Congress 3 - Powers of House & Senate

Question 1

Concurrent powers: Legislate

Answer 1

All bills must pass through all stages in both houses. Affordable Care Act - Debated and voted on in both chambers 2009-10

Question 2

Concurrent powers: Override the President’s veto

Answer 2

Both houses must vote by 2/3 majorities. In 2007, Congress overrode Bush’s veto of the Water Resources Developmental Bill

Question 3

Concurrent powers: Amend the constitution

Answer 3

An amendment must be approved by 2/3 of both houses before it can be ratified by the states.
E.g. 26th Amendment, 1971 - Prohibits voting age to deny vote to citizens at least 18 years old.
Senate voted 94-0 in favour and representatives 401-9

Question 4

Concurrent powers: Declare war

Answer 4

Both houses must concur in a declaration of war.

Most recently being in 1941 when America declared war on Japan

Question 5

Concurrent powers: Representation

Answer 5

Both houses represent regions.
Eg. Schliff represents California’s 12th district
Feinstein one of 2 senators representing California

Question 6

Concurrent powers: Confirming Vice President

Answer 6

1973 - Ford

1974 - Rockefeller