congressional powers in depth

Question 1

Meaning of impeachment

Answer 1

Impeachment is the formal investigation to decide whether to remove an official from office.
‘Being impeached’ is not being removed from
office, it is being investigated formally.
Clinton and Trump were impeached (but not
found guilty, so not removed from office).
Not only presidents can be impeached.
Congress can impeach judges and cabinet
members too.

Question 2

what majorities are required in the impeachment process

Answer 2

To statt the process - A simple majority is requirted from the HoR
To find the person guilty 2/3rd majority is required in the Senate

Question 3

recent impeachment examples (that actually
DID lead to a ‘guilty’ verdict):

Answer 3

1. Federal judge Samuel Kent 2009: Lying about
   sexually abusing female colleagues
2. Federal judge Thomas Porteous
   2010: fraudulent financial claims

Question 4

what are veto powers a prime example of

Answer 4

checks and balances

Question 5

vetoes by president and what was overriden

Answer 5

Obama: 12 (1 overridden)
Trump: 10 (1 overridden) - vetoes measure to end his declaration of emergency declaration to buold the wall - not overriden

Question 6

power of the purse

Answer 6

The power to decide the budget of the executive.

Question 7

Why is it reasonable that it is Congress that decides how the executive spends government money?

Answer 7

Congress represents taxpayers; it’s taxpayer money that is being spent.

Question 8

What happens if Congress in the US votes against the budget?

Answer 8

government shutdown

Question 9

what is a government shut down

Answer 9

A government shutdown is when parts of the government have to be closed because the budget is not approved by Congress before the deadline.

Question 10

previous government shutdowns

Answer 10

2018/19 government shutdown over border
wall funding - 35 days

Question 11

advice and consent powers

Answer 11

The advice and consent powers are an essential element of the constitution, and its principles of checks and balances and limited government.
It means the president cannot appoint senior members of the executive or judiciary on his own.

Question 12

types of advice and consent powers with majorities required

Answer 12

1. Confirm or reject presidential appointments
   Normal majority required
2. Ratify (or reject) international treaties 2/3 majority required for ratification