Social Studies Flashcards
What is the main job of the legislative branch?
To make laws
What branch is Congress?
Legislative
What is the definition of bicameral?
Having two houses or chambers
Which is the upper house in the legislative branch?
Senate
Which is the lower house in the legislative branch?
The House of Representstives
What is the definition of expressed powers?
Powers specifically listed in Article 1 that give Congress the ability to pass certain laws
What is the definition of implied powers?
Powers that the Constitution gives to Congress that are not listed in detail
What is the elastic clause?
It is the same thing as implied powers
Name all of the expressed powers.
- Declaring war
- Creating and maintaining the armed forces
- Coining and manufacturing money
- Establishing a system of delivering mail
- Creating the federal court beneath the Supreme Court
- Raising money by taxing
- Spending money to benefit the nation
- Regulating the process of becoming a citizen
What do members of the Senate represent?
A state
How many votes does each state have in the Senate?
2
How many members are a part of the Senate?
100 total members
How long is the term of office in the Senate?
6 years
When is the re-election for the Senators?
1/3 of the Senators go up for re-election every two years
What are classes in the Senate?
The group of Senators who are up for re-election.
How long do you have to be a citizen for to become a Senator?
At least 9 years
In order to become a Senator where must you be a resident from?
From the state you are representing
How old do you have to be to become a Senator?
At least 30 years old
Who is in charge of the Senate?
The Vice President (Joe Biden)
Who is second-in-command of the Senate?
The President Pro Tempore (Patrick Leahy)
Who selects the President Pro Tempore?
The Senate
What are all the unique powers of the Senate?
- Approves treaties by a two-thirds vote
- Approves major presidential appointments
- Conduct the trial when the House impeaches an official (try impeachment cases)
What do members of the House of Representatives represent?
Congressional districts
What is the representation based on in the House of Representatives?
On the population of the state which is determined by a census