House of Representatives
How many voting members are in the House?
435
How many Senators are there in total?
100
What is the significance of the Commerce Power?
Authority to regulate commerce, which has expanded greatly over time.
What is the difference between joint and select committees?
Joint committees include members from both chambers; select committees are temporary for special purposes.
What is the role of the Rules Committee?
Determines rules for debate, amendment possibilities, and length of discussion.
Who is the current speaker of the house?
Mike Johnson
What are the key powers of the Senate?
Advice and consent on appointments, treaty ratification, and conducting impeachment trials.
What are expressed powers?
Powers explicitly stated in the Constitution, e.g., power to levy taxes.
What is the purpose of standing committees?
To conduct detailed examination of bills and provide oversight.
What types of bills must originate in the House?
All revenue bills must originate in the House of Representatives.
What is the primary function of the House?
Create and Pass Bills
How does party leadership influence Senate operations?
Majority leaders schedule legislation and manage floor proceedings while minority leaders lead opposition.
What are implied powers?
Powers inferred from expressed powers, allowing adaptation to changing circumstances.
What is the role of a committee chairperson?
Sets committee agenda, schedules hearings, and manages committee operations.
Describe the voting methods used in the House.
voice vote, division vote, standing vote, electronic voting, roll call vote, and unanimous consent
What does a quorum mean in the house?
The minimum amount of representatives needed to conduct business
What is the filibuster?
A prolonged debate to delay or prevent voting.
What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?
Grants Congress the power to make laws necessary to carry out its expressed powers.
How are committee assignments determined?
Influenced by seniority, expertise, state/district interests, and party loyalty.
What happens during committee work?
Hearings with experts, markup sessions, amendments considered, and committee votes.
What are the key responsibilities of the Speaker of the House?
Sets legislative agenda, determines which bills come to the floor, appoints committee chairs, directs House administration
What is the role of the President Pro Tempore
Presides over the Senate in the Vice President's absence.
What powers are denied to Congress?
Powers such as no ex post facto laws and no bills of attainder.
What is a conference committee?
Temporary committees formed to resolve differences between House and Senate versions of bills.
Describe the bill introduction process.
A Representative drafts legislation, the bill receives a number, and it is referred to an appropriate committee.