Legislative & Executive Branches Review

Flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary related to the Legislative and Executive branches of government.

Qualifications for Congress

Must be at least 25 years old, a citizen, and a resident.

Gerrymandering

Manipulating district boundaries for political advantage.

House terms

House representatives serve 2 years.

Senate terms

Senators serve 6 years.

House leaders

Speaker of the House and Majority Leaders.

Purpose of complex rules in House

Facilitate order and efficiency in legislative process.

Importance of House Rules Committee

Controls debate rules and schedule for bills.

Senate leaders

Majority Leader and Minority Leader share roles.

Senate V. House debate

Senate allows filibusters; the House has strict time limits.

Filibuster

Extended debate to block or delay legislation.

Membership to committees in Congress

Members appointed by party leadership based on preferences.

Responsibilities of standing committee chair

Leads committee meetings and guides legislative agenda.

Expressed powers

Specifically granted powers in the constitution.

Implied powers

Powers not explicitly stated but necessary for execution.

McCulloch v. Maryland

Established federal supremacy and the implied powers doctrine.

Taxing and Spending Legislative Powers

Congress controls the federal budget; known as the 'power of the purse'.

Nonlegislative powers of Congress

Includes impeachment and ratification of treaties.

Congressional oversight

Ensures executive accountability; reflects checks and balances.

Difficulty for a bill to become law

Multiple steps and potential for political opposition.

How a Bill Becomes a Law

Must receive final approval by both chambers and presidential signature.

Executive branch powers

Includes enforcing laws and conducting foreign policy.

Inherent powers

Expand during national emergencies or crises.

Chief Executive role

Decides how the laws of the U.S. are to be enforced.

Commander in Chief

Leads the nation's military forces.

Party Leader

Leads the political party and influences party policy.

Formal qualifications for president

Must be at least 35 years old and a natural born citizen.

Typical characteristics of president

Often wealthy, educated, and politically experienced.

22nd Amendment

Limits presidential terms to 2 terms.

Cabinet

Advises the president and manages executive departments.

Defense

Coordinates and supervises the nation's military and ensures national security.

Labor

Oversees and enforces federal labor laws.

Health and Human Services

Advises the president on health, welfare, and income security programs.

Veterans Affairs

Provides healthcare, benefits, and services to veterans.

Homeland Security

Protects U.S. from threats like terrorism and manages border security.

Most powerful person in the senate

Pro tempore