House of Representatives
This compromise created a bicameral legislature, balancing power between large and small states.
Great / Connecticut Compromise
The total number of U.S. Senators representing the 50 states.
100 (2 per state)
The constitutional branch responsible for creating and collecting federal taxes.
Legislative Branch
These are the powers both the state and federal governments have at
the same time An example is the power to tax
Concurrent
According to Article I, Section 7, all bills designed to raise revenue must originate in this specific chamber.
House of Representatives
The minimum age required by the Constitution to serve as a member of the House of Representatives.
25 years old
The length of one full term for a United States Senator.
6 years
Congress has the power to print and coin this item used to buy things.
Money
The process of dividing and allocating seats in a legislative body based on population distribution.
Apportionment
Where a bill goes after being introduced in either chamber to undergo research, hearings, and revisions before a full vote.
A committee
This official counting of the U.S. population occurs every 10 years to determine how many House seats each state receives.
Census
According to Article I, Section 3, this constitutional officer serves as the President of the Senate and votes only to break a tie.
Vice President
Only Congress has the constitutional authority to officially declare this action against another country.
War
When a prisoner must be told the reason for his or her arrest.
Habeas Corpus
The action a President takes to reject a bill passed by both houses of Congress.
Veto
The Constitutional title given to the presiding officer of the House of Representatives, who is chosen by its members.
Speaker of the House
The role of the Senate when the House of Representatives votes to impeach a federal official.
Holding the trial
Congress has the power to set up this system of lower national courts under the Supreme Court.
Federal courts
A law passed after the fact or after an act was committed.
Ex Post Facto
The fraction of votes required in both the House and Senate to override a presidential veto.
2/3 majority
The sole Constitutional power granted to the House regarding federal officials accused of "high crimes and misdemeanors."
Impeachment
The fraction of Senate seats up for election every two years to ensure a continuous body.
One-third
The nickname for the "Necessary and Proper Clause" because it lets Congress stretch its powers to meet new needs.
Elastic Clause
A law passed by a legislature to punish a specific individual or group without a judicial trial.
Bill of Attainder
The indirect presidential veto that occurs when Congress adjourns within 10 days of submitting a bill and the President takes no action.
Pocket veto