Unit 2: Interactions Among Branches of Government

Bicameral legislature

two-house legislative system (House and the Senate)

17th amendment

states’ citizens elect senators

Power of the purse

Congress’s control over money and financials

War Powers Act

provided the President limited authority to send troops with a certain timeframe

Reapportionment

redistribution of seats in the House of Representatives based on changes in population

Enumerated powers

powers granted to the federal government by the Constitution

expressed powers

the powers of the government explicitly listed in the Constitution

implied powers

political powers granted to the government that aren't explicitly stated in the Constitution

Most powerful committees in the House:

Rules, Ways and Means, Commerce

Most powerful committees in the Senate:

Judiciary, Budget, Finance

Article 1, Section 8

Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States

Advice and consent (powers)

power of the Senate to be consulted on and approve the President’s treaties and nominations

12th amendment

Electors vote for president and for vice president.

20th amendment

Inauguration date moved from March 4 to January 20

22nd amendment

Limits a president’s tenure to two terms or ten years

23rd amendment

Awards electors to DC

25th amendment

Addresses presidential vacancy and disability

Baker v. Carr

Malapportionment
Uneven districts and population
14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause → one person, one vote

Federalist 70

Hamilton
Strong unitary executive branch

Federalist 78

Hamilton
the SCOTUS is the least powerful branch

Marbury v. Madison

Judicial review
writ of mandamus