Legislative Branch Flashcards
What article of the constitution deals with the legislative branch?
Why did the founding father make it the longest article?
Article 1
They believed it was very important in a government that represents the citizens
What does bicameral mean
Having two branches
What is the Virginia plan?
Called for a strong national gov
With 3 branches
What is the new jersey plan
Protecting the security of the small states by limiting each state to one vote in Congress
What is the great compromise?
Established the United States legislature as a bicameral, or two house making body
Which is the upper house and which is the lower house?
Senate is higher and HOR is lower
What is the membership size of the HOR and senate
The house- 435
The Senate- 100
Summarize section 1
All powers in federal gov are bicameral
Summarize section 2 clause 1
Members of the HOR will be chosen every 2 years
Summarize section 2 clause 2
Member of HOR must be 25 years old, a citizen for 7 years, and represent the state they are living in
Summarize section 2 clause 3
Number of representatives is based on population
Summarize section 2 clause 5
The HOR shall chuse their speaker and other officers and have the sole power of impeachment
Summarize section 3 clause 1
The senate of the U.S. shall be composed of two senators from each state
Summarize section 3 clause 2
The senators are divided into 3 groups
Summarize section 3 clause 3
Senator must be at least 30 years old, a citizen for 9 years and live in the state they are representing
Summarize section 3 clause 4
The vice president is president of the Senate but may vote only to break a tie
Summarize section 3 clause 6
The senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments
Summarize section 7 clause 2
Once both houses have signed a bill, it gets sent to the president to make it official, but if not returned in 10 days, it will get vetoed
Name 10 powers of Congress
Make laws
Declare war
Raise and provide public money
Impeach and try federal officials
Approve presidential appointments
Approve treaties negotiated by the executive branch
Coin money
Regulate trade
Establish post offices
Do patents
What is the commerce clause
Gives Congress power to regulate trade
What is the elastic clause
The many and far reaching powers of the federal government
Summarize section 9
Prohibits Congress from legislating in certain areas
Summarize section 10
Limits the powers of the states
