US Government Chapter: Senate Quiz

The upper chamber of the US Congress, with 100 members (two from each state).

The rule that each state has two senators regardless of its population, ensuring equal representation for smaller states.

When a vote in the Senate is tied, the Vice President of the United States casts the deciding vote.

The agreement during the Constitutional Convention that enslaved people would be counted as three-fifths of a person for purposes of representation in the House of Representatives.

The 3/5 Compromise gave Southern states with large slave populations more representation in the House, strengthening their political power and effectively embedding slavery into the federal government.

A group of lawmakers within a chamber that share a common political affiliation, like Democrats or Republicans.

A group of lawmakers assigned to a specific policy area, like agriculture or defense. They have the power to review and potentially amend bills.

The process by which a proposed bill is assigned to a specific standing committee to be reviewed and potentially amended.

The leader of the House of Representatives who has the power to direct the process by assigning bills to committees.

Individuals or groups that try to influence lawmakers' decisions on bills by expressing their opinions or concerns.

The power a committee possesses to approve or reject amendments, and potentially change the substance of a bill through revisions.

The process of considering a bill by the members of a specific chamber, often involving debate and potentially amendments.

The process of considering a bill by the members of both chambers (House and Senate) to reconcile any differences and reach an agreement on the final version.

The President sends a bill back to Congress with a message explaining why they reject it. Congress can override with a 2/3 vote in both houses.

The President holds a bill until the end of a legislative session, effectively preventing it from becoming law. It's a way to avoid a formal veto.

The President can reject specific parts of a bill without vetoing the entire thing.

The President can issue directives to executive branch agencies without congressional approval.

Congress can pass a law that cancels out an executive order. This checks the President's power.

The President can threaten to veto a bill before it even reaches their desk, often leading to changes in the bill to avoid a veto.

A powerful tool to shape policy, requiring a 2/3 vote in Congress to override.

A way for Presidents to act quickly and directly on issues, but Congress can overturn them.

A president can cancel or nullify their own executive order, or a new president can do the same with a previous president's orders.

Executive orders can be challenged in court, and if a judge determines the order exceeds the president's legal authority, it can be overturned.

A president can issue an order that contradicts a law passed by Congress. If Congress wants to keep their law in place, they can pass a new law, even if the president vetoes it.

The president has the power to choose people for important government positions, like judges, ambassadors, and cabinet members.

Presidents usually nominate people who share their beliefs and viewpoints to help guide their policies.

Presidents prioritize loyalty when making appointments, wanting to ensure their appointees support their goals and decisions.

Presidents need to be able to successfully persuade members of Congress to support their policies and agendas.

A president's own beliefs and values significantly influence their decisions and actions.

The process of amending the Constitution requires a two-step process - proposal and ratification. Proposal can occur through a 2/3 vote in both houses of Congress or by a national convention called by 2/3 of the states. Ratification requires approval by 3/4 of state legislatures. Alternatively, if a national convention is called, ratification can be achieved by 3/4 of state conventions.

The House of Representatives is one of the two chambers of Congress. It represents the population of the United States, with each state allocated a number of representatives based on its population. It is a crucial part of the legislative branch, and its members are elected every two years.

The 10th Amendment establishes the principle of federalism, dividing powers between the federal and state governments. It reserves powers not delegated to the federal government (nor prohibited to the states) to the states, or to the people.

The Electoral College is a body of electors established by the U.S. Constitution. It determines the outcome of presidential elections. Each state receives a number of electoral votes based on its representation in Congress. This is why the number of electoral votes assigned to each state includes the number of senators (2) and the number of representatives each state has in the House.

The Constitution is a written document that establishes the framework of the U.S. government and outlines the principles of governance. It is a set of rules and guidelines that govern our nation.

The legislative branch is responsible for making laws. It is comprised of Congress which consists of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. The legislative branch has the power to pass laws, declare war, and approve treaties.

The concept of power not delegated to the federal government is reserved to the states. It is the basis of the 'division of powers' between the federal and state governments, as defined in the Constitution.

The President's power to appoint people to government positions, such as judges, cabinet members, and ambassadors. These appointments must be approved by the Senate with a simple majority vote.

The President's power to directly communicate with the public, often to pressure members of Congress to support their agenda or gain public support for a policy.

The President's power to grant pardons to individuals convicted of federal crimes, or reduce their sentences. This power cannot be used for state crimes or to pardon people in the executive or judicial branches.

The President's power to act decisively in times of national emergency, including issuing executive orders and using the military. This power is often debated for its potential to expand executive power beyond constitutional limits.

The President's role as the civilian leader of the US military, giving them the authority to command the military and direct its actions. This power has been historically debated and subject to attempts by Congress to curtail it.

The President's ability to negotiate and sign formal agreements with other countries, which require 2/3 Senate approval for ratification. The President also uses executive agreements, which have the force of treaties but don't need Senate approval.

The President's ability to acknowledge the legitimacy of foreign governments by officially receiving their ambassadors and other diplomats.

The dual court system in the US, with both state and federal courts. This creates differences in how laws are interpreted and applied across the country. A case can ascend to the Supreme Court through either state or federal courts.