Define resolution
The official expression of the opinion or will of a legislative body.
Define concurrent resolution
- statement of position on an issue adopted by the House and the Senate acting jointly
- does not have the force of law
Define joint resolution
- proposal for some action that has the force of law
- usually deals with special circumstances or temporary matters
Define session
period of time in which Congress conducts its business
Define term
Period of time in which an elected government official is in office.
Define rider
-unpopular provision added to an important bill certain to pass
Where in the Constitution is the House of Representatives described?
Article 1, Section 2, Clause 2
Where in the Constitution is the Senate described?
Article 1, section 3
What are the qualifications for a Representative?
- at least 25 years old
- citizen of US for at least 7 years
- must live in state an district they represent
What are the qualifications for a Senate?
- at least 30 years old
- citizen of US for at least 9 years
- must live in state they represent
How many members per state are in the House? How is this # determined?
based by population in each states; AR has 4
How many members per state are in the Senate? How is this # determined?
2; each state has 2
Describe the leadership of the House and Senate
Speaker of the House, and President of the Senate(Vice President)
Describe the implied powers of Congress. Where are they found in the constitution?
- powers reasonably suggested
- ex: necessary and proper clause
Describe the expressed powers of Congress. Where are they found in the constitution?
- article 1, section 8, clause 18
- the constitution specifically grants 27 powers to congress
Describe the investigatory powers of Congress.
- power to investigate any matter that falls into is legislative powers
- cover a variety of subjects: gathering info, focusing public attention to particular subjects, exposing questionable activities of individuals
Describe the electoral powers of Congress.
-house chooses the President of Electoral College does not grant the majority of votes to one candidate
What are the 4 types of Congressional committees?
- Standing
- Select
- Joint
- Conference
What is impeachment? Who has what responsibilities in an impeachment?
- house has the sole power to try a public official impeachment cases
- senate has the sole power to try a public official in impeachment cases
- if found guilty, a 2nd trial must determine if they must be removed
How can a bill become a law without the President’s signature?
if 2/3 of Congress vote to pass the bill
Describe a standing committee
Permanent committee to which bills in a specified subject matter are referred
Describe a select committee
Created for a limited time and for specific investigative purposes
Describe a joint committee
Composed of members of both houses of Congress
Describe a conference committee
Temporary joint committee created to reconcile differences between the two houses’ versions of a bill that both houses would accept.
