In the Constitution
What is the primary role of the Legislative branch; as written in the U.S Constitution?
Making federal laws
True or False: Congress may indict, and remove federal officials from office via the impeachment process. Which is defined as charging federal officials within the executive / judicial branches of wrongdoing for treason, bribery, or other high crimes & misdemeanors.
True
True or False: Every law originally begins as an idea.
True
True or False: You MUST be a natural born U.S citizen to serve as a member of the U.S Congress.
False
True or False: Congress can expel a member within their chamber with a 3/4 majority within that respective chamber.
False (2/3)
What article of the U.S Constitution establishes the Legislative branch?
I
What is the main check / balance of the Legislative branch on the Executive and Judicial branches?
Impeachment
What must occur for an idea to become known as a "bill"?
It must be endorsed by a member of the U.S Congress.
How long are congress people's terms in the House of Representatives?
2 years
What are the two different types of powers granted to Congress in article I?
Implied & Enumerated
The Constitution establishes a "bicameral" legislature. What does "bicameral" mean in the context of the U.S Constitution?
Two houses.
In what chamber of Congress do impeachment proceedings always begin? By what margin (fraction) must they vote in favor to formally indict for impeachment?
House of Representatives; simple majority.
After leaving committee, what margin (fraction) does a bill need to be voted upon favorably to pass both chambers of Congress, and move on to the President's desk?
Simple majority
How long are senators terms?
6 years
Give three examples of enumerated powers of Congress.
Impose taxes, borrow money, regulate commerce (trade), make laws, print money, declare war, define citizenship, funding military, regulating postal service
What are the names for BOTH chambers of federal Congress? AND how are seats allocated in BOTH chambers?
House of Representatives & Senate; state population & equal distribution respectively.
In what chamber of Congress does the impeachment trial take place? By what margin (fraction) must they vote in favor to formally convict of impeachment and remove an official from office?
Senate; supermajority
What two actions may the President (Executive branch) take should the Legislative branch approve of, and attempt to create a new law?
They may sign it into law; or veto the bill.
How many seats are in the federal House of Representatives AND how many seats are in the federal senate?
435;100
What does the "necessary & proper", AKA the "elasticity clause" grant Congress?
Implied powers
In article I of the U.S Constitution, what section (number) contains the “necessary and proper” also known as the “elasticity clause”, that grants Congress its implied powers?
Section VIII (8)
How many Federal officials have been impeached throughout the course of U.S history? AND how many of them were Presidents?
20;3
What two options are available to Congress should the President veto a bill the Congress still wishes to be passed?
Revise the bill to include the President's feedback OR attempt to overrule the veto by supermajority.
In the context of Congress, what does it mean to have "staggered" elections?
That the entire legislature is not up for reelection at the same time. Ex. 1/3 of the Senate every 2 years
Explain the difference between the enumerated and implied powers of the U.S Congress.
Implied powers: Whatever else Congress is required to do to execute its enumerated powers. Granted by "necessary & proper" AKA "elasticity" clause.
Enumerated powers: The powers granted Congress specifically; written down in Article I of the U.S Constitution. Ex. Draft, IRS, minimum wage