Legislative 101
Who is the leader of the House of Representatives?
Speaker of the House
What is the main job of the Legislative Branch?
To make bills/laws
What is the job of a conference committee?
To write a final draft of a bill that was passed by both houses with slight differences
What position in Congress makes sure their party members are in line and get their votes in?
Majority/Minority Whip
Who is the leader of the Senate and what is their main role as leader?
Vice President; to break a tie vote
What actions can the House of Representatives do alone?
Begin impeachment, introduce tax bills, vote for the president if necessary
What is the extra step a bill must go through in the House of Representatives?
The House Rules Committee
What is the term that describes a legislative body with 2 houses/chambers?
Bicameral
Which is the upper house and which is the lower house?
Upper: Senate
Lower: House of Representatives
What actions can the Senate do alone?
Approve presidential nominations, approve treaties, hold impeachment trials
How does a bill officially become law?
The president signs it into law
What are the people an elected leader represents called?
Constituents
What is used to determine how many representatives a state has in the House?
Population
What is 1 way the Legislative Branch check the Executive Branch?
Override a veto, must approve treaties, must approve presidential nominations
How can Congress override a president's veto?
2/3 vote in both houses
What is the term for a prolonged debate to prevent a vote?
Filibuster
What are the qualifications to be elected into the House and the Senate?
House: 25, citizen for 7 years, resident of their state
Senate: 30, citizen for 9 years, resident of their state
What is 1 non-legislative job of Congress?
Declare war, impeachment, approve presidential nominations, approve treaties
Who generally controls the flow of legislative work in Congress?
The party in the majority
How is a filibuster ended?
Cloture