Alisa Moore - #6 Legislative Branch Study Guide

Legislative Branch Study Guide

Define:

Apportionment: number of members of the U.S. House of Representatives according to the population

Filibuster: An action such as a prolonged speech that obstructs progress in a legislative assembly.

Census: Taken every 10 years to reapportion the House seats

Gerrymandering: Drawing district boundaries to benefit a political party

Impeachment: Bringing formal charges of misconduct against an executive or judicial official by the House of Representatives

Quorum: Having a majority of members in both houses of Congress to conduct business

Home rule: The power of local governments to pass legislation

Ex Post Facto Law: A law to punish a person for something that was not against the law when he/she did it

What are the five roles of Congress? Lawmaking, representing the people, performing oversight, helping constituents, educating the public

How many members are in the House of Representatives? 435 total - 17 from IL (Number per state based on population determined by census)

How many members are in the Senate? 100 (2 from each state)

Which chamber of Congress holds impeachment trials? Senate

Who does the Constitution give the power to declare war? The US Congress

What are implied powers? Implied powers are political powers granted to the United States government that aren't explicitly stated in the Constitution

The Necessary and Proper clause is under what part of the Constitution? Implied Powers

Who is the President of the Senate? Vice President

Who presides over the House of Representatives? The Speaker

Where do Tax Bills begin the legislative process? Bill is introduced in the House of Representatives

Where do treaties receive advice and consent? President

Qualifications for:

Senators

  • Two from each state (100 total)
  • Dick Durban/Tammy Duckworth
  • 6-year terms
  • Each Senator will have one vote
  • Chosen by popular vote
  • 30 years of age
  • 9 years a citizen of the United States
  • A resident of the state

House of Representative

  • Number per state based on population determined by the census (435 total, 18 from Illinois)
  • 2-year terms
  • Each has one vote
  • 25 years of age
  • 7 years a citizen of the United States
  • A resident of state/district

EXIT TICKET : \n Define impeachment: the process by which a legislative body or other legally constituted tribunal initiates charges against a public official for misconduct.

Why do we need laws? to regulate society, to protect people, to enforce rights, to solve conflicts

What are three differences between the qualifications of being a senator and a representative? Senator age 30, 9 years a citizen of the US, and 6-year terms while Representative age 25, 7 years a citizen of the US, and 2-year term.

What are the five roles of congress? Lawmaking, representing the people, performing oversight, helping constituents, educating the public