Congressional Powers and Structure

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the structure, powers, and legislative process of Congress.

How do members of Congress serve their constituents (voters)?

1. Listening to their concerns
2. Helping with casework
3. Introducing or supporting legislation

Constitutional qualifications to become a member of the House

1. Be at least 25 years old
2. Be a U.S. citizen for at least 7 years
3. Live in the state they wish to represent

Constitutional qualifications to become a member of the Senate

1. Be at least 30 years old
2. Be a U.S. citizen for at least 9 years
3. Live in the state they wish to represent

Constitutional powers of Congress

1. Taxing and spending
2. Coining money
3. Regulating interstate commerce
4. Borrowing money
5. Establishing post offices and roads
6. Declaring War
7. Creating lower federal courts
8. Making laws about naturalization
9. Issuing patents and copyrights
10. Elastic Clause
11. Implied Powers
12. Inherent Powers
13. Amendment enforcing powers

Expressed powers of Congress

1. Taxing and spending
2. Coining money
3. Regulating interstate commerce
4. Borrowing money
5. Establishing post offices and roads
6. Declaring War
7. Creating lower federal courts
8. Making laws about naturalization
9. Issuing patents and copyrights

Definition of implied powers

Not specifically written powers but are suggested by the expressed powers. They come from the elastic clause, allowing Congress to create laws to carry out expressed powers.

Reason founding fathers gave Congress broad interpretive powers

To adapt to new and changing circumstances over time. They understood the country would grow and face unpredictable problems, thus including the Necessary and Proper Clause (elastic clause).

Definition of senatorial courtesy

The President consults with senators from the nominee’s home state before making certain appointments, especially for federal judges.

First decisions a new Congress must make

1. Electing the Speaker of the House
2. Electing the President Pro Tempore
3. Swearing in Members of both the House and Senate
4. Organizing Committees in both chambers

When does a president call for a special session of Congress?

A president calls a special session when Congress is not in session but urgent issues arise—like war, emergencies, or national crises.

Why is the Speaker of the House considered the most powerful person in Congress?

They control what bills are debated, set the legislative agenda, decide committee assignments, and are second in line for the presidency. They also lead the House majority party and manage debates and votes.

Purpose of congressional investigations

To gather information, oversee government actions, uncover wrongdoing, shape or support new laws, and ensure accountability within the executive branch.

What is a filibuster?

A filibuster is a tactic used in the Senate to delay or block a vote on a bill by allowing unlimited debate.

President’s involvement in the bill-making process

The president can sign a bill into law, veto it, or utilize a pocket veto.

How many members are in the House of Representatives and Senate?

There are 435 members in the House of Representatives and 100 members in the Senate, with two senators per state.

What is the War Powers Resolution?

A law that limits the president’s ability to send U.S. military forces into combat without Congress’s approval.

Congress’s role in presidential elections

Congress helps finalize presidential elections by counting electoral votes in a joint session. If no candidate receives a majority (270), the House chooses the President and the Senate picks the Vice President.

Why did the founding fathers establish a bicameral congress?

To balance the power in both the small states and large states. Checks and balances to prevent one party from becoming too powerful. Based on a compromise on equal representation and population from the new jersey and virginia plan.

Explain the process of removing a president from office(what is the house of rep’s role, what is the senate's role)

The House investigates potential wrongdoing.

-If enough evidence is found, the House votes to impeach the president by a simple majority vote

-After impeachment, the Senate holds a trial to determine guilt. A two-thirds majority vote in the Senate is required to convict and remove the president

What is the purpose of a conference committee

Resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill.

Create a final version that both chambers can agree on before it is sent to the president to become law.