Congress Basics
What article of the U.S. Constitution establishes the Legislative Branch?
Article I.
Name two powers Congress holds over the President.
Approve the budget; override a presidential veto.
What is the main purpose of Checks and Balances?
To ensure no branch becomes too powerful.
How long is the term of a U.S. Senator?
6 years.
How long is the term of a U.S. Representative?
2 years.
What are the two houses of Congress called?
Senate and House of Representatives.
What is the Elastic Clause, and what does it allow Congress to do?
Allows Congress to pass laws necessary to carry out its powers.
Who approves presidential appointments and treaties?
The Senate.
What are the qualifications to be a U.S. Senator?
30 years old, 9 years as a U.S. citizen, and resident of the represented state.
What are the qualifications to be a U.S. Representative?
25 years old, 7 years as a U.S. citizen, and resident of the represented state.
How many Senators are there in the U.S. Senate, and how many does each state have?
100 Senators; each state has 2.
What is impeachment, and which part of Congress conducts the trial?
Charging an official with wrongdoing; the Senate conducts the trial.
How does the Legislative Branch check the Executive Branch when approving the President’s budget?
Congress approves or rejects the proposed budget.
Who is the leader of the Senate, and who takes over when they are absent?
Vice President; President Pro Tempore.
Who is the leader of the House of Representatives?
Speaker of the House.
What is the total number of Representatives in the House of Representatives, and what determines this number?
435 Representatives; based on state population.
What does Congress need to override a presidential veto?
A two-thirds vote in both chambers.
Explain how the House and Senate work together during an impeachment process.
The House initiates the process, and the Senate holds the trial.
How does the Senate contribute to the lawmaking process?
Debates, amends, and votes on proposed bills.
What is the unique role of the House regarding revenue bills?
The House initiates all revenue bills.
What is the difference between Delegated, Enumerated, and Expressed Powers (D.E.E. Powers) and Implied Powers?
D.E.E. Powers are explicitly listed; Implied Powers are allowed through the Elastic Clause.
Name two concurrent powers shared by state and federal governments.
Taxation and establishing courts.
What role does the Legislative Branch play in declaring war?
Only Congress can declare war.
What special responsibility does the Senate have regarding presidential appointments and treaties?
Confirms or rejects appointments and treaties.
Explain the role of the Speaker of the House in the legislative process.
Manages legislative business and ensures smooth bill discussion.