Legislative Branch Study Guide

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the structure and powers of the Legislative Branch, essential for understanding Congress.

Bicameralism

The practice of having two separate chambers in a legislative body, such as the House and Senate in Congress.

Gerrymandering

The manipulative drawing of district boundaries to favor one party over another.

Expressed Powers of Congress

Specific powers granted to Congress by the Constitution, including commerce, tax, borrowing, and war powers.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Constitutional provision allowing Congress to make laws deemed necessary to execute its powers.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but inferred from the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Non-Legislative Powers

Powers of Congress that do not involve making laws, such as impeachment and appointment approvals.

Fiscal Policy

Government policy regarding taxation and spending to influence the economy.

Cloture

A procedure used in the Senate to end a filibuster and bring a bill to a vote.

Veto Power

The authority of the president to reject a bill passed by Congress.

Power of the Purse

The power of Congress to control government spending and taxation.

3 reasons for bicameralism

1. Prevents hasty legislation, 2. Ensures comprehensive debate, 3. Balances the interests of different states.

Differences between the House and Senate

The House has 435 members, represents districts, and has shorter terms, while the Senate has 100 members, represents states, and has longer terms. Additionally, the House initiates revenue bills, while the Senate gives advice and consent on treaties and appointments.

Constitutional qualifications/requirements

set by the Constitution for members of Congress, including age, citizenship, and residency.

numbers for the legislative branch

Three distinct components that justify the bicameral structure of Congress.

Terms for the legislative branch

The specified periods during which members of Congress serve in office before needing to be re-elected, typically lasting two years for the House and six years for the Senate.

Debate and procedure for the legislative branch

Rules and methods governing discussion, amendments, and voting within Congress, aimed at facilitating orderly deliberation.

single-member-district vs. at large

A electoral system distinction; single-member districts elect one representative, while at-large elections allow candidates to be elected by the entire voting population of a state or district.

Redistricting

The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries to reflect population changes and ensure equal representation.

Commerce, tax, borrowing, bankruptcy, currency, copyrights and patents, postal, natualization, territories, weights and measures, war powers

Enumerated powers of Congress include powers to regulate commerce, levy taxes, and declare war among others.

Eminent Domain

The government's power to take private property for public use, with compensation to the owner.

Impeachment

The process of adjusting the boundaries of electoral districts, typically after a census, to account for changes in population and maintain equal representation in legislatures.

appointments

The authority of the President to select individuals for key governmental positions, including federal judges and executive officers, subject to Senate confirmation.

treaties

Formal agreements between countries that require ratification by the legislative branch.

constitutional amendments

Changes or additions to the Constitution that require a specific process for approval, typically needing ratification by three-fourths of the states.

electoral duties

Responsibilities of Congress related to elections, including the counting of electoral votes and the certification of presidential candidates.

Congressional oversight

The process by which Congress monitors and evaluates the effectiveness and compliance of federal agencies and programs, ensuring they carry out policies as intended.

how do you override a veto?

Congress can override a presidential veto by passing the bill again with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Filibuster

A tactic used in the Senate to prolong debate and delay or prevent a vote on a bill, typically by having one or more senators speak for an extended period.

The House Rules COmmittee

A committee in the House of Representatives that establishes the rules for debate and amendments on proposed legislation before it is brought to the floor for a vote.

Republican perspective of fiscal policy

The Republican perspective of fiscal policy generally emphasizes reduced government spending, lower taxes, and a balanced budget, believing that these measures stimulate economic growth and encourage individual financial responsibility.

Democratic perspective of fiscal policy

The Democratic perspective of fiscal policy typically advocates for increased government spending on social programs, higher taxes on the wealthy, and greater investment in public services, believing these actions promote social equity and economic stability.

the steps of how a bill becomes a law

involves introduction, committee review, debate, voting in both chambers, and presidential approval.

commerce

the activity of buying and selling, especially on a large scale.

tax

a mandatory financial charge imposed by the government on individuals and businesses to fund public services and programs.

borrowing

the act of obtaining funds with the promise to pay them back, often with interest.

Weights and Measures

Standards used to quantify and compare the size, amount, or weight of commodities for trade and commerce.