Congress Basics
What are the two houses of Congress?
The Senate and House of Representatives.
Where must revenue bills start?
The House of Representatives.
What is the main purpose of standing committees?
To handle specific legislative responsibilities and oversee bills related to their areas of expertise.
Which house of the Legislative branch approves treaties and appointments?
The Senate.
Which article establishes the Legislative Branch?
Article I.
Which house is responsible for initiating revenue bills?
The House of Representatives.
What happens after a bill is introduced in Congress?
It is assigned to a committee for review.
Name the committee that resolves differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill.
Conference committee.
What is impeachment, and who can initiate (begin) the process?
Impeachment is the process of charging an official with wrongdoing, initiated by the House of Representatives.
What does the Preamble of the Constitution describe?
The purpose of the Constitution.
What is the term for powers shared by both state and federal governments?
Concurrent powers.
What role does the President play in the lawmaking process?
The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or do nothing (leading to it becoming law if Congress is in session for 10 days).
How can a committee delay or stop a bill?
By amending, holding it up, or rejecting it during review.
What happens to a bill if the President does nothing while Congress is in session?
It becomes law after 10 days.
What are amendments, and why are they important?
Amendments are changes or additions to the Constitution, ensuring its flexibility and responsiveness to change.
Which house acts as the jury during impeachment trials?
The Senate.
What is required to override a presidential veto?
A two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate.
What is a special committee, and when is it formed?
A temporary committee formed for specific purposes.
How can Congress respond if the President vetoes a bill?
Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority in both houses.
What is the significance of Article I, Section 8?
It outlines Congress's enumerated powers and includes the Necessary and Proper Clause.
Explain the Elastic Clause.
It allows Congress to pass laws necessary to carry out its enumerated powers, providing flexibility in lawmaking.
Describe the role of a conference committee.
It reconciles differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill.
Describe the role of committees in the impeachment process.
The House Judiciary Committee reviews evidence and recommends impeachment articles, while the Senate serves as the trial body.
List three powers Congress has under checks and balances.
Approving budgets, declaring war, and overriding presidential vetoes.
Describe the purpose of the Necessary and Proper Clause.
It grants Congress the ability to create laws required to execute its enumerated powers.