How a Bill Becomes a Law
what is step 1
A bill, or an idea for a new law, is introduced in either house. Exception: All bills to raise money must originate in the House of Representatives
Necessary and Proper Clause
Enables Congress to make all laws appropriate to further any power the constitution grants to any branch of the gov
Elastic Clause
Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 of the Constitution; one of the powers of Congress that allows them to make any laws that are necessary and proper for carrying out their other powers. Also called the "Necessary and Proper Clause"
For whom did Martin Luther King Jr. craft his letter titled Letter from Birmingham Jail?
Eight clergymen
Electoral College
Constitutional system for electing president and vice president.
what is step 2
The bill is assigned to a committee. The main committee may then assign it to a subcommittee
Civil Rights Enforcement
Congress may pass remedial legislation only; and the remedies must be proportional to the scope of constitutional violations.
Supremacy Clause
Article VI, Clause 2 of the Constitution; states that the U.S. Constitution, all laws made under it, and all treaties entered into under it, constitute the "supreme law of the land"
Why did Martin Luther King Jr. take the time to write a letter to the clergymen?
He felt they were men of genuine good will.
Dual Federalism
System of federalism that strictly separates federal power (ex. foreign relations) and state power (ex. protect against crime)
what is Step 3
The bill passes out of subcommittee and committee hearings if it is approved by a majority.
substantial economic effect
power to regulate any activity or combo thereof that has substantial economic effect on interstate commerce
Establishment Clause
Clause in the 1st Amendment that states that Congress cannot establish religion.
What are the four basic steps to a direct action non-violent campaign?
1. collection of facts
2. negotiation
3. self-purification
4. direct action
Federalism
A system of government in which power is divided between one central government and several regional governments
what is step 4
The bill is sent to the House or Senate floor, debated, and voted upon. It may be approved by a majority vote or denied
property power
- no express limit on power to dispose of US property, however
- congress may only take private property for public use with just compensation and to effectuate an enumerated power
Due Process Clause
Clause found both in the 5th and14th Amendments that states that a person may not be denied life, liberty or property without the due process of law
What kind of peace does Martin Luther King Jr. say too many people are striving for?
A superficial peace that ignores the problem and only deals with the symptoms
Federalist Papers
Written in 1788 by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay to support ratification of the Constitution
what is Step 5
The bill is then sent to the other house
power over aliens and citizenship
1. plenary power over aliens; subject to due process clause
2. exclusive authority over naturalization
Equal Protection Clause
Clause found in the 14th Amendment that says that states cannot deny U.S. citizens the equal protection of the law. The basis for nearly all civil rights cases.
What question was continually asked in the self-purification process?
"Are you able to accept blows without retaliating?" "Are you able to endure the ordeal of jail?"
General Election
Election in which the winner becomes an elected government official