Unit 2 Flashcards
What is Congress’s job?
Congress creates laws
Congress is divided into ___ branches as a _____ legislature
2; bicameral
Which house of Congress represents the states equally?
Senate
Which house of Congress represents the states by population?
The House of Representatives
How did the 17th amendment impact Congress’s bicameral legislature?
It gave people the right to elect their senators, thus broadening democracy
Which house of Congress gets reelected every 2 years and why is that important?
House of Reps - since Representatives face reelection more often than Senate, they are more responsive/in touch with their districts needs/population.
What does the Reapportionment Act of 1929 do?
It mandates the periodic distribution of US Congressional seats according to changes in the census each decade
What must happen to a bill for it to become law?
It must pass both houses of Congress with a simple majority and then be signed by the president
What are enumerated powers?
A limited number of specific powers listed in the Constitution (for Congress, for example)
What are implied powers?
Congress’s powers which aren’t directly stated, but given/required to fulfill the obligations of the enumerated powers
What part of the Constitution gives Congress implied powers
The Necessary and Proper clause
What is public policy
another name for laws that govern the us
What is Congress’s first enumerated power in the Constitution?
Raising revenue (tax)
What was the Gibbons v. Odgen case and what was the ruling?
A dispute over whether state and national governments had the authority over the regulation of navigable US waterways; Supreme Court sided with national government and solidified Congress’s commerce authority
T or F: Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce
True
T or F: Congress is a key player in foreign policy and oversees the military
True
What act attempted to reign in the president’s gained power in 1964 while still understanding the need for certain action?
The War Powers Act
What can the House of Reps do?
It can create tax laws, select the president if no candidate wins Electoral College, and can impeach federal officers
What power is unique to the House of Representatives?
The House of Reps is the only one who can introduce a revenue bill
What are the Senate’s powers?
Can approve treaties, use the power of advise and consent
What is the power of advice and consent (Senate)?
Senate can recommend/reject major presidential appointees such as Cabinet secretaries/federal judges
What power is unique to Senate?
Only Senate can try officials for wrongdoing
Who is at the top of the power pyramid in the House of Representatives?
The speaker of the house
Who is in the House of Reps hierarchy after the Speaker of the House and what do they do?
The floor leaders (majority and minority leaders) lead the debate among their party and guide the discussion from their side of the aisle. They are the first speakers recognized in the debate and have become spoke persons for the party in press conferences and interviews.
What is the deputy floor leader (whip) in charge of in the House of Reps?
Keeps party discipline; keeps a tally of votes among their party members; make sure party members remain in good standing and act in an ethical and professional capacity.
