Congress - Powers and Procedures
How many years is a House term?
2 years
Which model of representation has representatives vote how their constituents want?
Delegate
Who must approve presidential appointments and treaties?
The Senate
What case created judicial review?
Marbury v. Madison
What is the main purpose of the federal bureaucracy?
To implement and enforce laws
Who sets debate rules in the House of Representatives?
The House Rules Committee
What idea did Baker v. Carr establish?
One person, one vote
What does a veto do?
Reject a bill from Congress
How long do federal judges serve?
For life
What are two ways Congress can hold the bureaucracy accountable?
Confirming appointments, passing legislation, oversight hearings, controlling budgets (power of the purse), and legislative investigations.
What clause lets Congress use powers not explicitly listed in the Constitution?
Necessary and Proper Clause (or Elastic Clause)
What kind of gerrymandering did Shaw v. Reno ban?
Racial gerrymandering
What does Federalist No. 70 argue for?
A strong, single executive
This philosophy is when justices see their role as being strict interpreters of precedent and the constitution and that policy decisions should be made by elected branches.
Judicial Restraint
What is the key term to describe the power of agencies to decide how to enforce laws.
Bureaucratic discretion
What type of spending is required by law, like Social Security?
Mandatory Spending
What is it called when different parties control Congress and the presidency?
Divided Government
Name two informal powers the president uses to influence policy.
Executive orders, bargaining and persuasion, signing statements, or social media communication.
According to Federalist No. 78, why do judges serve for life?
To stay independent and make fair decisions
What three groups are connected in Iron Triangles?
Congress, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups.
What is needed to end a filibuster in the Senate?
60 Votes (Cloture)
What is the term for when representatives trade votes to pass bills.
Logrolling
What 1973 law limits the president’s power to send troops abroad?
War Powers Act
How many Justices are needed for the Supreme Court to hear a case?
4 out of 9
What law created the merit-based civil service system?
The Pendleton Act of 1883