Term Length of the House
2 years
Term Length of the Senate
6 years
Size of the House
435
Size of the Senate
100
Qualifications of the House
25 years old, 7 years a US citizen, and have to live in a state you represent
Qualifications of the Senate
30 years old, 9 years a citizen, and have to live in a state you represent
Incumbent
A person that is already in the position.
Redistricting
The redrawing of congressional and other legislative district lines following the census.
Reapportionment
The redistribution of seats in the House of Reps after the US census, taken every 10 years (every 0(200, 2010, 2020)). Only in the house of reps because the population of the state determines seats in the house while the senate gets 2 per state. Needs at least on representative per state, 435 members in total, and 2 year terms with no term limits. There are no term limits in Congress because the people in power would need to pass a constitutional amendment needing 2/3 of Congress, but wouldn't cause they want to stay in power. In 1929 seats were fixed at 435.
Gerrymandering
Districts are drawn to the advantage of the party which controls the state legislature.
Cracking
Spreading out the opposition party, so they have a slight minority in each district
Packing
Placing a huge majority of the opposition party in a few districts in order to win a majority in most other district
Advantages of Incumbency
a. Franking Privilege - Named after Benjamin Franklin. Already in the office, you don't have to pay for any copying of any materials.
b. Staffers - You have a staff that is payed for by the government.
New cards
16
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17
c. Patronage - Can promise to give jobs.
New cards
18
New cards
19
d. Name Recognition
New cards
20
New cards
21
e. Casework - Projects you do for district or laws can pass for your district.
New cards
22
New cards
23
f. Money - Easier to raise money because interest groups will give money to them because they are way more likely to win. Why will they win? Because they got more money.
New cards
24
The Bicameral Structure
Purpose - To make the legislative branch not become too powerful. Took the legislative branch and divided it among itself. Split knowing they'd argue.
Almost done
25
New cards
26
Differences - House of Reps was expected to represent the views of the people. House elected by the people. The 17th amendment ratified in 1913, provided for the direct election of senator by the voters of the states. The Senate is designed to be more mature, stable, in depth debate with national focus.
New cards
27
Expressed Powers
Also called enumerated or delegated powers. Powers specifically in the constitution.
New cards
28
Implied Powers
Can be called the Necessary & Proper Clause and Elastic Clause. Powers not in constitution, but are necessary for the function of any given governing body.
Almost done
29
Strict Constructionist: Believe constitution should not be opened to interpretation.
New cards
30
Loose Constructionist: Believe the constitution should be interpreted loosely. More power to the national government.
New cards
31
Inherent Powers
Not specifically in the constitution. Powers given to perform essential duties of government, like have a border.
New cards
32
Institutional Powers
Powers involving checks and balances of other branches. Impeachment - accusing of a crime, being brought to trial. House votes to impeach. If it happens, goes to the senate then the senate goes through and to convict, needs 2/3 senate votes. Proposing constitutional amendments. Congress can unseat or punish its own members. Congress can investigate executive/judicial branch corruption.
Almost done
33
Differences between House & Senate
The house is less powerful. The senate is more powerful and prestigious because there are less people, so votes mean more, their terms are longer, and have larger/more constituents (all the people you represent).
New cards
34
The senate is the upper house and the house is the lower house.
New cards
35
The house has very strict rules for debate because there are more people and senate's debate is very loose and informal.
New cards
36
House is more representative of the wants of the people because of their short terms. Senate is more concerned of what's best for the country because they are not always up for reelection.
New cards
37
The Senate has 2 more powers that the house doesn't: can ratify all treaties with 2/3 and confirms all presidential nominees. The house has 1 more power senate doesn't: all revenue bills, bills that are going to be given money, must be given by the house. The house's power turned out to be fairly insignificant.
New cards
38
Speaker of the House
Presiding officer and majority party leader. Leads in a fair & judicious manner & expected to aid the fortunes of their own party. Powers: can't speak until recognized by the speaker, refers bills to committees, rules on points of order, signs bills, appoints all select and conference committees. 2nd in line to the succession of the president. Current speaker - Mike Johnson.
New cards
39
Presiding Officer of the Senate
The vice president of the US is the president of the senate. However, not a member of the legislative. Can't make law so can't debate bills or vote. Can only vote to break a tie. Current president of senate - Kamala Harris.
New cards
40
President Pro-Tempore
Latin - "for the time being." Rules in the vice president's absence. Majority party longest tenured senator. Patty Murray - 74 years old. Elected into the senate in 1993.
New cards
41
Majority and Minority Leaders
Not official positions. Majority & minority parties will elect leaders. Legislative strategists - try to carry out the decisions of their parties & steer floor action to their benefit. Plans the order of business on the floor.
