Legislative Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is legislation?

A group of people appointed for a specific function

A proposed law

Powers directly stated in the Constitution

The act of making or enacting laws (correct)

What are expressed powers?

Powers directly stated in the Constitution.

What are enumerated powers?

The powers explicitly given to Congress in the Constitution.

What is the Elastic Clause?

The clause in Article I, Section 8, that grants Congress the power to do whatever is necessary to execute its specifically delegated powers. Signup and view all the answers

What are implied powers?

Powers not specifically mentioned in the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What is reapportionment?

The process of reassigning representation based on population, after every census. Signup and view all the answers

What is a filibuster?

A procedural practice in the Senate whereby a senator refuses to relinquish the floor to delay proceedings. Signup and view all the answers

What is a district?

A region or area that is bound together by specific rules, laws, resources, and/or money. Signup and view all the answers

What is a simple majority?

A majority of 50 percent plus one. Signup and view all the answers

What is a divided government?

One party controls the White House and another party controls one or both houses of Congress. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Legislative Branch?

The branch of government that makes the laws. Signup and view all the answers

What are some expressed powers?

Declaration of war, approve presidential appointments and treaties, handle impeachment, and works to pass the federal budget. Signup and view all the answers

What are examples of expressed powers?

Lay and collect taxes, coin money, declare war, grant copyrights and patents. Signup and view all the answers

What is the controversy of the Elastic Clause?

Often unclear on what exactly Congress is allowed to do; can be challenged in court. Signup and view all the answers

What are Senate requirements and terms?

Must be 30 or older, citizen, live in the U.S. for nine years, and represent the state they live in; six-year terms and unlimited number of terms. Signup and view all the answers

What are the requirements of the House of Representatives?

25 years old, U.S. citizen for 7 years, chosen by citizens of the district, serves a term of two years. Signup and view all the answers

What is a committee?

A group of people appointed for a specific function, typically consisting of members of a larger group. Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions of the Senate?

Confirm executive and judicial appointments, ratify treaties, oversight, and deal with impeachment. Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions of the House?

Enacts laws, originate tax bills, and bring impeachment charges. Signup and view all the answers

How many votes does a bill need to pass?

At least 218 in the House and 51 in the Senate. Signup and view all the answers

How can we get involved in Congress?

Contact legislator, consult the media, use the web, propose an idea for a bill, campaign for Congress. Signup and view all the answers

What is cloture?

A procedure for terminating debate, especially filibusters, in the Senate. Signup and view all the answers

What types of bills start in the House of Representatives?

All revenue and tax bills start in the House. Signup and view all the answers

What is a 2/3 majority?

The number required to override a presidential veto. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'mark up' mean?

Revisions and additions to legislation made by committees and subcommittees. Signup and view all the answers

What are Congressional Committees?

A legislative sub-organization in the United States Congress that handles a specific duty. Signup and view all the answers

How many California representatives are there?

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What is a bill?

A proposed law. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Legislative Branch Overview

Legislation refers to the act of making or enacting laws.
The Legislative Branch is responsible for creating laws in government.

Powers of Congress

Expressed powers are directly stated in the Constitution, including declaring war and approving presidential appointments.
Enumerated powers explicitly granted to Congress in the Constitution.
Implied powers are not specifically mentioned but are inferred from the expressed powers.
The Elastic Clause allows Congress to perform actions needed to carry out its enumerated powers, though it may lead to legal challenges regarding its interpretation.

Congressional Structure and Requirements

Senators must be at least 30 years old, have lived in the U.S. for nine years, and be residents of the states they represent, serving six-year terms with no term limits.
Members of the House of Representatives must be at least 25 years old, U.S. citizens for seven years, and elected by constituents in their districts, serving two-year terms.

Legislative Processes

Reapportionment involves redistributing representation based on population changes after the census.
A simple majority, defined as more than 50% plus one, is needed for many decisions.
A 2/3 majority is required to override presidential vetoes.

Legislative Procedures

A filibuster allows a senator to delay proceedings and prevent a vote.
Cloture is a procedure used to terminate debate and end filibusters.
Mark-up is the process of revising bills by congressional committees, with changes becoming official only if approved.

Functions of Congress

The Senate has exclusive powers to confirm executive and judicial appointments, ratify treaties, and conduct oversight, particularly during impeachment trials.
The House of Representatives is responsible for enacting laws, initiating tax bills, and filing impeachment charges.

Citizen Engagement

Citizens can get involved in Congress by contacting legislators, using media, proposing ideas for bills, or campaigning for congressional candidates.

Congressional Committees

Congressional committees are essential for managing specific legislative tasks within the broader structure of Congress.
They play a crucial role in the bill-marking process, which includes amendments and revisions before a bill is presented for a vote.

Representation in California

California is represented by 52 members in Congress.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key legislative terms with these flashcards. This quiz covers definitions and concepts such as legislation, expressed powers, and the Elastic Clause. Enhance your understanding of how laws are made and the powers of Congress.