U.S. Government: Branches, Supreme Court Cases, Congress Roles & Powers

What are the three branches of government?

Legislative Branch, Judicial Branch, Executive Branch.

What was the main issue in McCulloch v. Maryland?

Whether Congress had the authority to establish a national bank and if Maryland could tax that bank.

What was the Supreme Court's ruling in McCulloch v. Maryland?

The Court ruled that Congress had implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause and that federal law is supreme over state law.

What was the significance of United States v. Lopez (1995)?

The Court ruled that Congress exceeded its authority under the Commerce Clause by passing the Gun-Free School Zones Act.

What constitutional principle was common to both McCulloch v. Maryland and United States v. Lopez?

Both cases address the balance of power between federal and state governments.

How did the Supreme Court's interpretation of federal power differ in McCulloch v. Maryland and United States v. Lopez?

McCulloch expanded federal power, while Lopez limited it.

What impact did McCulloch v. Maryland have on the balance of power?

It established that federal government has implied powers and is supreme over state laws.

What is the role of the House of Representatives in Congress?

The House can introduce bills related to taxes and government revenue.

What is the role of the Senate in Congress?

The Senate approves or rejects treaties negotiated by the executive branch.

What is the total number of representatives in the House?

435 representatives.

How are representatives apportioned among the states?

The number of representatives per state is proportionate to the state's population.

What year did the first Senate convene?

1789.

How many representatives does each state have in the Senate?

Each state has two representatives.

What is the term length for a member of the House of Representatives?

Two years.

What is the main function of Congress?

To create and pass legislation.

What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?

A clause that grants Congress the power to pass laws necessary to carry out its enumerated powers.

What was Chief Justice William Rehnquist's view in United States v. Lopez?

He stated that Congress could not convert its authority under the Commerce Clause into a general police power.

What is federalism?

A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

What is the purpose of the Gun-Free School Zones Act?

To prohibit the possession of firearms in school zones.

What is a thesis statement in the context of the discussed cases?

A statement that explains how McCulloch expanded federal power while Lopez limited it.

What is the significance of the Commerce Clause?

It grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states.

What is a bicameral legislature?

A legislature with two chambers, such as the House of Representatives and the Senate.

What does it mean to 'exceed authority' in legal terms?

To act beyond the powers granted by law or the Constitution.

What is the role of committees in Congress?

Committees review legislation, conduct hearings, and make recommendations.

What is the significance of the term 'implied powers'?

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but necessary to implement the expressed powers.

What is the term length for a U.S. Senator?

Senators are elected to a 6-year term.

How often do approximately 1/3 of the Senators face election?

Every two years.

What power does the Senate have regarding presidential appointments?

The Senate has the sole power to confirm the President's selections for the Cabinet, Supreme Court, etc.

What is required for the Senate to ratify treaties?

A 2/3 majority of the Senators present must agree.

What are enumerated powers?

Powers granted specifically to the Federal government, particularly Congress.

What is the process for impeachment between the House and Senate?

The House accuses, and the Senate conducts the trial.

What is the minimum age requirement to be a U.S. Senator?

At least 30 years of age.

What is the minimum age requirement to be a member of the House of Representatives?

At least 25 years of age.

What is the process for a bill to become law?

A bill is introduced, assigned to a committee, voted on, passed to the other chamber, and then sent to the President for approval.

What is the role of the Speaker of the House?

Acts as the leader of the House and combines several roles.

What is the function of committees in Congress?

Committees serve as filters and gatekeepers of legislation, where laws are made or buried.

How many times has Congress declared war?

Congress has declared war on 11 occasions.

What is the cost of running for a Senate seat?

Approximately $15.7 million.

What is the cost of running for a House seat?

Approximately $2 million.

What is the plurality rule in elections?

The candidate who receives the highest number of votes wins.

What is the Delegate Model of representation?

Representatives act as mouthpieces for their constituents, embodying the 'Voice of the People.'