Almost done
42
Majority and Minority Whips
Assistance's to the floor leaders. Check with party members of the number of votes on a matter. Attempt to see that members of parties are present for important votes and vote with the party leadership.
New cards
43
Congressional Caucus
A group of members of the US congress that meet to pursue common legislative objectives.
New cards
44
Influences on Members of Congress
Campaign Contributions
Almost done
45
New cards
46
Political Party - voting as a partisan.
New cards
47
New cards
48
The President
New cards
49
New cards
50
Constituent Convictions - voting as a delegate or representational voting.
New cards
51
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52
Congressional Staff
New cards
53
New cards
54
Interest Groups/Lobbyist
New cards
55
New cards
56
Members Own Convictions - Voting as a trustee or attitudinal voting.
New cards
57
New cards
58
Other members of Congress
New cards
59
New cards
60
Congressional Caucuses
New cards
61
New cards
62
The Media
New cards
63
New cards
64
Iron Triangles - Policy network group. A triangle that consists of an interest group, the bureaucratic agency, & the congressional committee.
New cards
65
How a Bill Becomes a Law
Bill to Law in the House:
New cards
66
Bill Introduction - Anyone can write a bill, but must be introduced by a congressman. Given a name and a number then refer to the proper committee.
New cards
67
New cards
68
Subcommittee - Referred to the proper committee. Referred to the proper subcommittee for study, hearing, revisions, and debates. Subcommittee votes to pass, kill, amend, or pigeonhole. If passes then moves on, if not then the bill dies.
New cards
69
New cards
70
Committee Action - Referred back to the full committee for more study, hearing, revisions, and debates. Full committee votes to pass, kill, amend, or pigeonhole. If passes then moves on, if not then the bill dies. 80% of bills don't pass here. Can have a discharge petition.
New cards
71
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72
Rules Committee - Only significant in the House. Sets rules for debate for the house. "Traffic Cop" function sets legislative calendar. Decides open or closed bills (allow for amendments).
New cards
73
New cards
74
House Debate - Bill is debated and voted on by the entire house. If fails then the bill dies, if passes then the bill goes to the senate and the entire process starts all over again.
New cards
75
New cards
76
Bill to Law in the Senate:
New cards
77
Same process with the following exceptions:
New cards
78
No significant rules committee.
New cards
79
Structure is very informal.
New cards
80
Need unanimous consent to bring a bill for a vote.
New cards
81
Give rise to a filibuster.
New cards
82
Hold.
New cards
83
Rider.
New cards
84
Earmarks.
New cards
85
Pork Barrel.
New cards
86
New cards
87
Presidential Action - 4 options:
New cards
88
Sign bill
New cards
89
Veto the bill - can be overwritten by 2/3 vote of both houses, a override
New cards
90
Silent Veto - Not sign the bill and after 10 days the bill passes if congress is in session.
New cards
91
Pocket Veto - Not sign the bill and after 10 days the bill dies if congress not in session, adjournment.
New cards
92
Filibuster
A strategy used in the senate to delay or block a vote by extending debate on a bill.
Almost done
93
Cloture
3/5 vote to end a filibuster
New cards
94
Hold
A strategy used by a senator to delay or block a vote on a bill.
Still learning
95
Rider
A iffy bill attached to a bill certain to pass.
New cards
96
Earmarks
Set aside money for a specific project.
Almost done
97
Pork Barrel
Allocating government funds for projects/earmarked riders to spend money in a district to enhance congressman's power.
Almost done
98
Discharge Petition
Vote by congress to force a bill out of committee.
Almost done
99
Pigeonhole
To set a bill aside by a committee without considering it. Most frequent fate of a bill
New cards
100
Committee
A group of people appointed for a specific function, typically consisting of members of a larger group. Purpose: divide up the workload, create specialists to investigate and write and recommend bills, conduct investigations of the executive branch, and conduct oversight of the executive branch agencies.
Still learning
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b. Staffers - You have a staff that is payed for by the government.
New cards
16
New cards
17
c. Patronage - Can promise to give jobs.
New cards
18
New cards
19
d. Name Recognition
New cards
20
New cards
21
e. Casework - Projects you do for district or laws can pass for your district.
New cards
22
New cards
23
f. Money - Easier to raise money because interest groups will give money to them because they are way more likely to win. Why will they win? Because they got more money.
New cards
24
The Bicameral Structure
Purpose - To make the legislative branch not become too powerful. Took the legislative branch and divided it among itself. Split knowing they'd argue.
