Distribution of Powers Flashcards
Concurrent Powers
Congress is given all legislative powers by Article I of the Constitution. Article II gives them the power to overturn a presidential veto with a 2/3 vote in both chambers. They are also given the power to amend the constitution (Article V), a power which is shared with the states, and the power to declare war (Article I). Both houses are given the power to determine their own rules, punish their members and expel a member with two-thirds vote (Article I). These powers are given to both chambers.
Exclusive Powers of the House of Representatives
The House has the exclusive power to impeach; this means to bring charges against a politician or public official who they believe have committed ‘high crimes and misdemeanours’, not to remove someone from office. The House has the power of the purse - the power to begin all money bills. The House has the power to elect the president if no one candidate receives more than 50% of the electoral college votes (this has happened in 1800 and 1824).
Exclusive Powers of the Senate
The Senate has the exclusive power to try an impeachment case with a 2/3 vote in the Senate required to remove someone from office (Article I, Section 3). The Senate has the power to elect the Vice President if no one has more than 50% of the electoral college votes. The Senate has the power to confirm executive appointments (such as cabinet members and federal judges), given by Article II of the Constitution. The Senate has the power to ratify treaties with a 2/3 vote.
Senate’s Exclusive Power: Filibuster
The Senate has the power to filibuster a bill, which is not a power specified in the constitution. This is when Senators keep talking to make a bill run out of time and stop a vote from happening. The rules of the Senate allows a senator to speak for as long as they want to on any topic unless 3/5 senators vote to end the filibuster.
