Overview of the U.S. Congress

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the key concepts discussed in the lecture about the U.S. Congress, highlighting its structure, powers, and historical context.

Bicameral

A legislature consisting of two houses or chambers.

House of Representatives

One of the two houses of Congress, consisting of 435 members, where representation is based on population.

Senate

The upper house of Congress, composed of 100 senators, two from each state.

Impeachment

The process by which the House of Representatives can bring charges against a federal official.

The Great Compromise

The agreement that created a two-house legislature, balancing the needs of states with large and small populations.

Power of the Purse

The constitutional power granted to the House of Representatives to originate bills for raising revenue.

Direct Election

The election of officials by the people rather than by the state legislatures, established for Senators by the 17th Amendment.

Authority of the Senate

Includes holding impeachment trials, ratifying treaties, and confirming executive appointments.

Proportional Representation

A system where legislative representation is based on the population of each state.

Delegates vs. Trustees

Roles played by elected representatives, where delegates act on the wishes of their constituents, and trustees act in the public interest based on their judgement.