Structure of Congress
Why does each state have two senators regardless of population, while representation in the House is based on population?
To balance the interests of large and small states (Connecticut Compromise).
What is one example of how Congress uses its power to “regulate commerce”?
Setting environmental or labor standards for interstate businesses, or regulating digital trade.
Why must all revenue bills start in the House instead of the Senate?
Because the House is closest to the people, who are directly affected by taxes.
Give one way Congress checks the President’s foreign policy power.
The Senate ratifies treaties and confirms ambassadors.
The House can restrict or refuse funding for military actions through its power of the purse.
A state’s population grows quickly. How might this affect its influence in Congress?
It could gain more House seats after reapportionment, increasing its electoral influence.
Explain how the U.S. Census affects representation in Congress.
Census data determines how House seats are reapportioned among states every 10 years.
Why is the Necessary and Proper Clause sometimes called the “Elastic Clause”?
It stretches Congress’s power by allowing implied powers needed to carry out expressed ones.
What happens if the House and Senate pass two different versions of the same bill?
A conference committee resolves differences and produces a compromise version.
What is required for Congress to override a presidential veto, and why is it difficult?
Two-thirds vote in both chambers; hard because it requires bipartisan support.
Why is gerrymandering controversial in congressional elections?
It manipulates district boundaries to favor one party, undermining fair representation.
Why must all members of the House face reelection every two years?
To keep representatives closely accountable to voters and current public opinion.
Give one example of an implied power derived from an expressed power.
Creating the Air Force (implied) from the power to raise and support armies (expressed).
Why do so many bills die in committee?
Committees screen out proposals lacking support, funding, or constitutional basis.
How can the Supreme Court check Congress’s power to make laws?
By declaring laws unconstitutional (judicial review).
A senator uses unlimited debate to block a bill. What tactic is this, and what principle does it illustrate?
Filibuster; shows the Senate’s emphasis on minority rights and deliberation.
What advantage does the Senate’s longer term give it compared to the House?
Allows senators to focus on long-term policy rather than frequent campaigning.
How do strict constructionists and liberal constructionists differ on interpreting congressional power?
Strict constructionists limit Congress to powers clearly stated in the Constitution; liberal constructionists allow broader interpretation through implied powers.
Explain the purpose of a filibuster in the Senate and how it can be ended.
Used to delay or block a vote; ended by a cloture vote of three-fifths (60 senators).
Explain how impeachment and removal demonstrate checks and balances in action.
House impeaches, Senate holds trial — both ensure accountability of executive and judicial officials.
Congress passes a law on online privacy. What constitutional power is this most likely based on?
The power to regulate interstate commerce.
Why is the Senate often called the “upper house”?
It has longer terms, stricter qualifications, and unique powers such as confirming appointments and ratifying treaties.
Congress has “nonlegislative powers.” Name one and explain its purpose.
Impeachment power, investigation, or confirming appointments — used for oversight and checks on other branches.
If the president receives a bill and does nothing for ten days while Congress is still in session, what happens to the bill? What if Congress adjourns during that time?
If Congress is still in session, the bill automatically becomes law without the president’s signature.
If Congress adjourns before the ten days pass, the bill does not become law — this is called a pocket veto.
Congress passed a law expanding federal power; the Supreme Court struck it down. What does this reveal about the separation of powers?
No branch has absolute authority; each limits the others to preserve constitutional balance.
A president issues an executive order that limits congressional oversight. Congress passes a law reversing it. What constitutional principle is this an example of?
Checks and balances; legislative supremacy in lawmaking.