Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following reflects the relationship between the House of Representatives and the Senate in the U.S. legislative process?
Which of the following reflects the relationship between the House of Representatives and the Senate in the U.S. legislative process?
- The House proposes legislation, which the Senate can then ratify with a simple majority.
- Both the House and Senate must agree on a bill for it to pass and become a law. (correct)
- The Senate introduces all financial bills, while the House focuses on foreign policy.
- The House can override a Senate veto with a simple majority vote, ensuring legislative efficiency.
The 'necessary and proper clause,' also known as the 'elastic clause,' grants Congress what kind of power?
The 'necessary and proper clause,' also known as the 'elastic clause,' grants Congress what kind of power?
- The power to amend the Constitution without state approval.
- The power to directly control the state militias during times of national crisis.
- The power to veto state laws that conflict with federal laws.
- The power to create laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers. (correct)
If a bill is 'pigeonholed' in Congress, what is the most likely outcome?
If a bill is 'pigeonholed' in Congress, what is the most likely outcome?
- It is set aside and not actively considered, effectively halting its progress. (correct)
- It is sent back to the bill's author for revisions needed to gain broader support.
- It is debated extensively in both the House and Senate.
- It is fast-tracked for immediate presidential review.
What is the primary purpose of a filibuster in the Senate?
What is the primary purpose of a filibuster in the Senate?
What recourse does Congress have if the President vetoes a bill?
What recourse does Congress have if the President vetoes a bill?
How does a 'pocket veto' differ from a regular veto?
How does a 'pocket veto' differ from a regular veto?
What is the primary function of 'earmarks' in congressional legislation?
What is the primary function of 'earmarks' in congressional legislation?
What is the difference between 'earmarks' and 'pork barrel' spending?
What is the difference between 'earmarks' and 'pork barrel' spending?
Flashcards
Congress
Congress
The legislative branch of the U.S. government, responsible for making laws. Consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Senate
Senate
One of the two houses of Congress, where each state has two representatives.
House of Representatives
House of Representatives
One of the two houses of Congress, where representation is based on each state's population.
Enumerated Powers
Enumerated Powers
Signup and view all the flashcards
Elastic Clause
Elastic Clause
Signup and view all the flashcards
Veto
Veto
Signup and view all the flashcards
Pigeonhole
Pigeonhole
Signup and view all the flashcards
Filibuster
Filibuster
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
- Article I outlines the functions of Congress
- Congress has two houses: The Senate and the House of Representatives
- The Senate has two senators from each state
- Representation in the House is based on each state’s population
- Both the House and Senate must agree to pass a law
- Congress has expressed powers, also called enumerated or reserved powers
- In addition to enumerated powers, Congress can make laws "necessary and proper" to carry them out
- The "necessary and proper clause" is also known as the 'elastic clause' which allows flexibility in making laws
- Delegated powers are specifically assigned to the federal government branches
The Process
- Less than 10% of proposed bills become law
- An idea for a bill can come from anywhere but must be proposed by a member of Congress
Vocabulary
- Veto: A President's official denial to sign a bill into law
- Pigeonhole: Classifying legislation unfairly to stop a bill's progress, implying the bill lacks sufficient support
- Earmark: Funds provided by Congress for specific purposes; failure to spend as directed is unlawful
- Pork barrel: Funding for items unrelated to a bill, paid by all taxpayers
- Filibuster: A stall tactic involving continuous speaking to stop a bill’s progress in Congress
- Pocket veto: When the President takes no action on a bill within a set time, automatically vetoing it
- Override: Congress can enact a law if they have a two-thirds vote, despite a presidential veto
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This article outlines the functions of Congress, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. It details how representation is determined in each house and how a bill becomes law. It also explains the expressed powers and the 'necessary and proper' clause.
