Lawmaking
In lawmaking, define the term "bill".
A rough draft or a proposed law.
Which branch of government makes laws?
Legislative Branch
The House of Representatives and the Senate together are known as what?
Congress
How are the number of representatives per state chosen?
Based on state population
How are the number of senators decided?
2 per state
Name two ways a president or governor could handle a bill
sign into law and veto
What does it mean to appoint someone?
hire/choose
Name the two houses of Congress.
The House of Representatives and the Senate
How long does a Representative serve in office?
2 years
How long does a Senator serve in office?
6 years
At the federal level, where can a bill start?
In either house of Congress, unless its a tax bill -- it must start in the House
How can the judicial branch check the power of the legislative branch?
Declare laws unconstitutional
Why is Congress considered a bicameral legislature?
It is made up of two houses (the House and the Senate)
What is the House of Representatives also known as?
The Lower House
How many Senators are in the U.S. Senate?
100
How much of Congress is needed to override a presidential veto?
2/3 of both houses of Congress
Name one example of how the Legislative branch may check the power of the Executive Branch.
- Confirm presidential appointments
- Override vetos with 2/3 majority in Congress
- Ratify treaties made by the President
Where can you find the instructions for the Legislative branch?
Article I of the U.S. Constitution
How many representatives are there in the House?
435
What are some special duties of the Senate?
Approve presidential appointments and treaties
This group ensures that both houses agree on the same version of the bill
Conference Committee
The Senate
Describe how the structure of the legislative branch at the state and federal levels are similar AND different (one each)
Similar: They are both a bicameral legislature (house and senate)
Different: Federal laws apply to the entire country, State laws apply to one state.
Governor signs state laws, President signs federal laws
Who is the leader of the House of Representatives?
The Speaker of the House
This is the leader of the Senate.
The Vice President