Seventh Grade Congress Test Flashcards
Executive branch
The president can veto laws
What does legislate mean
To make laws
Congress has two houses what are they
The Senate and House of Representatives
Who is the most powerful member of the House of Representatives
The speaker of the house
What are some legislative powers
Tax spending, regulating commerce, and declaring war and army
Standing committee
Committees that continue their service from session to session
Special interest group
Groups of people who are very interested in influencing government decisions and who gets into office
Riders
Completely unrelated amendments to be tacked on the bill
A bill
A proposed law that has yet to become a law
Legislator
A person who writes the laws
Majority
More than 50% of a group
Minority
Less than 50% of a group
Census
Population count taken by the census bureau
Gerrymander
And oddly shaped district designed to increase the voting strength of a particular group
Constituents
The people that the legislators represent in Congress
Impeach
To accuse an official of wrongdoing or misconduct
Veto
To refuse to sign a bill
How often can a legislator run for office
Unlimited number of times
Are there term limits for senators? For representatives in the House of Representatives?
No
How many legislators must approve a bill for a bill to become a law?
Majority of both houses before it is sent to the president to be signed
How many legislators must approve a bill from override of the presidential veto of that bill?
2/3 vote majority for the bill in both houses
Override
Use one’s authority to reject or cancel a decision
Seniority
Is long years of service in the Congress
Judicial branch
The Supreme Court may declare laws unconstitutional
