Vocab
Another name for the Leg. Branch, also refers to BOTH chambers
Congress
What is the purpose of the legislative branch
to make laws
How many members make up each House of Congress
Reps - 435 (based on population of state)
Senators - 100 (2 per state)
What is the difference between expressed and implied powers
expressed powers are specifically stated in the Constitution
implied powers are not directly stated in the Constitution
How often must Congressional districts be reapportioned. How often does the census happen?
every 10 years through the census
To manipulate the boundaries of a district to favor one political party
Gerrymander
What is the title given to the head of the House of Representatives and who currently holds this position
DOUBLE JEOPARDY
Speaker of the House -Mike Johnson
Who is your representative for the 11th district in Congress
Lloyd Smucker
What are 2 things Congress can't do (limits on their power)
1. Congress cannot make a law that violates the Bill of Rights
2. Congress cannot tax US-made products that are sent to other countries to be sold (exports)
3. Congress cannot grant titles of nobility (i.e., King, Queen, Prince, etc.)
The President! He/she must sign the bill into a law
Congress contains 2 houses, this is refered to as what?
DOUBLE JEOPARDY
Bicameral
This chamber is where all budget bills start
House of Reps
How often are Representatives and Senators elected
Reps - All elected every 2 years
Senators - Every 6 years, staggered elections so 1/3 elected at time
This clause allows Congress to expand its powers. Give an example
What is the Necessary and Proper Clause. Ex the power to maintain and control the airforce
After a bill is introduced to committee, where does it go after?
DOUBLE JEOPARDY
The bill is send to the floor for recommendation. Bills must be placed on the calendar to be seen
to divide and distribute the seats in a legislative body on the basis of population
Apportionment
Under the Constitution who is the head of the Senate?
The Vice-President - JD Vance
Who are your 2 PA Senators
DOUBLE JEOPARDY
Dave McCormick and John Fetterman
This type of law applies to actions in the past
DOUBLE JEOPARDY
Ex- Post Facto Law
ex and post both refer to after!
What is a revised bill? What happens to the bill?
A bill that has been changed, amended, or substituted during the legislative process, usually following a committee.
What are the 3 types of committees and explain them
Standing - A permanent committee that specializes in particular subject area
Special - A temporary committee that’s formed for a specific purpose, investigations, studies, consider measures
Joint - A permanent committee that includes members of both the House and the Senate who conducts studies
The unwritten rule followed in Congress where the longest-serving members get leadership roles.
Seniority Rule
What are the basic requirements to become a Representative and Senator
Representative - At least 25 years of age , US citizen for at least 7 years, Resident of the state he/she represents
Senator- At least 30 years of age, US citizen for at least 9 years, Resident of the state he/she represents
Congress has the power to reject the Presidents veto by doing what?
They bring the bill back to both chambers where BOTH must pass with 2/3 majority
Describe both types of vetos
A regular veto is a rejection where the President returns a bill to Congress with written objections, allowing Congress to attempt an override or rewrite.
A pocket veto is when the President sets the bill aside for 10 days ; if Congress is in session during that time the bill automatically becomes a law. If Congress is out of session the bill dies :(