U.S. Constitution and the Legislative Branch

Vocabulary flashcards covering the structure, powers, committee system, and constitutional foundations of the United States Legislative Branch and the U.S. Constitution.

Joint Committee

A group made up of Senators and Representatives established to provide administrative coordination between the House and Senate and conduct studies for the benefit of both houses.

Veto

The institutional power of a president or state governor to reject a decision or proposal made by a legislature.

Standing Committee

A permanent committee established under the standing rules of both houses of Congress with specific responsibilities and jurisdictions.

Special Committee

A committee established under the standing rules of both houses of Congress that focuses on a special subject area and may also serve as a temporary investigative committee (also referred to as a select committee).

Conference Committee

A temporary panel composed of House and Senate conferees formed for the purpose of reconciling differences in legislation that has passed both chambers.

The Preamble

The first paragraph of the U.S. Constitution that introduces the document, explains what it is meant to do, and describes the purpose of the new government, beginning with the words "We the People."

The Senate

The chamber of Congress composed of 2 senators per state (100 total) serving 6-year terms; members must be at least 30 years old, U.S. citizens for at least 9 years, and residents of the state they represent.

The House of Representatives

The chamber of Congress composed of 435 total members based on state population serving 2-year terms; members must be at least 25 years old, U.S. citizens for at least 7 years, and residents of the state they represent.

Expressed Powers

The powers specifically named and assigned to the national government under the U.S. Constitution, or prohibited to be exercised by the states; also known as delegated powers.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by national, state, and/or local governments.

Reserved Powers

Powers that the U.S. Constitution does not grant to the national government, but instead belong to the states and the people.

Implied Powers

The powers of Congress to pass laws deemed necessary and proper for carrying out its powers, derived from the Elastic Clause.

Necessary and Proper Clause

A constitutional clause granting Congress the power to pass all laws deemed necessary and proper for carrying out its delegated or enumerated powers; also known as the Elastic Clause.

Article I, Section 8

The section of the U.S. Constitution that lists the specific powers granted to Congress, such as the power to collect taxes.

Role in Lawmaking (Approval Rule)

The constitutional requirement that a bill must be approved in the same form by both houses of Congress before it can go to the President to become law.

Special Duties of the House of Representatives

The unique constitutional requirement that all bills raising money must originate in the House of Representatives.

Special Duties of the Senate

The unique constitutional authority under which the Senate acts as a court during impeachments.

United States Constitution

The foundational governing document written in 1787 containing over 4,500 words across four sheets; recognized as the oldest written constitution in the world still in use.