Chapter 8 Flashcards
What are the three basic types of purposes for congressional oversight as described in the “Congressional Oversight Manual”?
Programmatic, Political, and Institutional
Which of the following is a potential method for Congress to change a constitutional decision made by the Supreme Court with which it disagrees?
Congress can propose an amendment to the Constitution and work to secure its ratification.
Which of the following statements best summarizes the power of Congress over the jurisdiction of federal courts?
Congress has the power to decide which type of cases the federal courts will hear, including allocation between federal and state courts.
What is a key aspect that courts consider to determine whether a legislation is a Bill of Attainder?
Whether the legislation targets specific individuals and inflicts punishment on them.
Which of the following sources have given Congress the authority to conduct oversight according to the “Congressional Oversight Manual”?
Authority in the Constitution, Authority Granted by Supreme Court Decisions, Authority in Federal Statutes, and Authority from Congressional Rules
Which two historical experiences influenced the framers’ decision to create a Congress under the Constitution?
The tyranny of the British Crown and the disorganization of the initial US government.
According to the Constitution, which of the following is not a power of the Congress?
The power to enact any law as long as it is supported by the majority of the states.
According to the Supreme Court, what two classes of investigations are generally recognized as lacking a legislative purpose, thus, fall outside the purview of congressional oversight?
Investigations into private conduct with no relation to the legislative function and investigations that usurp functions committed to another branch of government
The Senate and the House of Representatives share equal legislative roles and functions but differ in one crucial aspect. What is this difference?
The Senate emphasizes deliberation over quick action, providing procedural leverage to individual senators, while the House rules allow a numerical majority to process legislation quickly.
What can Congress do regarding the structure and operations of the Supreme Court, according to Article III of the Constitution?
Congress can determine the size and composition of the Supreme Court.
In the case Foretich v. United States, why was the Elizabeth Morgan Act declared unconstitutional?
Because the Act was determined to be a Bill of Attainder, singling out Dr. Foretich for legislative punishment.
