Legislative Branch
Differences between Senate and House of Representatives in terms of size and who they represent
Senate: Each state has 2 representatives (6 year terms and less connected to the people they represent)
House of Representatives: 435 in total (2 year terms and have to be more responsive to constituents)
Where does the President get their powers from?
Article 2 of the constitution
Which article outlines the power of the Judicial Branch?
Article 3
When congress does a review on an agency and asks questions
Congressional oversight
Describe the case Baker v. Carr
It is a gerrymandering case where Tennessee had not separated districts properly so there was a greater say for rural voters than urban voters. It violated the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment. Established 1 person-1 vote.
Where are the enumerated powers of Congress written and what are a few examples?
What are the formal powers of the president?
1) Power of veto but congress can override with a 2/3 vote
2) Pocket Veto: President does not sign the bill 10 days after congress adjourns.
3) Commander in Chief: Can implement policy agenda
4) Can select ambassadors and sign treaties with senate approval
Describe the court system
There are district courts. Then there are courts of appeals to make sure the law is applied correctly. Lastly, is the Supreme Court of the US which is the only official court from the constitution.
How are the president’s nominations for federal court judges checked?
The senate has advice and consent role so they check these appointments.
Describe the Shaw V Reno case
2 districts were drawn in unusual shapes in North Carolina. It had boosted the power of black votes. The court ruled that drawing districts on race could harm minority voters.
Differences in debate between both houses and what are some challenges/solutions to it?
The senate has limited debate which allows for a filibuster(can end it with the cloture rule)
The House of Representatives has limited debate which is set by the House rules committee.
What are some informal powers of the President?
1) Bargaining and Persuasion: The President has the ear of the nation so can convince constituents to put pressure on their representatives
2) Executive order: Directive from the President that has the force if federal law, but it is not
3) Signing statement: When signing a bill into law, the President informs how they interpret the law
4) Executive agreement: An agreement with the President and another nation but it is not a formal treaty because no senate approval.
What is the main power of the Supreme Court?
Judicial Review: To rule on constitutionality of laws.
How can congress and the president check the Judicial Branch
Congress can pass laws that modify the impact of the court decision and the president can decide not to enforce the decision
Federalist 70 main idea
Hamilton argues for a single executive so that they are more decisive and energetic.
How is a bill turned into a law?
First the bill is sponsored by the House of Representatives or senate which can undergo changes such as earmarks or pork barrel spending. Then it goes to committee and if it passes the committee, it goes to the floor to be debated.Then if it passes both the HOR and Senate, it goes to the president to be signed.
What is it called when the court rules on a case and it creates a precedent?
Stare Decisis
How does the court check the other branches and where is this power given from?
Due to Judicial review established in Marbury v Madison
Describe the Marbury v Madison case
When John Adam’s lost presidency, he mailed in midnight appointees in order to dilute Democratic power. However, some appointees did not receive it like Marbury so he issues a write of Mandamus. Overаll, the the importance of this case is that it established judiciary review
Describe the models of Representation
1) Delegate model: Votes with the will of the people
2) Trustee model: Votes with their own beliefs
3) Politico Model: Mix of both
Describe the structure and role of the federal bureaucracy?
There are cabinet departments which are subdivided into agenices. They write/enforce regulations. They issue fines for non compliance and they interact with congress due to their expertise on issues.
Describe the difference between Judicial Activism and Judicial Restraint
Judicial Activism: Acts to create policy and considers broad effects of a decision
Judicial Restraint: Judges not appointed to make policy that violates the constitution (relies on precedent)
How can the president check congress?
The president can veto the bill/pocket veto
Federalist 78 main idea
Federal judges are appointed by the president and they hold office for life so it is important to keep them private. This also implied Judicial Review