Congressional Powers
What is a law passed by Congress called?
A statute
Which branch of government makes laws?
Legislative branch
Which formal presidential power relating to the military?
Commander in Chief
Which branch can veto laws?
Executive branch
What is the highest court in the United States?
Supreme Court
The house formally accuses a government official of committing a crime is called
Impeachment
What is the first step in the lawmaking process?
A bill is introduced by the house or senate
What is an executive order?
A directive from the president to federal agencies
Which branch can declare laws unconstitutional?
Judicial branch
What is judicial review?
The power to declare laws unconstitutional
Which part of Congress must approve presidential appointments?
Senate
What must happen before a bill goes to the President?
Both the House and Senate must pass an identical bill with a simple majority
Does an executive order create a new law? why or why not
No, it enforces existing laws
Which branch impeaches the president and which tries the case?
House impeaches, Senate tries
Which case established judicial review?
Marbury v. Madison
What is the main way Congress creates federal agencies?
Passing legislation
What happens if the House and Senate pass different versions of a bill?
A conference committee resolves differences
Why might presidents use executive orders during crises?
US government is meant to move slow and this allows solutions to happen quickly and effectively.
Why is Senate confirmation of presidential appointments an example of checks and balances?
It limits the president’s power by requiring legislative approval
What is judicial restraint?
Courts avoiding overturning laws unless clearly unconstitutional
Congress passes a law reducing funding to a federal agency. What power is Congress using?
Power of the purse
After a president vetoes a bill, what must Congress do for it to become law?
Override the veto with a 2/3 vote in both chambers
A president directs federal agencies to change policy without Congress. What type of power is this?
Informal power (executive order)
Why is the chief justice of the supreme court in charge of overseeing a senate trial for the removal of a sitting president?
the Vice President who would normally oversee such things has too much to gain so this limits unfair judgement.
A court strikes down a law to protect rights even though Congress passed it. What judicial philosophy is this?
Judicial activism