Unit 2 & 3 Test Flashcards
(83 cards)
Representative Assemblies
Legislative bodies composed of elected officials who represent the interests of the people. The Founders saw them as essential to a republic, ensuring citizens had a voice in government and preventing tyranny.
Term of Congress
Two-year period of Congressional work. Congress meets and carries out its legislative functions. Each term is numbered consecutively (e.g., the 118th Congress began in January 2023).
Session of Congress
The period each year when Congress meets to conduct legislative business. Each term has two sessions—one per year.
Convenes
The official start of a new congressional session. The first session of a term begins on January 3rd of odd-numbered years.
Adjourns
The official end of a congressional session. Congress cannot adjourn for more than three days without both chambers’ approval.
Special Session
A session called by the President to address urgent issues, such as war or economic crises. For example, FDR called a special session in 1933 to address the Great Depression.
27th Ammendment
It prevents Congress from granting itself an immediate pay raise; any increase in salary takes effect after the next election.
Reapportionment of Congress
The process of redistributing the 435 House seats among states based on Census data (every 10 years). States can gain or lose seats
Congressional Districts
Geographic areas within a state, each electing one representative. Districts must have equal populations.
Redistricting
The redrawing of congressional district boundaries by state legislatures after each Census to reflect population shifts.
Gerrymandering
The practice of manipulating district lines to benefit a political party, often leading to oddly shaped districts.
Formal Qualifications for Office in the House
Must be 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least 7 years, and a resident of the state they represent.
Informal Qualifications for House
Party affiliation, college degree, political experience, and public recognition.
Incumbent
A current officeholder seeking re-election. Incumbents have an advantage due to name recognition and fundraising.
Senate Size
100 members (2 per state), regardless of population size.
17th Amendment
Allowed the direct election of Senators by the people (previously chosen by state legislatures).
Constituency
The people a legislator represents. House members have smaller, district-based constituencies, while Senators represent entire states.
Formal qualifications for Office (Senate)
Must be 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for 9 years, and a resident of the state they represent.
Delegated Powers
Powers granted to Congress by the Constitution, including expressed, implied, and inherent powers.
Expressed Powers
powers directly expressed or stated in the Constitution by the Founders. They are also known as enumerated powers.
Implied Powers
Not explicitly stated but derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause. Example: Establishing a national bank (McCulloch v. Maryland).
Inherent Powers
Powers government has simply because it exists (e.g., controlling immigration, acquiring new territory).
Commerce Clause
Congress can regulate trade between states and foreign nations. Used to justify major laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Power to Tax
Congress can levy taxes but cannot tax exports. Used to raise revenue and influence behavior (e.g., cigarette taxes).
