US congress Flashcards
what is congress?
the legislative branch of us government that consists of two chambers, the House of Representatives and the senate
what is congress responsible for
legislation and oversight of the executive
define the senate
the upper house of congress
- it has 100 members who serve 6 year terms - each state has 2 senators
define the house of reps
the lower house of congress
- it has 435 members
- these members represent congressional districts within a state
what is the structure of congress?
- it is bicameral (made up of 2 chambers)
- congressional elections are held every 2 years
- senators serve 6 year terms
- representatives serve two year terms
what are the roles of congress
- passing legislation
- representing the people
- overseeing the executive
- declaring war
what is veto?
the refusal of the president to sign a bill based by congress
- this means the bill will not become law
what are the 9 powers of congress?
- legislative powers
- overriding a presidential veto
- initiating amendments
- ratifying treaties
- declaring war
- Congressional oversight
- confirming presidential appointments
- impeachment and Removal from office
- electing president and vice president in the event of a hung electoral college
define filibuster
a tactic used in the senate to prevent a vote, senators can debate for as long as they wish and fillibusting senators aim to speak long enough to use up all the time available for voting
define cloture
the process of ending a filibuster
define divided government
different parties hold the presidency and at least one chamber of congress
define unified government
one party holds presidency, the house of reps and the senate
what is the power of the purse
can act as a check on government
