gov ch 6 and 7 vocab

expressed powers

powers directly stated in the constitution

necessary and proper clause (elastic clause)

A clause in Article I, section 8, of the Constitution that gives Congress the power to do whatever it deems necessary and constitutional to meet its enumerated obligations; the basis for the implied powers.

implied powers

Powers not specifically mentioned in the constitution

revenue bill

a law proposed to raise money

appropriations bill

An act of Congress that actually funds programs within limits established by authorization bills. Appropriations usually cover one year.

authorizations bill

An act of Congress that establishes, continues, or changes a discretionary government program or an entitlement. It specifies program goals and maximum expenditures for discretionary programs.

Interstate Commerce Act

1887 law passed to regulate railroad and other interstate businesses

copyright

the exclusive legal right, given to an originator or an assignee to print, publish, perform, film, or record literary, artistic, or musical material, and to authorize others to do the same.

patent

(n.) exclusive rights over an invention; copyright; (v.) to arrange or obtain such rights; (adj.) plain, open to view; copyrighted

Impeachment

A formal document charging a public official with misconduct in office

subpoena

a court order requiring appearance and/or testimony

perjury

lying under oath

contempt

the feeling that a person or a thing is beneath consideration, worthless, or deserving scorn.

immunity

(n.) resistance to disease; freedom from some charge or obligation

legislative oversight

Congress's monitoring of the bureaucracy and its administration of policy, performed mainly through hearings.

legislative veto

The authority of Congress to block a presidential action after it has taken place. The Supreme Court has held that Congress does not have this power

private bill

A legislative bill that deals only with specific, private, personal, or local matters.

public bill

a legislative bill that deals with matters of general concern

joint resolution

A formal expression of congressional opinion that must be approved by both houses of congress and by the president; constitutional amendments need not be signed by the president

simple resolution

an expression of opinion either in the House or Senate to settle procedural matters in either body

concurrent resolution

An expression of opinion without the force of law that requires the approval of both the House and the Senate, but not the president

rider

A provision attached to a bill - to which it may or may not be related - in order to secure its passage or defeat.

hearing

a session at which a committee listens to testimony from people interested in the bill

veto

to reject

pocket veto

A veto taking place when Congress adjourns within 10 days of submitting a bill to the president, who simply lets it die by neither signing nor vetoing it.