Congress
What type of bills do the Ways and Means Committee discuss?
What are Bills of Appropriations?
Congress uses this constitutional power to influence the executive branch by controlling federal spending.
What is the Power of the purse?
The Constitution establishes three requirements a person must meet to be eligible for the presidency. Identify all three.
Be a natural-born U.S. citizen, be at least 35 years old, and have been a U.S. resident for at least 14 years.
This Supreme Court case established the principle that the federal judiciary has the authority to declare an act of Congress unconstitutional.
What is Marbury v. Madison?
Pigeonhole
What is when the bill dies in committee? (Most popular ending for a bill)
A senator uses this Senate procedure to delay or prevent a vote on a bill by continuing debate.
What is a filibuster?
What was the purpose of the War Powers Resolution?
Congress to limit the power of the President to send troops overseas.
Why might a president prioritize executive agreements over treaties when negotiating with another country?
What is bypassing Senate approval?
The Supreme Court declares a federal law unconstitutional. Which constitutional principle allows the judiciary to constrain the elected branches in this way?
What is judicial review?
Bully Pulpit
What is the "stage" for the President to address the people? (ex. social media, campaign rallies)
A representative supports a bill that benefits their district/constitutents, even though most members of their party oppose it. This Congressman is practicing the __________ model of voting instead of the _________ model of voting.
What is delegate; partisan voting
Explain Baker v. Carr and how it relates to checks and balances.
Expanded the federal courts right to check states legislatures when drawing district lines
What is executive privilege?
The president's INFORMAL power to keep secrets from the people and Congress.
Why do federal judges serve during good behavior rather than fixed terms?
What is to protect judicial independence by insulating judges from political pressure?
Imperial Presidency
What is the term for when a president expands executive power beyond what the Constitution or Congress intended, often at the expense of the legislative branch.
A president vetoes a bill passed by Congress. Congress wants the bill to become law anyway. What constitutional process can Congress use to override the president?
What is 2/3rds vote in BOTH the House and Senate?
Explain the impeachment process.
What is the House impeaches (accuses someone of a crime) and the Senate holds the trial (are they guilty)?
A president's party loses seats in Congress during the midterm elections. Explain how this outcome could effect the President.
Answers will vary: Issues passing revenue bill/presidents budget; increased executive orders
What is the main purpose of the principle of stare decisis?
What is to follow legal precedents established by previous court decisions?
This constitutional principle holds that the president must comply with lawful court orders and cannot use executive authority to place themselves above the law.
What is rule of law?
Which of the following characteristics are exclusive to the Senate?
1. Filibusters; 2. Rules Committee; 3. Creating federal courts; 4. Holding confirmation hearings for appointments; 5. Vote of Cloture; 6. 100 members
1, 4, 5, 6
Explain at least one check each branch has on the others.
Answers will vary - we will talk
Which of the following are informal powers of the President?
1. Vetos; 2. Executive Agreements; 3. Bargaining and persuasion; 4. Signing Statements; 5. Executive Orders; 6. Commander and Chief
2, 3, 4, 5
What is the difference between original jurisdiction and appellate jurisdiction?
Original jurisdiction is the authority to hear a case first; appellate jurisdiction is the authority to review a lower court’s decision.
This occurs when the president and Congress are controlled by different political parties, often making it more difficult to pass legislation and advance the president’s agenda.
What is a divided government?