1. Institutions and Policy Processes Flashcards
Three Categories of powers that give Congress a broad scope of authority to fulfil its responsibilities:
- Enumerated
- Implied
- Inherent
Enumerated Powers
Congress’s primary function of making laws. Clearly spelled out in the Constitution to prevent the government from overstepping its authority.
Which Section of Article I are the Enumerated Powers derived from?
Section I
Implied Powers
- Not stated in the Constitution
- Implied by Necessary and Proper Clause/Elastic Cause
- Provides Flexibility in adapting to change
Inherent Powers
Not explicitly stated but still necessary to any government
Give 2 Examples of Congress’s Enumerated Powers
- Levy taxes and collect revenue for the functioning of the federal government.
- Regulate interstate and foreign commerce.
- Declare war and raise and support the armed forces.
- Coin money and regulate its value.
- Establish post offices and post roads.
- Establish rules for naturalization and bankruptcy.
- Commerce with Foreign Nations
Give 2 Examples of Congress’s Implied Powers
- Establishment of a National Bank
- Creation of Federal Agencies
- Civil Rights Legislation
- Regulation of Air and Space Travel
- Environmental Regulations
- Imposition of Regulatory Standards
- Creation of the Federal Reserve System
Give 2 Examples of Congress’s Inherent Powers
- Establishment of a National Bank
- Creation of Federal Agencies
- Civil Rights Legislation
- Regulation of Air and Space Travel
- Environmental Regulations
- Imposition of Regulatory Standards
- Creation of the Federal Reserve System
Name two other Categories of Congress’s powers, not included before.
- Non-Legislative Powers
- War Powers
Non-Legistlative Powers
- Refers to specific functions and responsibilities of Congress outside of Lawmaking
- Derived from Congress’s Unique ability to keep the other branches, Exectutive and Judicial, in check.
Give 2 examples of Congress’s Non-Legistlative powers
- Oversight and Investigative Powers
- Power of Impeachment
- Approval of Treaties and Presidential Appointments
- Electoral Duties
- Control over Congressional Procedures
- Amendment Process
War Powers
- Refers to the use of Military force
- Divides the war powers between Congress and the President
Give 2 examples of Congress’s War powers
- Declaration of War
- Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF)
- War Powers Resolution (1973)
- Power of the Purse
What are 3 things Congress does NOT have the power to do?
- Create Post facto laws
- Habeas Corpus
- Create Nobility
What is a Post Facto Law?
A law after the action has been committed
What is “Habeas Corpus”
- “You have the Body”
- A person has the right to be brought before a judge who will explain the charges clearly against the prisoner
Define this type of Tax:
Income
Levied on Income
Define this type of Tax:
Progressive
The more you earn, the higher your tax rate
Define this type of Tax:
Payroll
Payed in addiction to an income tax
Define this type of Tax:
Social Security and Medicare
- Flat Type
- Not levied on Investments
Explain the 1921 Budget and Accounting Act
Budget Authority, Budget Outlay, Reciepts
The President submits a budget to congress for approval for each fiscal year from OCT 1 - SEPT 30
- Budget Authority (the amount certain agencies will be allowed to spend
- Budget Outlay (The amount agencies are expected to spend)
- Reciepts (the amount the government is expected to take in via taxes and other sources)
Explain the Budget Enforcement Act (BEA)
The BEA created two new budget control processes:
- a set of caps on annually-appropriated discretionary spending
- “pay-as-you-go” or “PAYGO” process for entitlements and taxes.
Explain the Balanced Budget of 1997
- Dramatically expanded the authority of state Medicaid agencies to provide covered health care services through managed care organizations (MCOs).
- Expired in 2002
Speaker of the house
- Second in line for the Presidency if anything happens to the President or Vice President
- Selected by the Majority Party
- Pincipal leader of the Majority party
- Presiding officer of the entire house
What is a Whip
- Keeps party leader informed on what party members are thinking on certain bills
- In charge of determining what the likely vote will be on a controversial issue
Who does the Organization of the House Consist of?
- Speaker
- Majority Leader and Whip
- Minority Leader and Whip
- Deputy Whip
Who does the Organization of the Senate consist of?
- Two senators from each state: A senior and a junior
- Vice President = President of the Senate
- Leadership of the Senate (President Pro Tempore)
- Majority Leader and Whip
- Minority Leader and Whip
- Deputy Whip
What is the role of the Vice President as the President of the Senate?
Tie Breaker
Who is third in line for Presidential Succession?
Latin for “Of the Time”
President Pro Tempore
Who chooses the President Pro Tem?
The Majority Leader and Whip of the Senate
Both Chambers employ a complex system of \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Comittees to help them carry out their legistlative duties
Permanent
Select Committees
Formed to deal with a temporary matter and is disbanded once the issue is resolved.