Political Parties
What is a political party?
A group with broad common interests that seeks to win elections, control government, and influence policy.
How many members are in the House of Representatives?
435
What are “expressed powers”?
Powers stated outright in the Constitution (e.g., collect taxes, declare war).
Who can introduce bills in Congress?
Only members of Congress.
Who conducts congressional investigations?
Standing or select committees that can subpoena witnesses.
The two major U.S. political parties are
Republicans and Democrats.
Which party controls committee chairs and the legislative agenda?
Majority Party
What clause creates implied powers?
The Necessary and Proper Clause.
In the House, bills are placed into what container to be introduced?
Hopper
Lying under oath is called ___.
Perjury
What is a “third party”?
A party that participates in elections but is not one of the two traditional major parties.
Who is the leader of the House of Representatives?
The Speaker of the House.
Give one example of an implied power.
The power to draft people into the military.
Collect taxes
Where must revenue bills begin?
The House of Representatives.
What is “immunity” in a congressional hearing?
Freedom from prosecution for testimony tying someone to criminal acts.
Where on the political spectrum does the Democratic Party generally fall?
Left (liberal/progressive).
What is the duty of the House Majority Leader?
Plan the legislative program and steer bills through the House.
Congress can grant ___ and ___ to protect creative works
Patents and copyrights.
Define a “rider.”
An addition to a bill on a different subject to increase its passage chances.
Describe the impeachment process.
House votes to impeach → Senate holds trial → two-thirds vote to remove.
What ideology is generally emphasized by the Republican Party?
Fiscal conservatism—lower taxes, deregulation, traditional social values.
What is the Senate’s presiding officer called when the Vice President is absent?
President pro tempore
What is the difference between expressed and implied powers?
Expressed = listed in Constitution; Implied = derived from Necessary & Proper Clause to carry them out.
When can the President use a pocket veto?
If Congress adjourns within 10 days and no action is taken on the bill.
Why is civic participation important, and what are Florida’s voter registration requirements?
Participation ensures representation; must be 18+, U.S. citizen, Florida resident, and registered before the state deadline.