Almost done
25
New cards
26
Differences - House of Reps was expected to represent the views of the people. House elected by the people. The 17th amendment ratified in 1913, provided for the direct election of senator by the voters of the states. The Senate is designed to be more mature, stable, in depth debate with national focus.
New cards
27
Expressed Powers
Also called enumerated or delegated powers. Powers specifically in the constitution.
New cards
28
Implied Powers
Can be called the Necessary & Proper Clause and Elastic Clause. Powers not in constitution, but are necessary for the function of any given governing body.
Almost done
29
Strict Constructionist: Believe constitution should not be opened to interpretation.
New cards
30
Loose Constructionist: Believe the constitution should be interpreted loosely. More power to the national government.
New cards
31
Inherent Powers
Not specifically in the constitution. Powers given to perform essential duties of government, like have a border.
New cards
32
Institutional Powers
Powers involving checks and balances of other branches. Impeachment - accusing of a crime, being brought to trial. House votes to impeach. If it happens, goes to the senate then the senate goes through and to convict, needs 2/3 senate votes. Proposing constitutional amendments. Congress can unseat or punish its own members. Congress can investigate executive/judicial branch corruption.
Almost done
33
Differences between House & Senate
The house is less powerful. The senate is more powerful and prestigious because there are less people, so votes mean more, their terms are longer, and have larger/more constituents (all the people you represent).
New cards
34
The senate is the upper house and the house is the lower house.
New cards
35
The house has very strict rules for debate because there are more people and senate's debate is very loose and informal.
New cards
36
House is more representative of the wants of the people because of their short terms. Senate is more concerned of what's best for the country because they are not always up for reelection.
New cards
37
The Senate has 2 more powers that the house doesn't: can ratify all treaties with 2/3 and confirms all presidential nominees. The house has 1 more power senate doesn't: all revenue bills, bills that are going to be given money, must be given by the house. The house's power turned out to be fairly insignificant.
New cards
38
Speaker of the House
Presiding officer and majority party leader. Leads in a fair & judicious manner & expected to aid the fortunes of their own party. Powers: can't speak until recognized by the speaker, refers bills to committees, rules on points of order, signs bills, appoints all select and conference committees. 2nd in line to the succession of the president. Current speaker - Mike Johnson.
New cards
39
Presiding Officer of the Senate
The vice president of the US is the president of the senate. However, not a member of the legislative. Can't make law so can't debate bills or vote. Can only vote to break a tie. Current president of senate - Kamala Harris.
New cards
40
President Pro-Tempore
Latin - "for the time being." Rules in the vice president's absence. Majority party longest tenured senator. Patty Murray - 74 years old. Elected into the senate in 1993.
New cards
41
Majority and Minority Leaders
Not official positions. Majority & minority parties will elect leaders. Legislative strategists - try to carry out the decisions of their parties & steer floor action to their benefit. Plans the order of business on the floor.
Almost done
42
Majority and Minority Whips
Assistance's to the floor leaders. Check with party members of the number of votes on a matter. Attempt to see that members of parties are present for important votes and vote with the party leadership.
New cards
43
Congressional Caucus
A group of members of the US congress that meet to pursue common legislative objectives.
New cards
44
Influences on Members of Congress
Campaign Contributions
Almost done
45
New cards
46
Political Party - voting as a partisan.
New cards
47
New cards
48
The President
New cards
49
New cards
50
Constituent Convictions - voting as a delegate or representational voting.
New cards
51
New cards
52
Congressional Staff
New cards
53
New cards
54
Interest Groups/Lobbyist
New cards
55
New cards
56
Members Own Convictions - Voting as a trustee or attitudinal voting.
New cards
57
New cards
58
Other members of Congress
New cards
59
New cards
60
Congressional Caucuses
New cards
61
New cards
62
The Media
New cards
63
New cards
64
Iron Triangles - Policy network group. A triangle that consists of an interest group, the bureaucratic agency, & the congressional committee.
New cards
65
How a Bill Becomes a Law
Bill to Law in the House:
New cards
66
Bill Introduction - Anyone can write a bill, but must be introduced by a congressman. Given a name and a number then refer to the proper committee.
New cards
67
New cards
68
Subcommittee - Referred to the proper committee. Referred to the proper subcommittee for study, hearing, revisions, and debates. Subcommittee votes to pass, kill, amend, or pigeonhole. If passes then moves on, if not then the bill dies.
New cards
69
New cards
70
Committee Action - Referred back to the full committee for more study, hearing, revisions, and debates. Full committee votes to pass, kill, amend, or pigeonhole. If passes then moves on, if not then the bill dies. 80% of bills don't pass here. Can have a discharge petition.
