- The two branches of the legislature are the House of Representatives and the Senate, jointly called Congress.
- The chief officer of the House of Representatives is the Speaker of the House; the chief officer of the Senate is the Vice-President of the U.S.
- The impeachment process begins when the House of Representatives brings formal charges against government officials.
- Congress must meet at least once a year to address the budget.
- Passing a bill into law involves introduction, committee review, floor debate and vote in both chambers, reconciliation if needed, and presidential approval or veto override.
- The two kinds of vetoes are Regular Veto and Pocket Veto.
- Powers exclusively held by Congress include taxing, regulating trade, declaring war, and coining money.
- The elastic clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18) allows future generations to expand the powers of the Constitution.
- Titles of nobility are prohibited to prevent aristocracy and ensure equal status among citizens.
- Election procedures differ: House members must be 25, residents of their state, and citizens for 7 years, elected for 2 years; Senators must be 30, residents of their state, and citizens for 9 years, elected for 6 years with one-third elected every 2 years.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of the us constitution worksheet.
