Article One Flashcards
Quorum
The minimum number of reps and senators needed in order to hold a vote
The number is one more than half
51 in the senate
218 in the house
Filibuster
An attempt of a minority of senators to try and block a piece of legislation from becoming a law
Gerrymandering
District lines that have been changed to help the political party in power to stay in power
Bicameral
2 houses
Senate
Congress
Constituents
The people who live in a reps district or the senators state
Electorate
Anyone who is able to vote in an election
Necessary and proper clause
Gives congress the right to enforce laws that seem right for the us
Impeach
Accuse and bring charges formally
Franking privilege
Allows members to send mail without paying for postage
4 ways members of congress can vote
Partisan vote
Delagate vote
Trustee vote
Politico vote
Partisan vote
A vote based on the wishes of one’s political party
Party first view
Delagate vote
A vote based on the wishes of someone’s constituents
Trustee vote
A vote where a rep or senator decides their vote based on their own views and what they feel are the merits for the bill
Politico vote
Combo of the other three
How long is a term for a house rep
2 years
When does a new term start for house reps
January 3
What is a session of congress
The annual meetings
How many sessions are there to a term of congress
2
How often are members of the house elected
2 years
Who is qualified to vote for members of the house
Congress
What are the qualifications for members of the house
25 years old
Us citizen for 7 years
Live in the district you represent
How does congress determine the number of reps each state receives
The population of the state
Reapportionment act of 1929
Fixed the number of members of the house to 435 by using the census
In case of death or any other event in the house how is the seat filled for the remainder of the term
Stays open
Two ways to gerrymander
Packing: get as many voters in one district
Cracking: divide up republicans and democrats
How many senators does each state have
2
How long is a term for senators
6 years
How were senators chosen before 1913
By direct votes
How are empty senate seats filled
Beginning of term: governor calls for a special election
Middle: governor appoints someone
Late: seat stays open
Qualifications for senators
30 years old
Us citizen for 9 years
Live in state they represent
How many senators get replaced every two years
Off year elections: 33
Presidential year: 34
Who is the president of the senate
Vice president of us
Impeachment
Who charges and who tries the case
Charges: house of reps
Tries: senate
In case of a tie in the senate what procedures are followed
The Vice President chooses
Who presides in case the president is impeached
President pro tempore
What vote is necessary to convict in an impeachment case
2/3
What are the duties of congress
Financial and budget matters
Taxes
Making laws
Who determines whether an elected member is qualified to take his place in congress
President
How many members are required for a quorum
One more than half
Who pays congress
Taxpayers
Non salary compensation that congressman possess
Free air travel Tax breaks for owning two homes Free healthcare Money for staff Postage free mail
What happens when a bill is first introduced to congress
It goes to a committee
In which house do all money bills originate
House of rep
