What branch of the government makes the laws?
The Legislative branch
Which article of the Constitution describes this branch's powers?
Article 1 of the Constitution.
Why is Congress considered to be a bicameral body?
Because we have two houses that both play a role in the legislative branch. The House of Representatives and the Senate.
What are common issues that keep bills from becoming laws?
If the bill is deemed unconstitutional, if the president vetoes it, and if it what out voted in congress.
What are the 3 requirements to be elected into the House of Representatives?
Must be at least 25 years old, Must live in the state you represent, Have been a US citizens for at least 7 years
What is the title of the leader of the House of Representatives? What powers do they have?
The leader of the House is called the Speaker of the House. The speaker has the power to start appropriations bills, begin impeachment proceedings against government officials, and can select the president in an Electoral College tie.
How long is a Representative's term?
2 years for House
What is representation in the House based on?
To represent the public more closely
What are the 3 requirements to be elected into the Senate?
At least 30 years old, Must live in the state you represent, Have been a US citizen for at least 9 years
What is the title of the leader of the Senate? What powers do they have?
Vice president. Ratify treaties, Approve Prez. appointments, try impeached officials and chooses the VP in an electoral college tie.
How long is a Senator's term?
6 years
What is gerrymandering?
Drawing a district to favor one party over another.
How does packing districts create gerrymandering?
Packing when a party moves a bunch of people from one party into a district. Making it, Packing.
How do cracking districts create gerrymandering?
Cracking is when a party spreads out people from a party to make the district disproportionate.
What are the political cartoons?
A political cartoon is a cartoon that makes a point about a political issue or event.
What are the common techniques used in political cartoons? What do they do?
Labels, using words to identify something in their cartoon. Symbolism, use simple objects to represent something. Analogy, Comparing situations or events to something much larger than the picture. Irony, creating twists with things the artist thinks thing
What are 3 major reasons to impose term limits on members of Congress?
Take power from voters, Reduce Congressional Captivity, Limits policy Expertise
What are the 3 major reasons to NOT impose term limits on members of Congress?
Enhance Centrism, Fresh ideas, Boost devotion
1 A Bill is introduced in either the House or the Senate. A member must speak to Congress and provide in writing.
7 steps of creating a law
2 Bill is sent to the specific committee that provides oversight for hearings and review.
7 steps of creating a law
3 If the bill is approved by the committee, it is sent to one house of Congress for debate. Members can make comments and suggestions.
7 steps of creating a law
4 Bill is voted on in either the House or Senate- depending on who proposed it.
7 steps of creating a law
5 Bill is sent to another chamber. However, the Majority leader can refuse to hold the vote and members can make changes
7 steps of creating a law
6 The bill is sent back to the original chamber to approve any changes. They can vote it down.
7 steps of creating a law
7 If passed by both chambers, a bill is sent to the president to sign or veto. If the president vetoes, Congress can override with a ? majority vote.
7 steps of creating a law