Congress Overview and Functions

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Why has Congress been referred to as "the broken branch" of government?

It is successful in solving all of the nation's problems.

It functions without any oversight from the public.

It is often seen as a highly efficient institution.

It is considered ineffective in addressing national issues. (correct)

What is gerrymandering?

Creating new states within the union.

A process of collecting taxes from citizens.

Redrawing district lines to favor a political party. (correct)

Adjusting the number of representatives based on population.

How has Congress's role changed over time?

The focus has shifted from law-making to representation and oversight. (correct)

Congress is now primarily responsible for local governance.

It has become less influential compared to the judicial branch.

Congress now serves as the primary legislative body for all state laws.

According to the Founders' vision, what was Congress intended to be?

The primary branch of government. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the legislative branch?

Enforcing laws across the nation. Signup and view all the answers

What are enumerated powers?

Powers specifically mentioned in the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates implied powers from enumerated powers?

Implied powers are not specifically mentioned but are logically deduced. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a law-making function of the legislative branch?

Passage of congressional bills. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of standing committees in Congress?

To focus on specific areas of legislation Signup and view all the answers

Which type of committee is created specifically to resolve differences in legislative versions from the House and Senate?

Conference committee Signup and view all the answers

What is one unique power of the House of Representatives?

To originate revenue bills Signup and view all the answers

Who currently leads the House of Representatives?

Mike Johnson Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'whip' refer to in the context of congressional leadership?

A member who maintains party discipline and communications Signup and view all the answers

How frequently are members of the House of Representatives elected?

Every 2 years Signup and view all the answers

What determines representation in the House of Representatives?

Population size of each state Signup and view all the answers

Which committee is characterized as temporary and serves for a specific investigation or study?

Select committee Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is one of the main roles of Congress?

Lawmaking Signup and view all the answers

What process does a bill go through in the House of Representatives?

House - Committee - Sub-Committee - Rules Committee - Full House - Conference Committee Signup and view all the answers

What is a filibuster?

A tactic to delay legislation through prolonged debate Signup and view all the answers

How does Congress influence domestic affairs compared to the presidency?

It exerts more influence over public policy Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between bicameral and unicameral systems?

Bicameral has two chambers, while unicameral has one Signup and view all the answers

Which power allows the president to act as the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces?

Constitutional powers Signup and view all the answers

What is political efficacy?

The belief that one can effectively participate in government Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following powers is considered an example of inherent powers of the president?

Issuing executive orders Signup and view all the answers

Why does the House of Representatives have more formal rules compared to the Senate?

It has more members requiring regulation Signup and view all the answers

What is the cumulative effect of congressional delegations of power to the president?

It allows for increased presidential authority in economic regulation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the committee system within Congress?

A division of labor for specialization and expertise Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes executive privilege?

The president's right to withhold information from Congress. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of power involves granting authority or responsibilities from Congress to the president?

Statutory powers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following powers is most likely to spark a debate over presidential overreach?

Executive orders Signup and view all the answers

Which article of the Constitution enumerates the powers of the president?

Article II Signup and view all the answers

Which informal power allows the president to influence legislation through personal connections?

Bargaining and persuasion Signup and view all the answers

How has the Supreme Court generally interpreted presidential power?

The Court has allowed broad interpretations of presidential power, particularly in foreign policy. Signup and view all the answers

What is gridlock in the context of government?

When legislative action stalls due to divided control over Congress. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary impact of national crises on presidential power?

Presidential power is often enhanced during national crises. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'rally around the flag' effect refer to?

Increase in public support for the president during a national crisis. Signup and view all the answers

What are the formal qualifications to become president of the United States?

Natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and a resident for at least 14 years. Signup and view all the answers

When do presidential elections occur in the United States?

Every four years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Commission on Presidential Debates?

To organize and sponsor debates between major candidates for president and vice president. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Electoral College established by the Founders?

