Congressional powers
What power allows Congress to remove the President, VP, or judges from office?
The impeachment power (House impeaches, Senate tries)
How many members are in the House and Senate?
435 House, 100 Senate
Who is the presiding officer of the House of Representatives?
Speaker of the House
How often does congressional redistricting occur?
Every 10 years, after the census
What is the difference between mandatory and discretionary spending?
Mandatory spending is required by law (like Social Security, Medicare). Discretionary spending must be approved annually through appropriations (like defense).
What clause in article I of the Constitution gives Congress implied powers beyond those listed?
Necessary and proper clause (elastic)
What is the term length for members of the House and Senate?
6 years
What is the difference between a standing committee v. select committee?
Standing: Permanent committees that exist from one Congress to the next (Senate Judiciary, House Ways & Means)
Select: Temporary committees created for a specific purpose (Jan 6th committee, Benghazi, Watergate, HUAC)
What is gerrymandering?
When the state legislature draws district boundaries to give an advantage to a political candidate/party.
What does the term divided government refer to?
When different parties control different branches of the government
(one party controls the Presidency-- Rep)
(other party controls Congress--Dems)
What type of power allows Congress to regulate business between states?
Interstate Commerce Power
What is required to end a Senate filibuster?
A cloture vote (3/5ths)
What is the House Ways and Means Committee responsible for?
taxation and revenue bills
What’s the difference between trustee and delegate models of representation?
Trustee = uses their own judgment when voting for a bill/law
Delegate = follows their constituents wishes when voting for a bill/law
How can the Senate check presidential appointments?
Confirm or reject nominees through advice and consent
Congress cannot pass a law that punishes someone retroactively. What is this type of law called?
Ex post facto law
Describe the process of how a bill becomes a law:
Drafting phase--> committee action --> floor debate/vote -->Presidential action
Explain how committee chairs are selected and why seniority matters.
Chosen by majority party; seniority often determines chairmanship to ensure experience and loyalty.
Which SCOTUS case established the "one person, one vote" when it comes to redistricting making sure each district would roughly have an equal population
Baker v. Carr
Explain how entitlement programs limit Congress’s control over the federal budget.
They are mandatory spending programs with costs determined by eligibility, leaving little flexibility for Congress to adjust total spending.
Explain how the power of the purse acts as a check on the executive branch.
Congress controls federal spending and appropriations, limiting executive actions.
Explain what pork barrel spending/policies refers to:
-- Usually an addendum attached to larger bills as amendments or add-ons.
-- Often benefits a specific district or state (roads, bridges, research centers, military bases).
-- The goal is often reelection or political favor
These party members in both the House and Senate are responsible for counting votes, persuading members to vote with the party, and ensuring attendance.
WHIPS
Explain the precedent set in the Shaw v. Reno SCOTUS case:
Racial gerrymandering was deemed unconstitutional as it violated the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment.
Define what deficit spending is and the impact it has on the fiscal policies of the U.S.
When the Government spends more than it takes in. Impacts the policies bc it contributes to the national debt. It is mandatory that a portion of the debt be paid off each year, so it create a recurring cycle.