New cards
71
New cards
72
Rules Committee - Only significant in the House. Sets rules for debate for the house. "Traffic Cop" function sets legislative calendar. Decides open or closed bills (allow for amendments).
New cards
73
New cards
74
House Debate - Bill is debated and voted on by the entire house. If fails then the bill dies, if passes then the bill goes to the senate and the entire process starts all over again.
New cards
75
New cards
76
Bill to Law in the Senate:
New cards
77
Same process with the following exceptions:
New cards
78
No significant rules committee.
New cards
79
Structure is very informal.
New cards
80
Need unanimous consent to bring a bill for a vote.
New cards
81
Give rise to a filibuster.
New cards
82
Hold.
New cards
83
Rider.
New cards
84
Earmarks.
New cards
85
Pork Barrel.
New cards
86
New cards
87
Presidential Action - 4 options:
New cards
88
Sign bill
New cards
89
Veto the bill - can be overwritten by 2/3 vote of both houses, a override
New cards
90
Silent Veto - Not sign the bill and after 10 days the bill passes if congress is in session.
New cards
91
Pocket Veto - Not sign the bill and after 10 days the bill dies if congress not in session, adjournment.
New cards
92
Filibuster
A strategy used in the senate to delay or block a vote by extending debate on a bill.
Almost done
93
Cloture
3/5 vote to end a filibuster
New cards
94
Hold
A strategy used by a senator to delay or block a vote on a bill.
Still learning
95
Rider
A iffy bill attached to a bill certain to pass.
New cards
96
Earmarks
Set aside money for a specific project.
Almost done
97
Pork Barrel
Allocating government funds for projects/earmarked riders to spend money in a district to enhance congressman's power.
Almost done
98
Discharge Petition
Vote by congress to force a bill out of committee.
Almost done
99
Pigeonhole
To set a bill aside by a committee without considering it. Most frequent fate of a bill
New cards
100
Committee
A group of people appointed for a specific function, typically consisting of members of a larger group. Purpose: divide up the workload, create specialists to investigate and write and recommend bills, conduct investigations of the executive branch, and conduct oversight of the executive branch agencies.
Still learning
Load more
Add or remove terms
Explore top notes
Chapter 13 - Investment
Note
Studied by 12 people
661 days ago
5.0(1)
Preview
unit four review: political ideologies and beliefs
Note
Studied by 28 people
681 days ago
5.0(1)
Preview
Chapter 4 - First Age of Empires
Note
Studied by 23 people
923 days ago
5.0(1)
Preview
🦜
speciation
Note
Studied by 46 people
631 days ago
5.0(2)
Preview
SPORTS
Note
Studied by 10 people
742 days ago
4.0(1)
Preview
Social Studies Midterm - 8
Note
Studied by 2 people
62 days ago
4.0(1)
Preview
Noncovalent Bonds Determine a Macromolecule's Shape and Binding.
Note
Studied by 1 person
715 days ago
5.0(1)
Preview
The American Yawp - Chapter 1: Indigenous America
Note
Studied by 621 people
118 days ago
4.3(7)
Preview
Explore top flashcards
Kyunghee 4 - 3
Flashcard (177)
Studied by 4 people
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Preview
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Vocab
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b. Staffers - You have a staff that is payed for by the government.
c. Patronage - Can promise to give jobs.
d. Name Recognition
e. Casework - Projects you do for district or laws can pass for your district.
f. Money - Easier to raise money because interest groups will give money to them because they are way more likely to win. Why will they win? Because they got more money.
The Bicameral Structure
Purpose - To make the legislative branch not become too powerful. Took the legislative branch and divided it among itself. Split knowing they'd argue.
Differences - House of Reps was expected to represent the views of the people. House elected by the people. The 17th amendment ratified in 1913, provided for the direct election of senator by the voters of the states. The Senate is designed to be more mature, stable, in depth debate with national focus.
Expressed Powers
Also called enumerated or delegated powers. Powers specifically in the constitution.
Implied Powers
Can be called the Necessary & Proper Clause and Elastic Clause. Powers not in constitution, but are necessary for the function of any given governing body.
Strict Constructionist: Believe constitution should not be opened to interpretation.
Loose Constructionist: Believe the constitution should be interpreted loosely. More power to the national government.
Inherent Powers
Not specifically in the constitution. Powers given to perform essential duties of government, like have a border.
Institutional Powers
Powers involving checks and balances of other branches. Impeachment - accusing of a crime, being brought to trial. House votes to impeach. If it happens, goes to the senate then the senate goes through and to convict, needs 2/3 senate votes. Proposing constitutional amendments. Congress can unseat or punish its own members. Congress can investigate executive/judicial branch corruption.
