Powers of Congress Flashcards

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the expressed and implied powers of the U.S. Congress, as well as the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances according to Virginia SOL CE.2a/e.

Expressed powers

Also known as enumerated or listed powers, these are the powers specifically listed in the U.S. Constitution that Congress has which the other two branches and the 50 states do not have.

Budget

A plan for making and spending money.

Annual

Every year.

Appoint

To assign a job or responsibility, such as when the President chooses people to work in the government or as federal judges.

Revenue

The money coming to the government from individuals and companies, primarily through taxes.

Interstate trade

The practice of buying and selling goods and services between different states.

Foreign trade

The practice of buying and selling goods to other countries.

Implied powers

Powers that are not directly expressed but allow Congress to make any laws that are 'necessary and proper' to carry out their expressed powers.

Check (verb)

To stop or slow down the progress of something or someone; to curb or restrain.

Separation of Powers

The division of national government powers into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial, to prevent any one branch from abusing its power.

Checks and Balances

The system where each branch of the national government is able to limit the power of the other two branches.

Override

A check by the legislative branch where Congress votes to bypass a presidential veto.

Impeach

One of the powers of Congress to charge and potentially convict a president or judge, which results in their removal from office.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Found in Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 of the Constitution, this clause allows Congress to exercise implied powers for carrying into execution their stated powers.