How a Bill Becomes a Law
Legislative Powers
Clauses of the Constitution
Letters from Birmingham
Misc.
100

How can the President use the 10 day rule to his advantage?

After 10 days if Congress is in session, then the bill will be passed. If congress is not in session, then the bill will not be passed. The president can use this to avoid responsibility if the bill is bad because he can say that he did not approve of it. If the people like the bill, then he can say that is the reason why he did not veto it.

100

What are the Senate's special powers?

The Senate approve of all treaties, approve all appointments, choose the vice president during an electoral college tie, and act as the jury in all trials of impeachment.

100

Which clause gives Congress the power to regulate commerce?

The commerce clause

100

Who wrote the letters from Birmingham?

Martin Luther King Jr.

100

Name 3 examples of House Standing committees.

1. Appropriations- All budget bills begin here.

2. Rules- Determines rules for all debates.

3. Ways and Means- They deal with any tax changes

200

What is a filibuster?

A filibuster is a process used by the minority in the senate to stall the cloture vote until the session ends in order to prevent the passing of a bill by the majority.

200

What are the special powers of the House?

The House's special powers are that all budget bills start there, they select president in an electoral tie, and they write the article of impeachment against high-ranking officials.

200

Describe the necessary and proper clause

It is also known as the elastic clause and it gives congress implied powers to make all laws that are necessary and proper.

200

How does King define just and unjust laws in the letters?

Just laws are reasonable laws that people have a moral obligation to follow. Unjust laws are unreasonable and people have a moral obligation to disobey them.

200

Describe the Social Contract idea. 

People consent to government authority and in return the government protects their freedoms.

300

What committee is in charge of settling the differences between the Senate and House versions of a bill?

The conference committee

300

What are 4 examples of Congress and their enumerated/expressed powers?

Congress has the ability to tax, declare war, print money, and set up post offices.

300

Which clause establishes the constitution and federal laws as the highest law in the nation?

The Supremacy Clause

300

What are the effects of segregation?

Segregation is morally wrong so it damages people's lives and distorts the soul.

300

What is limited government?

A ruling body whose powers are defined and restricted in law, usually by a written constitution.

400
Describe the tote board voting process in the House.

Votes are done electronically and will appear on a tote board in front of the room. Their seat will turn green on the board if they agree, red if they oppose, and yellow if they abstain. This will allow voters to see who they can elect to fulfill their wishes in the government. they will know who they want to re-elect.

400

Why are the qualifications to run for Congress so simplistic?

This is because it is the peoples' branch and the founders wanted to give people the opportunity to represent themselves.

400

What is the full faith and credit clause?

It requires states to uphold the laws of other states, including public acts and records.

400

When were the letters from Birmingham written?

1963

400

What are checks and balances?

The processes in which each branch of government can impact the actions of other parts of the government.

500

State the main steps in the lawmaking process(assuming that it begins in the House)

1. Introduction of the Bill  

2. Committee Review

3. House Rules Committee

4. House Floor Action

5. Senate committee review

6. Senate Floor Action

7. House-Senate compromise

8. Final House-Senate Vote

9. Sent to President

500

Describe what a joint committee is.

Joint committees include members from the House and the Senate. They work together to conduct studies or perform housekeeping tasks.

500

Describe the privileges and immunities clause

Basic rights are extended to citizens and must be upheld in all states regardless of the state that a person lives in.

500

What reasons did King give as to why he was in Birmingham?

He was protesting in Birmingham because he said that he was invited there. He stated that he had organizational ties there because of the injustices in the area.

500

What are separation of powers?

The division of government and powers into legislative, executive and judicial branches.