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American Politics & Elections > Lecture 2 - Congress & the Executive Branch > Flashcards

Lecture 2 - Congress & the Executive Branch Flashcards

1
Q

What does Article I of the U.S. Constitution establish?

A

It establishes Congress, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

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2
Q

What are the main responsibilities of Congress?

A

Legislation, constituent services, oversight, advice and consent, impeachment.

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3
Q

What powers does Congress have in foreign policy?

A

Declares war, regulates foreign trade, ratifies treaties, approves ambassadors.

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4
Q

How does the ‘necessary and proper’ clause affect Congressional power?

A

Allows Congress to make laws necessary to execute its powers.

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5
Q

What is the role of the Speaker of the House?

A

Decides which bills get to the floor and leads the House of Representatives.

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6
Q

What are the responsibilities of the Senate?

A

Impeachment trials, ratifying treaties, approving presidential appointments.

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7
Q

What are the checks and balances between Congress and the President?

A

Can override vetoes, control funding, approve appointments, and impeach the President.

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8
Q

How does Congress check the power of the Supreme Court?

A

Approves appointments, sets the size of the Court, can impeach justices.

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9
Q

How is the Senate different from the House of Representatives?

A

Senators serve six-year terms and represent states, while Representatives serve two-year terms and represent districts.

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10
Q

What are the key elements of the Electoral College system?

A

Electors are chosen by states; 270 electoral votes are needed to win the presidency.

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11
Q

What powers are vested in the President by Article II of the U.S. Constitution?

A

Vests executive power in the President, includes the Commander in Chief role.

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12
Q

What is the role of the President in foreign policy?

A

Negotiates treaties, appoints ambassadors, and commands the armed forces.

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13
Q

How does the President check the power of Congress?

A

Can veto legislation, call special sessions of Congress, and interpret laws.

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14
Q

What are the main sources of Presidential power?

A

Party relations, public outreach (bully pulpit), political appointments, bureaucracy.

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15
Q

What is the role of the Vice President in the Senate?

A

Casts tie-breaking votes in the Senate.

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16
Q

What powers does the President have in relation to the Supreme Court?

A

Nominates justices, can pardon federal offenders, and refuse to enforce decisions.

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17
Q

How do Congressional elections work for the House of Representatives?

A

Representatives serve two-year terms, all members are elected every two years, and elections are by district.

18
Q

How do Congressional elections work for the Senate?

A

Senators serve six-year terms, with one-third of the Senate elected every two years. Senators represent states.

19
Q

What role does gerrymandering play in House elections?

A

It involves redrawing district boundaries to favor one party, influencing election outcomes.

20
Q

How does the impeachment process work in Congress?

A

The House impeaches with a majority vote, and the Senate holds a trial and votes to convict or acquit.

21
Q

What is the role of executive orders in the Executive branch?

A

Executive orders are directives issued by the President to manage operations of the federal government.

22
Q

How can Congress repeal an executive order?

A

Congress can pass legislation to override an executive order, subject to a presidential veto.

23
Q

What are the criticisms of the Electoral College system?

A

It gives smaller states more influence and can result in a candidate winning the presidency without winning the popular vote.

24
Q

What is the historical trend of expanding Presidential power?

A

Presidential power has expanded, especially during times of crisis, with FDR’s New Deal as a key example.

25
Q

What was FDR’s New Deal, and how did it expand presidential power?

A

The New Deal was a series of programs during the Great Depression that greatly increased the role of the federal government and the presidency.

26
Q

What are expressed powers of the President?

A

These are powers explicitly stated in the Constitution, such as the power to veto laws.

27
Q

What are delegated powers of the President?

A

These are powers granted by Congress to the President to execute its laws.

28
Q

What are inherent powers of the President?

A

These are powers assumed by the President, often during emergencies, not explicitly stated in the Constitution.

29
Q

Can you give an example of an expressed power?

A

The power to serve as Commander in Chief of the military is an expressed power.

30
Q

Can you give an example of a delegated power?

A

The power to implement economic sanctions, as delegated by Congress, is a delegated power.

31
Q

Can you give an example of an inherent power?

A

The use of executive orders during times of crisis, like Lincoln’s suspension of habeas corpus during the Civil War, is an example of an inherent power.

32
Q

What is the role of Congressional committees?

A

Congressional committees review bills, hold hearings, and investigate government activities.

33
Q

What are the different types of Congressional committees?

A

There are standing committees, select committees, joint committees, and special committees.

34
Q

What is the role of the bureaucracy in the Executive branch?

A

The bureaucracy helps the President implement laws, manage programs, and oversee government operations.

35
Q

What is the function of independent agencies in the U.S. government?

A

Independent agencies manage specific government tasks outside of the executive departments, like NASA or the EPA.

36
Q

What are the criticisms of the Electoral College system?

A

It can give smaller states disproportionate power and allow a candidate to win without the popular vote.

37
Q

What are swing states, and why are they important?

A

Swing states are states where election outcomes are uncertain, and they play a decisive role in determining the winner.

38
Q

What are some key races in the 2024 U.S. elections?

A

Competitive races include Montana, Ohio, Arizona, Nevada, and Michigan.

39
Q

How does the Cabinet assist the President?

A

The Cabinet advises the President and administers various executive departments like Defense and Treasury.

40
Q

What are independent regulatory commissions?

A

Independent regulatory commissions enforce rules in specific areas, like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

41
Q

What is the significance of the Presidential race in Arizona in 2024?

A

The Arizona Senate race is considered highly competitive, with candidates like Ruben Gallego and Kari Lake.

American Politics & Elections (5 decks)

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