Legislative Branch Flashcards
What is the structure of the Legislative branch?
Bicameral- house(lower house) and the senate(upper house). Together they make up Congress.
What does bicameral mean?
Two houses- senate and house of representatives.
What is the main job of Congress?
Make laws.
What is a name for a federal law?
An act.
What is the name of the leader in the House of Reps?
The speaker of the house?
What are the requirements to run for the House of Reps?
25 years old, US citizen for 7 years, and lives in the state they represent.
How many members are in the House of Reps?
435
How often are new House of Reps representatives elected?
Every 2 years.
Who is the leader of the Senate?
The Vice President.
Who is the President Pro Tempore?
The high ranked Senator who fills in for the VP when they are not there.
How many members do each state in the senate have?
2 members
How long is a senators term?
6 years.
What are the requirements to run for Senate?
30 years old, US citizen for 9 years, and lives in the state they represent.
What makes someone a majority leader?
Have most of the people on their side.
What makes someone a minority leader?
The party with the least members.
What is a standing committee?
They deal with long term issues.
What is a special committee?
They deal with short term issues.
What is a conference committee?
They have members from both chambers.
What are some considering factors when choosing committee members?
Seniority, years of service, experience or interest in the field, loyalty to the party, importance to constituents.
What are enumerated powers?
Powers that are clearly expressed and showed.
What are two different names for enumerated powers?
Expressed and Delegated or Listed
What is the necessary and proper clause?
It gives Congress the power to make any laws that feel necessary and proper to function correctly.
What is another name for the necessary and proper clause?
Elastic Clause
What is a majority vote?
At least 51%
After a bill is introduced to Congress, what happens next?
The bill goes to its specific committee where it is discussed and voted on.
After a bill is passed in one house, what happens next?
It goes to the other house.
What can the president do with a bill?
Sign it(approving it) or vetoing(rejecting)
How can a presidents veto be overturned?
2/3 vote of congress again can overturn the veto.
What is the first step in the Impeachment process?
The HOR accuses someone of a crime with Majority vote.
What is the second step of the Impeachment process?
The Senate acts as the court, and they must be convicted with a 2/3 vote.
What are the 12 enumerated powers of Congress?
Coin money, control trade, borrow money, regulate immigration, punish pirates, give copyrights/patents, pay and raise an army/navy, declare war, set up federal courts, tax, create post offices.
