legislative branch Flashcards
(46 cards)
what are midterm elections? why are they important? why do they matter?
midterm elections are elections that occur in the middle of the presidents term, they are important because they have the ability to change the majority vote
what seats are up for election in the midterms?
1/3rd of the senate and all of the house
what is the typical outcome of midterm elections?
the presidents party often loses seats
what does the current presidents approval rating generally play in the midterm elections?
his party might win
define: incumbent
the current holder of a political office
describe the general steps to how a bill becomes a law
A bill becomes a law through proposal, committee review, floor vetos in both chambers, and presidential approval or a congressional override of a veto
what is the difference between a private bill and a public bill?
private bills affect specific individuals or organizations, while public bills adress issues that apply to the general public or the entire nation
where do ideas for bills come from? who can introduce a bill to congress?
ideas for bills can come from anyone and any member of congress can introduce a bill in the house of representatives or the senate
what is the role of a committee in congress ?
they review and analyze proposed bills, conduct hearings, and make recommendation’s2
how much of congress needs to agree with the bill in order for a bill to pass through congress and move to the president for final approval
more than 50% must agree
what options does the president have when they receive a bill
sign the bill and veto the bill
why do so few bills become laws
complex legislative process and limited support
define rider
an additional provision attached to the bill
define filibuster
a tactic in the senate where a member speaks for an extended period to delay or block a vote on a bill or nomination
what is the role of the speaker of the house? who is the current speaker of the house?
they play a role in shaping the legislative agenda, maintaining order and representing the house, the current speaker is mike johnson
what role does the vice president play in the senate?
they preside over the senate and can cast tie breaking votes
what role does a whip play in the house and senate
whips ensure party members vote as the party wants and maintains discipline
who is the representative for your state
Don Byer
who are the 2 senators for your state
Mark Warner and Tim Kaine.
what purpose do congressional committees serve
they are experts, compromise, raise awareness, and make amendments
define standing committee
a committee in congress that deals with specific policy areas
define select committee
a temporary congressional committee established for a specific purpose or investigation
define joint committee
a committee with members from both the house and the senate for specific tasks like budget or library management
define conference committee
they resolve differences between the house and senate versions of a bill before it becomes a law
