

🔹 Explanation:
Article II, Section 1, Clause 5 sets the qualifications for President:
- Natural-born citizen
- At least 35 years old
- Resident of the U.S. for at least 14 years

So regardless of how young they are, they must be at least 35.

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Card 9: You are disappointed the morning after Election Day to discover that the new president is not who you voted for. In how many years can you vote again?

✔ Answer: 4 years

🔹 Explanation:
Presidential elections occur every 4 years (as per the 22nd Amendment and original Constitution). The President serves a 4-year term, and can be re-elected once (max 2 terms).

So, you’ll get to vote again in 4 years — unless there’s a special election (which doesn’t apply to the presidency).

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Card 10: If a vice president were to commit a federal offense, who has the power to impeach him or her? Who has the power to try the impeached official?

✔ Answer:
- Impeachment power: The House of Representatives
- Trial power: The Senate

🔹 Explanation:
Article I, Section 2, Clause 5:
> “The House of Representatives… shall have the sole Power of Impeachment.”

Article I, Section 3, Clause 6:
> “The Senate shall have the sole Power to try all Impeachments.”

This applies to all civil officers, including the Vice President. (Note: The Chief Justice presides only when the President is being tried.)

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## ✔ Final Answers Summary:

| Card | Answer |
|------|--------|
| 1 | Yes (He’s 30 → meets 25+ age requirement) |
| 2 | 6 years |
| 3 | House of Representatives |
| 4 | Congress |
| 5 | President (with Senate approval) |
| 6 | Senate |
| 7 | President |
| 8 | 35 years old |
| 9 | 4 years |
| 10 | Impeach: House; Try: Senate |

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Let me know if you’d like these formatted as study flashcards or printable notes!