Congressional Powers
What is the constitutional power that allows Congress to collect taxes and generate revenue for the federal government?
The power to tax (power of the purse).
Which chamber of Congress has 435 voting members and represents districts based on population?
House of Representatives
What is the president's constitutional power to nominate individuals to serve as federal judges, ambassadors, and Cabinet members?
Appointment Power
What power does the president have that allows them to reject legislation passed by Congress?
Veto
What is the primary responsibility of the federal bureaucracy?
To implement and enforce federal laws and policies.
What congressional power allows lawmakers to investigate federal agencies, conduct hearings, and monitor how laws are being implemented?
Legislative oversight
Which chamber of Congress allows unlimited debate, making it possible for senators to use a filibuster?
Senate
What is the president's constitutional role as the head of the United States military?
Commander in Chief
Which chamber of Congress has the constitutional responsibility of confirming presidential appointments, including Cabinet members and federal judges?
Senate
What is bureaucratic rulemaking?
The process through which federal agencies create regulations to carry out laws passed by Congress.
What enumerated power allows Congress to regulate economic activity between different states?
The power to regulate interstate commerce.
Why is party leadership generally more formalized in the House of Representatives than in the Senate?
It needs more structure in order to accommodate the large body of members.
What informal presidential power involves using public speeches and media appearances to influence public opinion and establish policy priorities?
Bully Pulpit
What process allows the House of Representatives to formally accuse a president or other federal official of misconduct?
Impeachment
What is the term for the authority given to federal agencies to interpret and establish specific regulations to carry out laws passed by Congress?
Discretionary Authority
Congress wants to influence how much money a federal agency can spend. What constitutional or institutional power allows Congress to accomplish this?
The power of the purse through budget appropriations.
What is the name of the Senate procedure that requires 60 votes in most circumstances to end debate on legislation?
Cloture
What presidential action allows the president to issue instructions to executive branch agencies about how federal laws should be carried out?
Executive Order
If Congress passes a bill and the president vetoes it, what can Congress do to potentially make the bill become law?
Override the presidential veto with a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate.
What is an iron triangle, and which three groups typically make up this relationship?
A close relationship between congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups that work together to influence public policy.
Congress disagrees with a president's military actions in another country. What constitutional power can Congress use to limit the president's military involvement?
Congress's war powers, including its authority to declare war and control federal funding.
A senator votes against a bill because they personally believe it is morally wrong, even though most of their constituents support it. Which model of representation does this demonstrate?
The trustee model of representation
Why might a president use a signing statement instead of vetoing a bill they disagree with?
A signing statement allows the president to express concerns or objections about provisions of a bill without rejecting the entire piece of legislation.
Congress believes a president is exercising too much authority over foreign policy and military operations. What constitutional principle allows Congress to limit presidential power?
Separation of powers and checks and balances, including Congress's war and spending powers.
Congress disagrees with a federal agency's newly created regulation. Identify one way Congress can respond to limit or challenge the agency's actions.
Congress can use legislative oversight, change the agency's funding through appropriations, or pass legislation to change the agency's authority or governing law.