Civics Unit 3 Guided Reading Flashcards

Bills

Proposed laws presented to Congress for enactment.

Oversight Function

The power of Congress to review executive branch policies and programs.

Congressional Term

Lasts two years; each new term starts on January 3rd of odd-numbered years.

Congressional Session

The annual meeting period of Congress; two sessions per term.

Special Session

A meeting called by the President to deal with emergencies.

Recess

A temporary break during a session.

Apportioned

Distribution of seats in the House among the states based on population.

Reapportion

Redistribution of House seats every 10 years after the census.

Redistricting

Redrawing district boundaries to reflect population changes.

Gerrymandering

Drawing districts to favor one party or group.

Off-year Elections

Congressional elections held in non-presidential years.

Incumbent

A current officeholder.

Constituencies

The people and interests represented by a lawmaker.

Commerce Clause

Grants Congress the power to regulate trade with foreign nations and among states.

Tax

A charge levied by government to raise money to meet public needs.

Copyright

Legal protection for authors and creators.

Patent

Exclusive rights granted for an invention.

Eminent Domain

Government's right to take private property for public use with compensation.

Naturalization

Legal process to become a U.S. citizen.

Speaker of the House

Presiding officer of the House; most powerful member.

President of the Senate

The Vice President of the U.S.; casts tie-breaking votes.

Majority Leader

Legislative leader elected by the party with majority seats.

Whips

Assistants to party leaders who count votes and rally support.

Committee Chairmen

Heads of standing committees; chosen by majority party.

Subcommittees

Smaller units of standing committees that handle specific tasks.

Rider

Unrelated provision added to a bill.

Earmarks

Funds provided for specific projects.

Christmas Trees

Bills with many unrelated riders.

Pigeonholed

A bill ignored or set aside in committee.

Quorum

Minimum number of members needed to conduct business (usually a majority).

Filibuster

Tactic to delay Senate action by talking at length.

Omnibus Measures

Bills that combine many issues into one package.

How many members are there in the House and Senate?

House: 435; Senate: 100

What are the 5 roles for members of Congress?

Legislators, Agents of Constituents, Committee Members, Servants of Constituents, Politicians

What is “a power that no good man would want and no bad man should have”?

The power to make your own salary

What are the salaries of House and Senate members?

Members: $174,000; Speaker: $223,500; Vice President: $230,700; Senate Pro Tem: $193,400

How long do House members serve?

2 years

How many times may House members be elected?

Unlimited

What are the formal qualifications to be in the House?

25 years old, U.S. citizen for 7 years, resident of the state

What percentage of House incumbents are reelected?

Over 90%

How long is a Senate term?

6 years

What are the formal qualifications to be a Senator?

30 years old, U.S. citizen for 9 years, resident of the state

How did Gibbons v. Ogden and Heart of Atlanta Motel v. US affect commerce power?

Expanded Congress's ability to regulate interstate commerce and civil rights enforcement.

List 6 Congressional War Powers

Declare war, raise armies, maintain navy, make military rules, call militia, organize and discipline militia

Did McCulloch v. Maryland support strict or liberal constitutional interpretation?

Liberal (broad interpretation; supported implied powers)

What two executive powers does the Senate have?

Approve treaties and confirm appointments

When does the House choose the President?

If no candidate wins a majority in the Electoral College

What are the 7 leading standing committees in the House?

Rules, Ways and Means, Appropriations, Armed Services, Judiciary, Energy and Commerce, Foreign Affairs