Article I and Congress Study Guide

Article I

The first article of the U.S. Constitution that establishes the legislative branch and defines its powers.

Congress as a paradox

Critique that Congress is supposed to represent the people and make laws, but is often seen as inefficient and divided.

Speaker of the House

Leader of the House of Representatives who controls proceedings and is second in line for presidential succession.

House Rules Committee

Determines the rules for debating bills in the House, including time limits and amendment allowances.

Committee system

System that divides Congress into smaller groups to study specific subjects and review bills.

Filibuster

A Senate tactic used to delay or prevent a vote on a bill by extending debate.

Cloture

A Senate procedure used to end a filibuster, usually requiring 60 votes.

Powers of Congress

Constitutional powers including making laws, collecting taxes, declaring war, and regulating commerce.

Non-legislative powers

Congressional powers that do not involve making laws, such as impeachment and approving treaties.

Delegated powers

Powers specifically given to the federal government by the Constitution.

Implied powers

Powers not directly written in the Constitution but necessary to carry out delegated powers, based on the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Inherent powers

Powers the national government holds simply because it is a sovereign nation, like acquiring territory.

Bicameral structure

A legislature that has two separate chambers, such as the U.S. House and Senate.

119th Congress

The current session of Congress serving from January 2025 through January 2027.

Constitutional requirements for the House

At least 25 years old, U.S. citizen for 7 years, resident of the state represented, and 2-year terms.

Constitutional requirements for the Senate

At least 30 years old, U.S. citizen for 9 years, resident of the state represented, and 6-year terms.

Census

A population count conducted every 10 years by the U.S. government to determine representation.

Redistricting

The process where states redraw congressional district boundaries after the census.

Gerrymandering

Drawing congressional district boundaries in unusual ways to benefit a specific political party.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Supreme Court case allowing federal courts to hear challenges to unfair legislative district maps.

One man, one vote

The principle that each person's vote should have approximately equal weight, requiring roughly equal district populations.

Standing committees

Permanent committees that handle specific areas of government, like agriculture or defense.

Select committees

Temporary committees created to investigate or study specific issues.

Ways and Means Committee

A powerful House committee that handles taxes, government revenue, and economic programs.

Seniority system

The practice of giving more experienced or longer-serving members important committee positions.

17th Amendment

Established the direct election of U.S. senators by the people.

Continuing body

A description of the Senate because only about one-third of its members are up for election every two years.

President Pro Tempore

A senator who presides over the Senate in the absence of the Vice President.

Incumbents

Current officeholders running for reelection who usually have major advantages like name recognition.

Revenue bills

Bills dealing with raising money through taxes, which must begin in the House of Representatives.

Conference committee

A committee formed to work out differences when the House and Senate pass different versions of a bill.

Veto

The President's rejection of a bill, which Congress can override with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.

Pocket veto

When the President does not sign a bill within 10 days and Congress adjourns, preventing its return.

National Republicans

A political group from the 1820s that supported a stronger national government and economic development.

Democratic-Republicans

Early political party led by Thomas Jefferson supporting states' rights and limited federal government.

Whigs

Political party formed in opposition to Andrew Jackson supporting congressional power and economic development.

Liberals

People who generally support government involvement in solving social and economic problems.

Conservatives

People who generally support traditional values, limited government, and lower taxes.

Balanced ticket

Choosing presidential and vice-presidential candidates who balance each other's backgrounds or regions to attract more voters.

Voter turnout

The percentage or number of eligible voters who actually participate in an election.