Civics- U.S. Congress: Legislative Branch Powers, Committees, and Bills

Legislative Branch

The branch of government responsible for making and passing laws; established by Article I of the Constitution.

Structure of the Congress

The bicameral structure of the U.S. legislature, consisting of two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

House of Representatives

The lower house of Congress where state representation is based on population (435 total members).

Senate

The upper house of Congress where every state has equal representation (2 senators per state, 100 total members).

Enumerated powers

Powers specifically listed and written in the U.S. Constitution given to Congress (e.g., power to tax, declare war, coin money).

Concurrent powers

Powers shared by both the federal government and state governments (e.g., collecting taxes, building roads, establishing courts).

Implied powers

Powers not explicitly written in the Constitution but suggested as necessary to carry out enumerated powers.

"Necessary and proper"/Elastic Clause

Article I, Section 8 clause giving Congress the power to pass laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers, allowing Congress to stretch its authority.

Committees

Small groups of members of Congress organized to handle specific duties, review bills, and conduct hearings.

Standing Committees

Permanent committees in Congress that focus on specific policy areas (e.g., Foreign Affairs, Agriculture).

Special Committees

Temporary committees created for a specific purpose or limited time, often to investigate a particular issue.

Conference Committees

Temporary joint committees set up to resolve differences when the House and Senate pass different versions of the same bill.

Impeachment

The formal process by which the House of Representatives charges a federal official (like the President) with misconduct.

Confirmation of Pres. Appts.

The Senate's authority to approve or reject executive appointments made by the President, such as federal judges and cabinet members.

Investigative powers

The authority of Congress to hold hearings and examine issues, executive agencies, or wrongdoings.

Qualifications for both houses

House: at least 25 years old, 7 years a US citizen, live in the state. Senate: at least 30 years old, 9 years a US citizen, live in the state.

How a Bill becomes a law

The process: Introduced -> Sent to Committee -> Debated and Voted on in both houses -> Sent to the President to sign or veto.