Article I: Congress Flashcards

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.