Congress Flashcards
What are the two chambers of the US Congress?
The House of Representatives (lower house) and the Senate (upper house).
How many members are in the House of Representatives?
435
How many Senators are there?
100 – two from each state
What are the term lengths for Representatives and Senators?
Representatives: 2 years | Senators: 6 years (staggered elections every 2 years for 1/3)
What is the minimum age to serve in each chamber?
House: 25 | Senate: 30
What are the exclusive powers of the House?
Initiate money bills
What are the exclusive powers of the Senate?
Confirm appointments
What are the shared powers of both houses?
Law-making
Which clause gives Congress implied powers?
The Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause) – Article I
What is the process of a bill becoming law?
Introduction → Committee → Floor Debate → Vote → Other Chamber → Conference Committee → Presidential action.
What happens if the President vetoes a bill?
Congress can override the veto with a 2/3 majority in both chambers.
What is a filibuster and where does it occur?
Extended debate to delay or block a vote; only in the Senate.
What is the ‘pork barrel’ legislation?
When members secure federal funds for projects in their home states/districts.
What is congressional oversight?
Scrutiny of the executive branch to ensure accountability.
Give an example of effective oversight.
Senate rejecting Robert Bork for Supreme Court in 1987.
When is oversight more effective?
When Congress is controlled by the opposition party to the President.
What limits oversight?
Partisan loyalty
What is the delegate model of representation?
Legislators act according to the wishes of their constituents.
What is the trustee model of representation?
Legislators use their own judgment when making decisions.
What is the incumbency advantage in Congress?
High re-election rates due to name recognition
Which chamber is more powerful: US Congress or UK Parliament?
US Congress – both chambers are co-equal; in the UK
Can Congress remove a president? Can Parliament remove a PM?
Yes
What limits party discipline in Congress?
Separation of powers and direct elections reduce executive control.
How does the committee system compare?
Stronger in the US; standing committees dominate legislative and oversight work.
Can either legislature bind future sessions?
No – both systems operate on the principle that one legislature cannot bind its successors.