What is the role of the Majority Leader in the House?

Represents the majority party on the House floor.

What is the role of Whips in Congress?

Assist leadership in managing their party's legislative program on the floor.

What is the role of the Vice President in the Senate?

Serves as the President of the Senate.

What is the President pro Tempore's role in the Senate?

Acts as a presiding officer in the absence of the Vice President.

What is the significance of the Committee of the Whole House?

A committee that includes all representatives for the consideration of measures.

What is the process for a bill after it passes one chamber of Congress?

It goes to the other chamber for a similar process of research, discussion, changes, and voting.

What happens if there are differences between the two versions of a bill?

Both chambers must work out the differences before voting on the same exact bill.

What is the role of committees in oversight?

Committees hold hearings, subpoena witnesses, and investigate executive agencies.

What are the two types of powers held by Congress?

Enumerated powers and exclusive powers.

What is the requirement for revenue bills in Congress?

Revenue bills must start in the House of Representatives.

What is the core idea of the Delegate Model of congressional representation?

Representatives act as mouthpieces for their constituents, voting based on what the majority wants, regardless of their own beliefs.

Provide a real-world example of the Delegate Model.

A member of Congress votes against stricter environmental regulations to reflect the economic interests of a coal-reliant district.

What is the core idea of the Trustee Model of congressional representation?

Legislators use their judgment and expertise to make decisions in the best interest of the public, even if it goes against constituents' opinions.

Give an example of the Trustee Model in action.

A senator from a conservative state supports stricter environmental regulations despite opposition from voters, believing it is necessary for future generations.

What defines the Politico Model of representation?

Legislators blend their own judgment with constituents' wishes, acting as delegates on high-profile issues and as trustees on complex matters.

Provide an example of the Politico Model.

A representative votes with public opinion on a gun control bill but relies on personal expertise for trade policy decisions.

What is the core idea of the Partisan Model?

Legislators make decisions primarily based on their political party's platform and leadership direction, prioritizing party unity.

Give a real-world example of the Partisan Model.

A House Democrat votes for a spending package supported by party leadership despite some constituents' concerns about costs.

What is a divided government?

A situation where one political party holds the presidency while the opposing party controls at least one house of Congress.

What are the effects of a divided government?

Increased partisan conflict, greater use of vetoes, and a slowdown in presidential appointments.

What is logrolling in politics?

The practice of trading favors to gain support for legislation, often seen in both explicit and implicit forms.

What is the difference between explicit and implicit logrolling?

Explicit logrolling involves direct agreements between legislators to support each other's bills, while implicit logrolling combines provisions into a single omnibus bill.

Define redistricting.

The process of redrawing congressional and state legislative district boundaries, usually every 10 years after the U.S. Census.

Why is redistricting important?

It determines how communities are grouped for representation and can significantly impact election outcomes.

What is gerrymandering?

The manipulation of district boundaries to give one political party an unfair advantage over others.

What are the two common techniques of gerrymandering?

Cracking (diluting a group's voting power across districts) and packing (concentrating a group into a single district).

What does representation mean in a democratic context?

The idea that elected officials act on behalf of the people, making laws that reflect constituents' interests and values.

How does congressional behavior relate to elections?

Congressional behavior is influenced by the need for reelection, party leadership, and the rules governing legislative processes.

What are the key takeaways regarding congressional behavior?

It is influenced by elections, party leadership, and models of representation, affecting the legislative process and policy outcomes.

What role does party leadership play in congressional behavior?

Party leadership can influence members' voting decisions, often prioritizing party unity over constituents' preferences.

What is the significance of the Baker v. Carr (1962) case?

It is important for discussing judicial activism, voting rights, and equal representation.

What issues does Shaw v. Reno (1993) address?

It focuses on civil rights, racial classifications, redistricting, and electoral fairness.

How do the two chambers of Congress interact?

They work together through structures, powers, and functions, influencing policy-making and congressional behavior.