Civics Chap 4

2-yr terms; considered for reelection each yr

Terms of Office for House of Representatives

6-yr terms, 1/3 is up for reelection during any election

Terms of Office for Senate

session

period which Congress assembles & conducts business

Special Session

extraordinary session of legislative body, called to deal w/ emergency situation

30 or older; U.S citizen for 9 yrs

Formal Qualifications for the Senate

25 or older; U.S citizen for 7 yrs

Formal Qualifications for the House of Reps

Apportionment

distributing 435 memberships, or seats, in U.S. House of Reps among 50 states

Reapportionment

dividing seats in U.S. House of Reps among states

Gerrymandering

political manipulation of electoral district boundaries w/ intent to create advantage for someone in the constituency

Incumbent

current holder of office or position, in relation to election

Public Debt

how much public spending is financed by borrowing instead of taxation

Legal Tender

all U.S. coins & currency issued by gov

Copyright

 legal right of owner of intellectual property; the right to copy

Patent

 legal document that gives holder exclusive rights to an invention, product, or process for set period of time

Necessary and Proper Clause

lets Congress pass special laws to require other departments of gov to prosecute or adjudicate particular claims

Strict Constructionist

take literal interpretation of Constitution & apply it to the law

Liberal Constructionist

 meaning & intent of constitution should be inferred based on consideration of document as a whole

impeach

bring charges against government official for wrongdoing

Subpoena

 legal document that commands someone to testify as witness at a specified time & place to make documents or other tangible objects in legal proceeding

Senate, House of Reps

Each state = 2 senators & at least 1 Rep 

More residents states have = more reps 

100 senators; 435 reps

basic structure of the US Congress (4)

Represent people of their district by holding hearings, develop & vote on legislation, analyze bills

 duties performed by those who serve in Congress

Representation is based on population

2yr terms

At least 25yrs old, U.S citizen for at least 7 yrs

Lives in state representing

 how seats are distributed, terms of office, and qualifications for members of Congress (4)

power to lay & collect taxes

borrow money on credit of the U.S

regulate commerce

create laws on bankruptcies

 expressed powers of Congress, including the commerce, taxing, bankruptcy, and borrowing powers

free markets & trade

tax cuts

reduced gov spending

less welfare

favor of private-sector nonprofits

personal responsibility

Republican wants on budget process (7)

wealthiest Americans pay highest tax rate; spend on social services spend less on military

Democrat wants on budget process