To balance power between large and small states and provide a buffer against direct popular vote. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Congress

Congress has been criticized as "the broken branch" due to public perception of inefficiency and inability to solve national problems.
Redistricting redraws congressional districts to ensure equal representation by population.
Gerrymandering, a controversial practice, involves redrawing districts to favor a specific party.
Congress' role has shifted from primarily lawmaking to representation and oversight of the executive branch, reflecting the executive branch’s increased power.
Congress was meant to be the primary branch of government, according to the Founders' vision.
Lawmaking is conducted by the legislative branch, including the Senate, House of Representatives, and supporting agencies.
Enumerated powers are explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, while implied powers are logically derived from them.
The Necessary and Proper Clause (also called the Elastic Clause) is the basis for implied powers.
Congress' four main functions are lawmaking, representation, legislative oversight, and constituency service.
Congress dedicates more time to representation and oversight than to lawmaking.
The lawmaking process involves multiple steps in both the House and Senate, including committees, subcommittees, floor votes, and conference committees.
A filibuster, a tactic used in the Senate, can delay a bill with prolonged speeches. A cloture vote can end a filibuster.
Political efficacy is the belief that individual participation in government and politics is effective.
Congress holds more influence over domestic policy compared to the presidency.
A unicameral legislature has one chamber, while a bicameral legislature has two chambers.
The House of Representatives has more formal rules due to its larger size, while the Senate operates with more informal rules and traditions.
The committee system divides labor and uses expertise to streamline legislation.
Standing committees are permanent and focus on specific policy areas.
Joint committees comprise members from both the House and Senate.
Conference committees reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of bills.
Select or special committees are temporary and address specific issues or investigations.
The House of Representatives is currently controlled by the Republicans, with Mike Johnson as the leader.
The Senate is controlled by the Democrats, with Chuck Schumer as the majority leader and Mitch McConnell as the minority leader.
Whips in both chambers act as liaisons between the party leadership and members, promoting party unity.
The House of Representatives has the power to initiate revenue bills and impeach officials.
The Senate approves presidential appointments, treaties, and convicts impeached officials.
Representatives are elected every two years, with 435 members representing population. Senators are elected every six years, with 100 members representing each state equally.

The Presidency

Formal presidential powers are outlined in the Constitution (Article II), statutes passed by Congress, and case law.
Congress has delegated significant power to the executive branch, increasing the president's influence in areas like national security and economic regulation.
The three types of presidential powers are expressed, inherent, and delegated.
Inherent powers are the most controversial, as they are not explicitly stated in the Constitution, leading to debates about the extent of presidential authority.
Implied powers are not directly listed but are considered necessary to carry out the president's duties. Examples include executive orders, executive privilege, executive agreements, signing statements, and the power to fire.
The Supreme Court has generally interpreted the Constitution broadly, allowing for expansive presidential power, particularly in foreign policy and national security, while also setting limitations.
Presidential power is influenced by political events, circumstances, and national conditions.
Gridlock occurs when legislative action is stalled due to divided government.
A unified government exists when one party controls both the presidency and Congress.
A divided government occurs when the presidency and Congress are controlled by different parties.
The "rally around the flag" effect involves increased public support for the president during national crises, particularly in matters of foreign policy or national security.
Formal qualifications to be president are being a natural-born citizen, at least 35 years old, and a resident of the U.S. for at least 14 years.
Informal qualifications include political experience, communication skills, party support, and public appeal.
Presidential elections take place every four years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
The Commission on Presidential Debates organizes and sponsors debates between presidential and vice presidential candidates.
The Electoral College, established by the Founders, was designed to balance power between large and small states and to provide a safeguard against direct popular vote.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the critical role of Congress in the U.S. government and understand its functions, from lawmaking to oversight. This quiz covers topics such as gerrymandering, enumerated and implied powers, and the evolution of congressional responsibilities. Test your knowledge on how Congress aims to ensure equal representation and its challenges in modern governance.