Executive

What are constituents?

The people who live within the particular geographic area a member of Congress represents.

What system do we have with the Senate and House of Representatives?

A two-house system (bicameral legislature).

Which house is based on state population?

The House of Representatives.

What is the distribution of House seats among the states based on population?

It's based on state population that is updated every decade through the census.

What is the U.S. Census?

The official count of the U.S. population taken every ten years to collect data for representation and funding.

What part of the population plays into the Senate?

None—every state gets two senators regardless of population.

What is appropriation?

A bill that sets aside funds for a specific purpose.

What does it mean to have the power of the purse?

Congress sets the federal budget and decides where government money is spent.

What check and balance does the legislative branch have over the judicial branch?

Congress must approve or reject presidential appointments of federal judges.

What check and balance does the legislative branch have over the executive branch?

Congress can impeach and try officials from the executive branch for wrongdoing.

What is it called when Congress reviews how the executive branch operates and ensures it follows the law?

Oversight.

Who does Congress use oversight on?

The executive branch.

What gives Congress expressed powers?

The U.S. Constitution.

What are the implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause?

Powers that allow Congress to pass laws not explicitly listed if needed to carry out constitutional duties.

What is an indirect tax?

A tax levied on one person but passed on to another for payment to the government.

What is a direct tax?

A tax an individual pays directly to the government.

What is a deficit?

When the federal government spends more money than it brings in.

What is the Commerce Clause?

The constitutional provision giving Congress power to regulate interstate commerce.

What are subpoenas?

Legal documents requiring a person to testify in a certain matter.

What are the powers of the House of Representatives?

Initiate revenue bills, impeach federal officials, and choose the president in an electoral college tie.

What are the powers of the Senate?

Approve presidential appointments, ratify treaties, and try impeachments.

What is a writ of habeas corpus?

A court order requiring police to present a detained person in court to face charges.

What is a bill of attainder?

A law that punishes a person without trial.

What are ex post facto laws?

Laws that criminalize actions that were legal when committed.

How long is a term in the House of Representatives?

Two years.

How many representatives does Alabama have?

Seven.

Who is our representative from Alabama?

Gary Palmer.

How many members are in the House of Representatives?

435

What is the process of dividing the 435 House seats among states?

Reapportionment based on the U.S. Census every ten years.

What is gerrymandering?

Drawing district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group.

What is the purpose of the House of Representatives?

To represent districts within each state, giving citizens direct representation in Congress.

What are whips?

Party members who encourage other members to vote according to party leadership.

What is a party caucus?

A meeting of all the House members from a particular political party.

How long is a Senate term?

Six years.

Who are the two senators from Alabama?

Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville.

Who breaks a tie in a 50/50 Senate vote?

The Vice President.

What is a filibuster?

A tactic where opponents of a measure keep talking to delay or prevent a vote.

What is a joint resolution?

A congressional action that has the same force as a bill if passed by both houses and signed by the president.

What are concurrent resolutions?

Actions passed by both houses to handle internal congressional matters without the force of law.

What is a discharge petition?

A document signed by a majority of House members to force a bill out of committee.

What is a pocket veto?

An indirect veto where the president doesn't sign a bill within 10 days while Congress is adjourned.