Studied by 63 peopleCommittee chairpersons usually are chosen
On the basis of seniority
What is a lawmaking function
Central to democracy; its how the will of citizens becomes law
When are congressional elections held
The Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each even-numbered year
What is a session
A regular period of time during which Congress conducts its business
Who are the majority seats in Congress held by?
White, middle-aged men
Only Congress has the power to do what (under the constitution)
Declare war
Congress uses a what to propose a constitutional amendment
Joint resolution
Congress also has the power to
Propose constitutional amendments
Why did the Framers include a Necessary and Proper Clause
To give Congress the power to pass laws needed to carry out the expressed powers
Through McCulloch v. Maryland the Supreme Court …
Upheld the doctrine of implied powers
What did McCulloch v. Maryland do?
It gave Congress power to do anything reasonably related to carrying out expressed powers
Why does Congress create committees?
To divide the workload
What is a major duty of committee members
Screening bills for floor consideration
Every state is represented by how many representatives in the House
At least one
What does the House do on the first day of each new term
Elect a Speaker to preside
What sole power does the House have
The power to impeach the president
When a bill is introduced to the House, it is first
Given a number and title
Qualification of House members is followed due to long standing custom, so…
They must live/reside in district being represented
The duties of the house rule committee are best described as those of a …
Traffic cop )directing bills through the house)
Who decides how and when bills reach the floor of the House
Rules Committee
Most measures introduced in the house…
Die in committee
How many Senators does each state have to represent them
2
The number of Senate seats in each state is
Set at 2 by the Constitution
What is a qualification for the senate?
Must be a citizen for at least 9 years
How long is a Senator’s terms
6 years
How were senators chosen before the 17th amendment
They were chosen by state’s legislatures
What is the purpose of a filibuster
To prevent action on a bill
All treaties must be approved by a ____ vote of the Senate
2/3
State of the Union message is required by the…
Constitution
In order to prevent a bill passed by Congress from becoming a law, the President may…
Refuse to sign it and attach a veto message
What are non-legislative powers exercised only by the Senate?
Power to approve or reject major presidential appointments
Who decides what votes count
whip
Note
Flashcard