Cheat sheets

The facts you should never have to look up.

Five quick references built for studying, tabling, and debate prep. Print them and keep one in your bag.

The three branches

Legislative
Congress — House and Senate. Writes law, taxes, spends, declares war, confirms and impeaches.
Executive
President, cabinet, agencies. Enforces law, commands the military, negotiates treaties, vetoes.
Judicial
Supreme Court and federal courts. Interprets law, resolves disputes, reviews constitutionality.

Bill of Rights in one line each

1st
Religion, speech, press, assembly, petition.
2nd
Right to keep and bear arms.
3rd
No forced quartering of soldiers.
4th
No unreasonable searches or seizures.
5th
Grand jury, no double jeopardy, no self-incrimination, due process, just compensation.
6th
Speedy public trial, jury, counsel, confront witnesses.
7th
Jury trial in civil cases.
8th
No excessive bail or cruel and unusual punishment.
9th
Rights not listed are still retained by the people.
10th
Powers not delegated are reserved to the states or the people.

Numbers worth memorizing

435
Voting members of the U.S. House.
100
U.S. senators, two per state.
270
Electoral votes needed to win the presidency.
9
Justices on the Supreme Court.
2/3
Vote in both chambers to override a veto or propose an amendment.
3/4
States required to ratify an amendment.
60
Senate votes usually needed to end a filibuster.

Conservative first principles

Limited government
Power that is enumerated, divided, and accountable.
Free enterprise
Voluntary exchange creates wealth better than central direction.
Rule of law
Equal rules applied predictably, including to those who govern.
Federalism
Decisions made closest to the people they affect.
Personal responsibility
Rights carry duties; character sustains freedom.
Peace through strength
Deterrence is cheaper than war.

Georgia voting quick facts

Register
Online through the Georgia Secretary of State; pre-register at 17½.
Deadline
Registration closes 29 days before an election.
ID
Photo ID required in person; ID number required for absentee.
Check
Verify your status and precinct on the state My Voter Page before every election.

Sources

National Archives — Founders Online and the ConstitutionLibrary of Congress — Primary Documents in American HistoryU.S. Senate Historical OfficeU.S. House History, Art & ArchivesMiller Center — American President biographiesGovInfo — Congressional Record and roll-call votes

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