Congressional Powers
Which chamber of Congress has 100 members, with two representing each state?
Senate
After a bill is introduced in Congress, where is it usually sent for detailed review?
A committee
Who has the constitutional power to declare war?
Congress
The president meets with foreign leaders to discuss an international conflict. Which presidential role is being demonstrated?
Chief diplomat
A representative introduces a bill to improve public schools. Which branch is exercising its power?
Legislative
Which chamber has the exclusive power to introduce bills for raising revenue?
House of Representatives
What is the purpose of a conference committee?
To reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of a bill
Who has the power to nominate federal judges?
President
The president orders federal agencies to carry out an existing law. Which constitutional responsibility is being fulfilled?
Enforcing the laws
Congress passes a law requiring federal agencies to enforce new environmental standards. Which branch is primarily responsible for carrying out the law?
executive
What is the main difference between the terms of House members and senators?
House members serve 2 years; senators serve 6 years
The House passes a bill, but the Senate changes it. Can the bill immediately go to the president?
No. Both chambers must approve identical text
Who has the power to confirm Cabinet secretaries?
Senate
The president nominates someone to lead the Department of Homeland Security. What must happen before that person can officially take the position?
Senate confirmation
The House votes to impeach a president. Does this automatically remove the president from office?
No. The Senate must convict by a two-thirds vote
Why does the House have more representatives from some states than others, while the Senate has equal representation?
House representation is based on population; Senate representation is equal for every state
A president vetoes a bill, but Congress strongly supports it. How can Congress still make the bill a law?
Override the veto with a two-thirds vote in each chamber
The president wants to spend federal money on a new project, but Congress refuses to approve funding. Which branch controls federal appropriations?
Legislative branch
The president claims executive privilege to withhold certain confidential communications. Does executive privilege provide unlimited protection?
No. It is subject to legal and constitutional limits
The president vetoes a bill, and Congress overrides the veto. What does this demonstrate about presidential power?
It is limited by checks and balances
Congress wants to investigate whether a federal agency is misusing taxpayer money. What congressional power allows it to investigate executive agencies?
Congressional oversight
Congress sends a bill to the president, who takes no action for 10 days (excluding Sundays). What happens if Congress remains in session?
The bill becomes law without the president's signature
The president negotiates a treaty, but the Senate refuses to approve it. Which constitutional principle does this demonstrate?
Checks and balances
A president issues an executive order attempting to create a new criminal law without congressional authorization. Why could this be unconstitutional?
The president cannot independently exercise Congress's legislative power; executive orders need lawful authority
Congress passes a law, the president signs it, and the Supreme Court later rules it unconstitutional. Explain the role each branch played.
Legislative created the law, executive approved it, and judicial reviewed its constitutionality