Congress & Lawmaking
Which chamber is determined by proportional representation and has more members?
Challenge: Why is debate more structured here?
House of Representatives
What is a veto?
Challenge: How does Congress override it?
Which branch confirms federal judges?
Challenge: How is this a check?
Legislative (Senate)
This case ruled that students can protest as long as it does not disrupt school - which includes wearing armbands to protest the Vietnam War.
Challenge: What constitutional clause is involved
Challenge: What are factions?
What is Federalist 10
Challenge: How is it stopped?
What is a filibuster?
What is an executive order?
Challenge: Who checks it?
Directive from president with force of law without Congressional process
This is defined as the power to declare laws unconstitutional
Challenge: Which SCOTUS case established this?
What is judicial review?
Baker v Carr establied what rule
Challenge: What is the impact of this case?
One person, one vote
Which foundational document supports checks & balances?
Challenge: Explain this document's key idea
Federalist 51
Explain ONE role of congressional committees
Challenge: What makes them powerful?
Review, amend, and decide if bills move forward
What is the difference between formal and informal powers
Challenge: Give an example of each
Formal powers are in the Constitution
Informal powers are implied powers not in the Constitution
What is ONE way Congress checks the President?
Challenge: Explain how it limits the President
Overriding vetoes
Impeachment
Budget control/approval
Confirming Presidential appointments
Shaw v Reno ruled one restriction on redistricting
Challenge: Which constitutional amendment was involved
Districts cannot be drawn based primarily on race
Challenge: Name one pro and one con
Identify the congressional process that is used by both chambers to resolve differences in bills:
Challenge: How does bicameralism contribute to this process
Conference committees - House & Senate meet before final passage
Challenge: What is the limit to this power?
Commander in Chief power
Congress passes a law limiting the types of cases that federal courts can hear.
Identify the power Congress is using AND explain how it acts as a check on the judiciary.
Power: Control of jurisdiction
Congress can define/lower federal court jurisdiction
Limits judicial power by restricting what cases courts can hear
Define stare decisis and how it influences SCOTUS decisions
Challenge: Which judicial philosophy follows precedent more
Following precedent set
Promotes stability and consistency in SCOTUS rulings
Explain how Federalist 10 argues that factions can actually protect democracy.
Challenge: How does this connect to pluralism
Many factions mean no single group dominates
Forces compromise and prevents tyranny
Explain how Congress uses its power over the federal budget to influence policy outcomes
Challenge: Explain discretionary vs mandatory spending
Congress controls taxation and spending (power of the purse)
Can fund or defund programs/agencies
Can shape policy priorities through appropriations
Explain how the president uses the bully pulpit to influence policy and describe ONE limitation of this power.
Challenge: How does this connect to informal powers
Using speeches/media to push agenda, shape public opinion, and pressure Congress
No formal authority, depends on public support, and Congress can ignore pressure
Explain ONE way each branch can check another branch
Challenge: Which foundational doc supports this
Congress → override veto / confirm appointments
President → veto legislation
Courts → judicial review
Explain how TWO features of the Supreme Court protect its independence AND describe ONE risk this creates.
Life tenure → no political pressure
No elections → insulated from public opinion
Risks - Can make unpopular decisions, May be seen as illegitimate
Explain ONE concern about the Constitution raised in Brutus 1 AND describe how Federalist 10 responds to that concern.
Brutus 1: Federal government too powerful → threatens states/rights
Federalist 10: Large republic + factions prevent tyranny