Legislative Branch
Congress is a two house legislature. What word means two house?
Bicameral
Membership in the house of representatives is based on what?
What amendment changed the voting process for electing senators
17th --> senators are now elected directly by the people instead of by state legislatures
Which of the following is not a power belonging to congress?
Declare war, pass the budget, create treaties, coin money, taxation, regulate commerce,
create treaties (presidential power)
the senate has to approve the treaty though
What is the very first thing that has to happen in order for a law to be made?
An idea has to be introduced in either the house or the senate
How does congress impact public policy
by making laws
What is the term length of a representative in the house?
2 years
How long is a senators term length?
6 years
gives congress the power to create laws needed to carry out their expressed powers
necessary and proper clause
What kind of bills must start in the House?
revenue bills
The democratic principle that the will of the people is reflected in government debates and decisions by their elected representatives
<55% of the vote
Debate in the senate is?
unrestricted, can filibuster, can use cloture, more free
Congress has this, which allows them to raise money from taxes, appropriate funds, and approve the budget
power of the purse
Where does a hearing, aka debate and discussion on a bill, take place?
in committee
What is one way the legislative branch can check the executive branch?
impeachment
override veto
deny presidential appointments
Debate in the house is?
formal, limited, structured, discharge petition, limited speaking time, restricted
What is a power belonging solely to the senate?
approving treaties & presidential appointments
A congressional power that allows congress to create laws pertaining to trade... this power has been a large point of contention and has been used as a justification for a lot of questionable congressional decision
regulating commerce
What can happen if the president vetoes a bill?
What kind of people typically make up congress?
white, male, affluent, well-educated
What are the qualifications to be in the House?
1. 25
2. citizen for 7 years
3. resident of the state they want to represent
What are the qualifications to be in the senate?
1. 30
2. citizen for 9 years
3. resident of state they want to represent
What is one way that congress has used the elastic clause to carry out their enumerated power to raise a military?
the draft
List the hierarchy of power in both senatorial and house leadership
House-- 1. speaker, 2. majority & minority leaders, 3. whips
Senate-- 1. VP (pres of senate), 2. president pro tempore, 3. majority & minority leaders, 4. whips