11 Congress and the Legislative Process Free Online FlashCards

Where does the Constitution vest federal legislative power?

Article I, Section 1 vests all legislative powers granted by the Constitution in Congress, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

How do the House and Senate represent people differently?

The House represents population, while the Senate represents states equally. This bicameral arrangement reflects the constitutional compromise between large and small states.

What does the Origination Clause require?

Revenue bills must originate in the House, although the Senate may amend them. This rule reflects the House’s closer connection to the people.

What does the Necessary and Proper Clause allow?

It lets Congress choose appropriate means to carry out legitimate enumerated powers. It provides flexibility but does not give Congress an unlimited general police power.

Why are congressional committees called gatekeepers?

Committees hold hearings, gather evidence, revise bills, and decide whether to report them to the full chamber. Their control over advancement makes them legislative gatekeepers.

What are a filibuster and cloture?

A filibuster uses extended debate or other procedural resistance to delay or block Senate action. Cloture is the procedure for ending debate; most legislation generally requires 60 of 100 senators for cloture.

What must happen when House and Senate bills differ?

Both chambers must approve identical text. If their versions differ, they must exchange amendments, negotiate, or use a conference committee before voting on the final version again.

What actions can the president take on an enrolled bill?

The president may sign the measure, veto it, allow it to become law without a signature under specified conditions, or use a pocket veto when Congress adjourns at the end of a session.

What is Congress’s power of the purse?

Congress’s power of the purse is its control over taxation, borrowing, authorization, and appropriations. Money may be drawn from the Treasury only through appropriations made by law.

What is congressional oversight?

Oversight is Congress’s supervision and investigation of the executive branch and federal programs. It uses hearings, document requests, subpoenas, reports, appropriations restrictions, and impeachment investigations.

How do delegate, trustee, and politico models differ?

A delegate follows constituent preferences; a trustee uses personal judgment and expertise; a politico combines both approaches depending on the issue’s visibility and complexity.

What did McCulloch v. Maryland establish?

The Court upheld Congress’s authority to establish a national bank, reasoning that the Necessary and Proper Clause permits appropriate means for carrying out legitimate constitutional ends.