Legislative Branch Test Review Flashcards

Flashcards to review key concepts of the Legislative Branch for the upcoming test.

What is the main function of the Legislative Branch as outlined in Article I of the Constitution?

To make laws.

What are the two houses of Congress that make up the bicameral legislature?

The House of Representatives and the Senate.

What are the qualifications to be a member of the House of Representatives?

Must be 25 years of age, a citizen for 7 years, and live in the state they represent.

What are the qualifications to be a member of the Senate?

Must be 30 years of age, a citizen for 9 years, and live in the state they represent.

What special power does the House of Representatives have regarding taxes?

Bills involving taxes must originate in the House.

What are the main functions of the Senate?

Impeachment trials and confirmation of high-level nominations to the executive and judiciary branches.

Name some of Congress' powers that are explicitly listed.

Coining money, printing money, creating a postal service, raising and supporting armed forces, lowering federal courts, declaring war, and regulating commerce.

What is a Writ of Habeas Corpus and under that circumstances can it be suspended?

A court order that brings a prisoner before the court to be told what they are being held for. Cannot be blocked except in times of rebellion or invasion.

What is a bill of attainder?

Laws that punish a person without a trial.

What are ex post facto laws?

Laws declaring that an act is a crime after the act has been committed.

How many members are in the House of Representatives and how long is their term?

435 members, 2-year terms.

How many members are in the Senate and how long is their term?

100 members (2 per state), 6 year terms.

What is the purpose of the Census?

Given every 10 years to adjust the number of representatives for the House of Representatives as needed.

What is required for legislation to pass?

A majority vote in each house.

Who is the leader of the House of Representatives?

Speaker of the House.

Who serves as the President of the Senate in the absence of the VP?

President Pro Tempore.

What does Article IV guarantee to every state?

A republican (representative) form of government.

How is Florida's legislature structured?

Bicameral - House (120 members) and Senate (40 members).

What is the term limit for Florida state legislators?

8 years in each house for a total of 16 years.

What is the function of counties in Florida?

To carry out constitutional services established by the state, such as law enforcement, tax collection, and election supervision.

What are the two types of special districts?

Independent (created by the legislature) and Dependent (created by cities and counties).

What is 'Home Rule' for cities?

The power of a city to enact their own laws (ordinances) and self-govern, as long as ordinances do not conflict with state laws.

What is Federalism?

A system of government in which power is divided and shared between the national, state, and local governments.

According to the Tenth Amendment, what happens to powers not delegated to the federal government?

They are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

What is a concurrent power?

Powers that are shared by both the federal and state governments.

What is an enumerated or delegated power?

Powers specifically granted to the federal government.

What happens when a state law conflicts with a federal law?

Federal law takes precedence (Supremacy Clause).

What is the purpose of standing committees in the National Legislature?

Permanent legislative panels that consider bills and issues.

What is the purpose of select committees in the National Legislature?

Temporary committees that addresses a specific issue; once the committee’s business is complete, the committee dissolves

What is the purpose of conference committees in the National Legislature?

Temporary committee formed to reconcile differences in legislation passed by both chambers.