House of Representatives
The Senate
Bills
Powers of Congress
Checks and Balances
300

The total number of voting members serving in this chamber

What is 435?

300

The number of senators granted to each U.S. state, regardless of its population size.

What is 2?

300

This is the executive action taken when a President rejects a bill passed by Congress.

What is a veto?

300

The legislative branch holds the explicit, sole constitutional power to officially do this to initiate a military conflict.

What is declaring war?

300

This branch of government holds the power to declare a law passed by Congress unconstitutional.

What is the Judicial Branch / Supreme Court?

400

The minimum age required by the Constitution to serve as a Representative.

What is 25?

400

According to the Constitution, this executive official officially serves as the President of the Senate.

What is the Vice President?

400

The fractional majority vote required in both houses for Congress to override a presidential veto.

What is two-thirds majority?

400

This constitutional power allows the House to formally charge a federal official with misconduct, which is then tried by the Senate.

What is impeachment?

400

High-level presidential appointments, such as federal judges and ambassadors, must be confirmed by this specific chamber.

What is the Senate?

500

The title given to the constitutional leader of this chamber, who is chosen by its members.

What is the Speaker of the House?

500

This procedural tactic involves a senator prolonged-speaking to delay or prevent a vote on a bill.

What is a filibuster?

500

This type of small, specialized congressional group does the initial work of reviewing, debating, and amending bills before they reach the floor.

What is a standing committee?

500

Also known as Article I, Section 8, Clause 18, this clause gives Congress the power to pass all laws needed for carrying out its list of powers.

What is Necessary and Proper Clause?

500

Congress holds this power over federal funding, giving them ultimate control over the executive branch's budget.

What is the Power of the Purse?

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