Article I: Congress Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Which of these actions is forbidden by the Constitution?

Regulating trade with foreign countries

Passing 'necessary and proper' laws

Borrowing money from the government

Creating a law ex post facto (correct)

Which of these steps is second in the bill process?

The bill is sent to the president.

The president signs or vetoes the bill.

The bill is introduced in Congress.

The bill passes in both houses. (correct)

What can happen if the president chooses to veto a law that has been passed?

The law returns to being introduced in one of the houses.

The law is rejected and cannot be reconsidered.

The president's decision is scheduled for review within a year.

The president's decision can be overridden by a majority of Congress. (correct)

Which statement about Congress is accurate?

It is based on the Constitution's bicameral legislature. Signup and view all the answers

Congress has the express financial power to:

Create and collect new taxes. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is an expressed power of Congress?

Creating a national banking system Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is considered a power of governance?

Regulating trade between states Signup and view all the answers

Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution describes what kind of congressional powers?

Proper Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Necessary and Proper Clause a source of ongoing debate?

The clause deals with powers that are ambiguous and misinterpreted. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these steps might happen after a bill is sent to the president?

The president can veto the bill. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Forbidden Actions by the Constitution

Creating a law ex post facto is prohibited.
Other actions like borrowing money or regulating trade are allowed.

Bill Process Steps

The second step in the bill process is when the bill passes in both houses of Congress.
The introduction of the bill occurs first, followed by the president signing or vetoing it.

Presidential Veto Consequences

If the president vetoes a law, Congress can override the veto with a majority vote.
The law does not return to the introduction stage; it is considered rejected unless overridden.

Structure of Congress

Congress consists of two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The Senate is not population-driven; both houses function within a bicameral legislature system.

Express Financial Powers of Congress

Congress has the explicit power to create and collect new taxes.
It does not have the authority to arbitrarily order the president to borrow money.

Expressed Powers of Congress

Creating a national banking system is defined as an expressed power of Congress.
Other options like admitting new states are not classified as expressed powers.

Powers of Governance

Regulating trade between states is considered a power of governance.
Other powers include maintaining armed forces and declaring war.

Congressional Powers in the Constitution

Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution outlines expressed powers granted to Congress.
These powers are also referred to as necessary powers for the operation of government.

Ongoing Debate on the Necessary and Proper Clause

The Necessary and Proper Clause generates debate due to its ambiguous language.
Congress often struggles to agree on the interpretation of this clause.

Actions After a Bill is Sent to the President

The president has the option to veto the bill after it is sent.
Alternatives, such as sending it back to committee or to another house, are not standard steps following transmission to the president.

Description

Test your knowledge of Congress as outlined in Article I of the Constitution. This quiz covers key actions forbidden by the Constitution and the legislative process of a bill. Challenge yourself with these flashcards to solidify your understanding of Congress's role in government.