The Articles of Confederation and U.S. Constitution
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Questions and Answers

What was a primary concern of the framers of the Articles of Confederation?

  • Establishing a national bank
  • Creating a powerful executive branch
  • Guaranteeing the freedom of each citizen (correct)
  • Strengthening the powers of the federal government

The Constitution allows for unilateral decision-making by Congress and the president.

False (B)

Match the elements of the Constitution with their descriptions:

Principal branches = Executive, Legislative, Judicial Rule of law = Governments must adhere to established legal principles Constitutional interpretation = Based on precedent, custom, and usage Federalism = Division of power between federal and state governments

What can the success of the Constitution be attributed to?

<p>Its ability to adapt to changing times (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Constitution is the longest written national constitution currently in effect.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a Bill that is not returned by the President within ten days?

<p>It becomes a Law (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The President can approve or disapprove Orders, Resolutions, or Votes from Congress.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following powers of Congress with their descriptions:

<p>Lay and collect taxes = Fund government operations Borrow money = Obtain funds using U.S. credit Regulate commerce = Oversee trade activities Constitute tribunals = Establish lower courts</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of committee in Congress?

<p>Temporary committee (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

U.S. territories have voting representation in the Senate.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many members does the House of Representatives have?

<p>435 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Congress can effectively operate without its committee structure.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was established by the 1990 CFO Act?

<p>Chief Financial Officers in specified agencies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The GPRA Modernization Act requires agencies to submit strategic plans only once every five years.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following acts with their primary focus:

<p>CFO Act = Government accountability GPRA = Budget process planning GPRAMA = Performance reporting Balanced Budget Act = Fiscal controls</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which act requires annual performance reports to showcase actual performance trends over the past five years?

<p>2010 GPRAMA (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The 1990 CFO Act is primarily focused on controlling the deficit between revenue and spending.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a conference committee?

<p>To reconcile differences between the House and Senate (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Conference committees are usually comprised only of committee members from the originating chamber.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following conference committee recommendations with their explanations:

<p>Recede from amendments = The originating chamber agrees to remove certain amendments. Agree to amendments = The other chamber accepts amendments made by the originating chamber. Report inability to agree = The conference committee cannot reach a compromise. Limitations on amendments = Conferees cannot introduce new material that was not agreed upon by both houses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an option available to conference committees when dealing with amendments?

<p>Insert new matter (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Each chamber is limited to appointing only a small number of conferees.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the U.S., limiting federal power and ensuring individual freedoms.

Separation of Powers

A principle that divides government powers among branches to prevent tyranny.

U.S. Constitution

The fundamental law of the U.S. federal government, establishing functions and rights.

Three Branches of Government

Executive, legislative, and judicial branches defined by the Constitution.

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House of Representatives

One of the two chambers of Congress with 435 members.

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U.S. Senate

The upper chamber of Congress, consisting of 100 members.

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Members of Congress

Elected officials working to represent their constituents' interests.

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Voting Representation

Right to vote in Congress; unavailable for territories and districts.

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Congressional Committees

Groups within Congress that focus on specific issues; three types.

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Standing Committees

Permanent committees that oversee specific policy areas.

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Select Committees

Temporary committees formed for specific purposes or investigations.

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Joint Committees

Committees including members from both the House and Senate.

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Legislative Process

The steps a bill takes to become law in Congress.

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Bill Introduction

A bill can be introduced in either the House or Senate.

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Bill Passage

When a bill is approved by one chamber and sent to the other for consideration.

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Amendments to Bills

Changes proposed to a bill by the second chamber.

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Conference Committee

A temporary committee resolved to reconcile differences between House and Senate bills.

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Power of Conference Committees

Considered very powerful due to their role in bill resolution.

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Budget and Accounting Act of 1921

Established the federal budget creation process.

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Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974

Gave Congress more power over the federal budget process.

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Chief Financial Officers (CFO) Act of 1990

Created CFO positions in federal agencies to improve financial management.

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Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993

Focused the budget process on planning, goals, and outcomes.

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GPRA Modernization Act of 2010

Expanded reporting requirements for agency performance.

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Fiscal Controls Legislation

Key laws aimed at controlling government spending and deficit.

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Deficit Reduction Legislation

Laws focusing on reducing the federal budget deficit.

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Study Notes

The Articles of Confederation

  • The Articles of Confederation was heavily influenced by the constitutions of individual states and the principles of the Declaration of Independence.
  • The framers of the Articles were concerned with limiting the power of the federal government and guaranteeing individual freedoms.
  • The principle of separation of power was designed to prevent a centralized government from becoming tyrannical.

The U.S. Constitution

  • The Constitution defines the fundamental law of the federal government.
  • It establishes the three branches of the federal government: executive, legislative, and judicial.
  • It outlines the jurisdiction of each branch.
  • It establishes the basic rights of U.S. citizens.
  • It is the oldest written constitution in the world still in effect.

U.S. Congress

  • The U.S. Congress is the legislative branch of the federal government.
  • It is comprised of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
  • The House of Representatives has 435 members.
  • The Senate has 100 members.
  • Members of Congress work together to find common ground and serve their constituents.
  • U.S. territories and districts do not have voting representation in Congress, although they can elect a non-voting delegate to the House.

Congressional Committees

  • There are three basic types of congressional committees: standing, special/select/other, and joint.
  • Standing committees are permanent.
  • Special, select, or other committees are established for specific topics and may be long-term or temporary.
  • Joint committees involve members from both the House and Senate.

Legislative Process

  • Bills may be introduced in either the House or the Senate.
  • If a bill is passed in one chamber, it is sent to the other.
  • The other chamber may accept or reject the bill, or propose amendments.
  • If the chambers cannot agree on a bill, a conference committee is formed to resolve the differences.
  • Conference committees are comprised of members of both chambers and are considered very powerful.

Key Budget Legislation

  • The 1921 Budget and Accounting Act established the process for creating the federal budget.
  • The 1974 Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act gave Congress more control over the budget.
  • The 1990 Chief Financial Officers (CFO) Act established the CFOs in specified agencies and departments.
  • The 1993 Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) focused the budget process on planning and outcomes.
  • The 2010 GPRA Modernization Act (GPRAMA) expanded the requirements for agency performance reporting.
  • Other key budget legislation has focused on fiscal controls and deficit reduction.

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Description

This quiz covers the fundamental principles of the Articles of Confederation and the U.S. Constitution. Test your knowledge on the separation of powers, the structure of Congress, and the rights of citizens under these foundational documents. Prepare to understand how these legal frameworks shape the federal government.

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