Differences between House & Senate
The house is less powerful. The senate is more powerful and prestigious because there are less people, so votes mean more, their terms are longer, and have larger/more constituents (all the people you represent).
The senate is the upper house and the house is the lower house.
The house has very strict rules for debate because there are more people and senate's debate is very loose and informal.
House is more representative of the wants of the people because of their short terms. Senate is more concerned of what's best for the country because they are not always up for reelection.
The Senate has 2 more powers that the house doesn't: can ratify all treaties with 2/3 and confirms all presidential nominees. The house has 1 more power senate doesn't: all revenue bills, bills that are going to be given money, must be given by the house. The house's power turned out to be fairly insignificant.
Speaker of the House
Presiding officer and majority party leader. Leads in a fair & judicious manner & expected to aid the fortunes of their own party. Powers: can't speak until recognized by the speaker, refers bills to committees, rules on points of order, signs bills, appoints all select and conference committees. 2nd in line to the succession of the president. Current speaker - Mike Johnson.
Presiding Officer of the Senate
The vice president of the US is the president of the senate. However, not a member of the legislative. Can't make law so can't debate bills or vote. Can only vote to break a tie. Current president of senate - Kamala Harris.
President Pro-Tempore
Latin - "for the time being." Rules in the vice president's absence. Majority party longest tenured senator. Patty Murray - 74 years old. Elected into the senate in 1993.
Majority and Minority Leaders
Not official positions. Majority & minority parties will elect leaders. Legislative strategists - try to carry out the decisions of their parties & steer floor action to their benefit. Plans the order of business on the floor.
Majority and Minority Whips
Assistance's to the floor leaders. Check with party members of the number of votes on a matter. Attempt to see that members of parties are present for important votes and vote with the party leadership.
Congressional Caucus
A group of members of the US congress that meet to pursue common legislative objectives.
Influences on Members of Congress
Campaign Contributions
Political Party - voting as a partisan.
The President
Constituent Convictions - voting as a delegate or representational voting.
Congressional Staff
Interest Groups/Lobbyist
Members Own Convictions - Voting as a trustee or attitudinal voting.
Other members of Congress
Congressional Caucuses
The Media
Iron Triangles - Policy network group. A triangle that consists of an interest group, the bureaucratic agency, & the congressional committee.
How a Bill Becomes a Law
Bill to Law in the House:
Bill Introduction - Anyone can write a bill, but must be introduced by a congressman. Given a name and a number then refer to the proper committee.
Subcommittee - Referred to the proper committee. Referred to the proper subcommittee for study, hearing, revisions, and debates. Subcommittee votes to pass, kill, amend, or pigeonhole. If passes then moves on, if not then the bill dies.
Committee Action - Referred back to the full committee for more study, hearing, revisions, and debates. Full committee votes to pass, kill, amend, or pigeonhole. If passes then moves on, if not then the bill dies. 80% of bills don't pass here. Can have a discharge petition.
Rules Committee - Only significant in the House. Sets rules for debate for the house. "Traffic Cop" function sets legislative calendar. Decides open or closed bills (allow for amendments).
House Debate - Bill is debated and voted on by the entire house. If fails then the bill dies, if passes then the bill goes to the senate and the entire process starts all over again.
Bill to Law in the Senate:
Same process with the following exceptions:
No significant rules committee.
Structure is very informal.
Need unanimous consent to bring a bill for a vote.
Give rise to a filibuster.
Hold.
Rider.
Earmarks.
Pork Barrel.
Presidential Action - 4 options:
Sign bill
Veto the bill - can be overwritten by 2/3 vote of both houses, a override
Silent Veto - Not sign the bill and after 10 days the bill passes if congress is in session.
Pocket Veto - Not sign the bill and after 10 days the bill dies if congress not in session, adjournment.
Filibuster
A strategy used in the senate to delay or block a vote by extending debate on a bill.
Cloture
3/5 vote to end a filibuster
Hold
A strategy used by a senator to delay or block a vote on a bill.
Rider
A iffy bill attached to a bill certain to pass.
Earmarks
Set aside money for a specific project.
Pork Barrel
Allocating government funds for projects/earmarked riders to spend money in a district to enhance congressman's power.
Discharge Petition
Vote by congress to force a bill out of committee.
Pigeonhole
To set a bill aside by a committee without considering it. Most frequent fate of a bill
Committee
A group of people appointed for a specific function, typically consisting of members of a larger group. Purpose: divide up the workload, create specialists to investigate and write and recommend bills, conduct investigations of the executive branch, and conduct oversight of the executive branch agencies.