The Legislative Branch Flashcards
How many members in the House and Senate?
House = 435 Senate = 100
Reapportionment
the process by which congressional districts are redrawn and seats are redistributed among states in the House. Reapportionment occurs every ten years, when census data reports shifts in the population of districts. Each district must have an equal number of residents
Length of terms for members of the House and Senate
House = 2 years Senate = 6 years
Powers of Congress
make laws, declare war, impeach and try federal officers, purse, approve presidential appointments, approve treaties, oversight and investigations
Casework – what is it and prove an example
response or services that members of congress provide to constituents who request assistance. Ex: applying for social security, education, applying to a military service academy
How can a bill be sent to the president?
a bill must pass both houses of Congress before it goes to the President for consideration
Impeachment – who is the cop and who is the jury?
the House is given the right to accuse and the Senate is given the right to judge
Filibuster
a tactic used in the Senate to extend a debate to obstruct or delay legislation
The Senate and appointment power
nominations/appointments are made by the president, but with the advice and consent of the Senate
How can Congress override a presidential veto?
by passing the act by a two-thirds vote in both the House and the Senate
