Legislative Branch I
What is the Civics word for two houses?
bicameral
What is the name of powers that are granted to Congress through the Constitution?
Enumerated Powers
Who takes over if the President dies?
Vice-President
How many electoral college votes are needed to win the Presidency?
270!
Where can you find the Amendments?
The U.S. Constitution!
(The first 10 are in the Bill of Rights; there are currently 27 total Amendments in the Constitution!)
What is the title of the person that is pulled from large meetings, such as the State of the Union Address?
The Designated Survivor
What is the biggest job of the legislative branch?
Make Laws
T/F: Congress' power to regulate interstate commerce is NOT an enumerated power.
False
Congress has the right to regulate interstate commerce as decreed by the U.S. Constitution.
What is the main job of the President?
To carry out/enforce/execute laws for USA.
What is a special job of the Vice-President?
They can break a tie in the US Senate.
In the U.S. Constitution, what was the purpose of the 22nd Amendment?
The 22nd Amendment states that the President can only serve two, 4-year terms.
an official that is in the ending months of their term and their successor has been elected.
What are the 2 houses of Congress?
The House of Representatives and the US Senate
What is the incumbency effect?
The idea that individuals holding office are more likely to win re-election compared to their challengers.
What are inherent powers?
Power not in the Constitution that are needed for the President to do their job.
What is one power that the President has that does not require to be checked by Congress?
Pardoning citizens of certain crimes, Executive orders, Vetoes
What is the purpose of the 25th Amendment?
The Vice President will take over office if the President is unable to fulfill their duties.
What are checks and balances?
A system in the federal government that ensures one branch does not become too powerful.
What is a special power of Congress?
Declare War, Make Laws, Impeach Federal Officers, Regulate/Divide Expenditures, Approve Presidental Appointments, Approve Treaties.
What is the name of the committee that meets to work out the issues between the House and Senate?
The Conference Committee
What was the War Powers Act of 1973?
Federal Law that requires Congress to check the President's power in the event he is preparing to engage in armed conflict.
What was a worry that Alexander Hamilton illustrated in Federalist #70?
More than one person in the executive branch might lead to corruption.
What was the outcome of Shaw v. Reno (1993)?
SCOTUS decided that gerrymandering voting districts on the basis of race was unconstitutional.
What is gerrymandering?
When the political party in control draws district lines that will favor its future candidates in elections.
What is "pork-barrel" legislation?
A legislative tactic that involves funding being sent to a Congressmen's state/district that will aid them into being re-elected.
Why are implied powers important?
Implied powers give Congress the right to pass laws that are considered to be "necessary and proper."
*Necessary and Proper Clause connection*
From Alexander Hamilton's Federalist #70, what did he want for the executive branch?
One person, duration (long enough to make a difference, but not too long), compensation for duties, and powers that are checked by the other branches
What is the Bureaucracy Branch of the government?
(thought of as the fourth branch of government!)
Various departments and commissions that come toget her to help the President carry out their duties.
What was the outcome of Baker v. Carr (1961)?
SCOTUS ruled in favor of the idea that courts can redraw voting districts to make them more equal in population; each person's vote will carry the same weight.
"One vote, one person"
What is the term for the relationship between Congress, federal agencies, and different interest groups?
The Iron Triangle.