Congress - Effective/Powerful Flashcards
During the 1960’s Congress passed powerful legislation that resulted in ending. . . , guaranteeing. . . and creating both . . .
Ending racial segregation, guaranteeing voting rights, creating Medicare and Medicaid
In the 1970’s Congress passed legislation to curb the power of an. . . resulting in. . .
Imperial presidency (and got Nixon to resign too)
Congress and the White House being controlled by the same party allows the passing of . . . as seen in . . . resulting in. . .
Passing major legislation – 2009-2010 major fiscal stimulus, reforming healthcare etc
Congress took . . . days to pass legislation to authorise military action against those responsible for . . .
Congress took only three days to pass legislation to authorise military force against those responsible for 9/11.
What act had strong support in the House and Senate (state stats) after 9/11?
US Patriot Act was passed very decisively by 357 to 66 in the House and 98-1 in the Senate after 9/11 (Emergency Congress)
In 2008 what act did Congress pass during the financial crisis and what did it authorise? What act was passed in 2010 and what did it reform?
In response to the 2008 financial crisis Congress passed the Emergency Economic Stabilisation Act authorising $700 billion of federal spending and the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010 reformed Wall St.
What essential Obama act was passed?
Obamacare/Affordable Care Act
What is something that is not written into the constitution and therefore will not be used?
Hastert Rule
Example of Congress overriding a President’s veto during Bush’s presidency
Congress can override the president’s veto:
In 2007 Congress overturned G.W. Bush’s veto on the Water Resources Development Bill
Congress overrode 4 of Bush’s 12 vetoes during his 8 years in office
Congress overrode just 1 of Obama’s 12 vetoes (Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act)
In 2010 which of Obama’s nominee was supported to the Supreme Court? What was the vote?
Congress did support Obama’s nominee of Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court bench in 2010 by 63 votes to 37.
Other than Supreme Court nominee who else did Congress support? What was the vote?
Congress also supported Obama’s nominee for Secretary of State as John Kerry by 94 votes to 3
In 2010 what treaty did Congress vote to support?
Congress voted to support the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty in 2010 (START)
What appointee can impeach? Why instance can they impeach and how many time have they used it?
Congress can impeach a federal appointee for offences serious enough to warrant a removal from office. They have used this 19 times since 1789
Does Congress have the power to declare war? If true how many time was it used and what do they resort to instead?
Congress has to pass a declaration of war – last time was 1941 and only used 5 times in its history (usually is just asked to sanction military action that the President is already taking)
What key roles does the standing committee play? Examples of standing committees
Standing Committees play very key roles in legislation and investigation of the executive.
Some good ones include the Senate Committee on Commerce and the House Committee on Armed Services
