Studied by 1 person
Enumerated powers
Written in the constitution that specifically grant Congress certain authorities, such as the power to tax, regulate commerce, and declare war.
Implied powers
Not specifically written in the Constitution but are inferred from the Necessary and Proper Clause
Necessary and proper clause
Gives Congress the power to make laws related to carrying out its enumerated powers, but Supreme Court interpretations can influence the extent of these powers.
Checks and balances
allow legal actions to be taken against public officials deemed to have abused their power
Bicameralism
two-house legislature
Speaker of the House
elected by a majority of House members and presides over the legislative work in the House
President of the Senate
the Vice President of the United States, who serves as the presiding officer of the Senate. This role includes overseeing Senate sessions, facilitating discussions, and casting tie-breaking votes when necessary. The position is crucial in maintaining order and ensuring that legislative procedures are followed during debates and votes.
Senate Majority Leader
Filibuster
a tactic to prolong debate and delay or prevent a vote on a bill
Cloture
a procedure to end a debate
Holds
a filing by a Senator to prevent a bill from getting to the floor for a vote
Discretionary rule making
Redistricting
redrawing of congressional districts by state legislatures based on congressional reapportionment
Baker v. Carr (1962)
This case held that redistricting did not raise political questions, allowing federal courts to hear other cases that challenge redistricting plans that may violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Shaw v. Reno (1993)
Under the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause, majority-minority districts, created under the Voting Rights Act of 1965, may be constitutionally challenged by voters if race is the only factor used in creating the district.
Rules Committee
establishes rules for debate on a bill in the House
Committee of the Whole
a committee formed in the House to expedite debate on bills
Discharge petitions
a filing by a House member to have a bill brough to the floor for debate, but rarely done
Discretionary spending
approved on an annual basis for defense spending, education, and infrastructure; as entitlement costs grow, discretionary spending opportunities will decrease unless tax revenues increase, or the budget deficit increases.
Mandatory spending
required by law for entitlement programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Pork barrel legislation
funding for a local project in a larger appropriation bill
Logrolling
(combining several pieces of legislation into one bill to secure enough votes for passage) subject to clarification
Congressional oversight
Congressional authority to ensure legislation is implemented as intended, including i. review, monitoring, and supervision of bureaucratic agencies ii. Investigation and committee hearings of bureaucratic activity iii. Power of the purse ; serves as a check of executive authorization
Entitlement
Partisanship
Gridlock
a situation in which no congressional action on legislation can be taken due to a lack of consensus
Gerrymandering
redrawing of congressional districts with the intent to create undue advantage for a political party
Divided government
Trustee (as related to constituent accountability in each chamber)
Delegate (as related to constituent accountability in each chamber)
