congress Flashcards
(24 cards)
What does congress have?
balanced bicameral structure meaning it has 2 chambers, upper and lower one of equal legislative powers.
upper house- senate, 100 members
lower house- House of representatives, 435 members
What is the bicameral system known as?
Connecticut compromise
What are enumerated powers?
powers of congress that are explicitly referenced in constitution
What is the necessary and proper clause?
order for congress to fulfil duty as law making body they should be able to make all laws which are necessary to fulfil their duty. Often means congress has conflict w individual states over issue of whether something is in the federal jurisdiction or state jurisdiction like federal tax.
What does the senate have that makes irt unique?
unlimited debate. However, can lead to filibuster where an individual or group of senators talk a bill to death.
notable filibuster- senator Storm Thurmond in 1957, filibustered civil rights bill for 24 hours.
if 3/5ths of senate vote to end a filibuster they can, known as cloture motion.
What do congressional committees do?
generally shadow departments of the federal government and select committees which are used for special investigations and ad hoc basis.
What are exclusive powers?
powers reserved to the House or Senate.
What are the concurrent powers?
equal legislative power, override presidential veto, initiate constitutional amendments, declarations of war, confirm appointed VPs
What are the powers of the house?
initiate money bills (Known as power of the purse), vote on impeachment, elect a president should the electoral college deadlock
What are the powers of the senate?
confirm presidential appointments, ratify treaties, try the accused in cases of impeachment, elect the VP in the case of electoral college deadlock
What is split ticket voting?
Americans would often vote none party for president and another party for congress.
What is the demography of the house?
High rate of incumbency-86%, declining number of split ticket districts-4%,improving record of female and black representation but significant under-representation of Hispanic, Latina, Asian
average age-58
Who is the speaker of the house?
2nd in presidential succession, leader of majority party in house normally becomes speaker through ballot
Rep speaker Kevin McCarthy been forced out as speaker of US HoR after vote by lawmakers-2023
What are majority and minority leaders?
elected via closed door party cacaos every congress
liaison between congress and white house
day to day operations on the house floor
How does running for the house work?
elections every 2 years, qualifications needed- US citizen for two years, must be a resident in representative state, at least 25 years old
What is the demographic of the senate?
high incumbency (90%)- poor on churn, low split ticket states, female representation improving (32%), exceptionally poor representation of black, Hispanic, LGBTIQQ, Asian, average age is 65
How does running for the senate work?
elections every 2 years (1/3 of the senate)
qualifications needed- citizen for 9 years, be a resident in representative state
What are the legislative synoptic links?
UK unbalanced bi-cameral system, parties are far more dominant- whipping, members of exec are in legislature, legislative process significantly different
Two reasons why US congress may struggle to pass legilsation?
presidential veto, judicial review, legislative gridlock due to checks and balances, partisan divisions
One example of an unsuccessful constitutional amendment in US and explain why?
every vote counts amendment failed because lack congressional support and difficulty of passing constitutional amendments
“congress is less effective than parliament due to constitutional constraints”
US congress constrained by - checks and balances, judicial review, partisan gridlock.
UK parliament more flexible due to- parliamentary sovereignty, statue law supremacy
counter argument- congress act decisively times of crisis (Patriot act, Wall street bailout), UK may face limits via referendums or international agreements, devolution.
How does the US congress hold greater legislative autonomy compared to UK?
US congress is a separate branch of government, congress is more independent law-making body than UK
Evaluate the impact of gridlock in US congress, does it show weakness or strength?
strength- reflects system checks and balances and ensures broader consensus
weakness- leads to inaction and public frustration.
How does federalism limit power of congress in constant to the unitary nature of the UK parliament?
federalism reserves powers of stater government, meaning congress can not legislate on certain matters.
UK-retains legal sovereignty even over devolved areas and can technically override devolved legislatures.
