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288 Cards in this Set

  • Front
  • Back
Chapter 12 – Congress (pg. 455 - 498)
Vocabulary (pg. 501)

1. Agency Representation (pg. 458)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

To Ensure that Constituents Representation is Upheld, the Representative is held Accountable for their Actions, in which they can be Fired/Hired if they don’t Provide Adequate Representation.

The type of representation in which a representative is held accountable to a constituency if he or she fails to represent that constituency properly. This is the incentive for good representation when the personal backgrounds, views, and interests of the representative differ from those of his or her constituency.
2. Apportionment (pg. 464)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

The power of the chief executive, whether the president of the United States or the governor of a state, to appoint persons to office.
3. Appropriations (pg. 491)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

The amounts of money approved by Congress in statutes (bills) that each unit or agency of government can spend.
4. Bicameral (pg. 457)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

Having a legislative assembly composed of 2 chambers or houses; opposite of unicameral (in the U.S. the House of Representatives and the Senate).
5. Bill (pg. 476)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

A proposed law that has been sponsored by a member of Congress and submitted to the clerk of the House or Senate.
6. Caucus (Congressional) (pg. 476)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

An association of members of Congress based on party, interest, or social group, such as gender or race.
7. Caucus (Political) (pg. 468)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

A normally closed meeting of a political or legislative group to select candidates, plans strategy, or makes decisions regarding legislative matters.
8. Closed Rule (pg. 478)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

A provision by the House Rules Committee limiting or prohibiting the introduction of amendments during debate.
9. Cloture (pg. 479)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

A rule allowing a majority of 2/3’s or 3/5’s of the members of a legislative body to set a time limit on debate over a given bill.
10. Committee Markup (pg. 478)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

Session in which a congressional committee rewrites legislation to incorporate changes discussed during hearings on the bill.
11. Conference (pg. 468)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

A gathering of House Republicans every 2 years to elect their House leaders. Democrats call their gathering the caucus.
12. Conference Committee (pg. 473)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

A joint committee created to work out a compromise on House and Senate versions of a piece of legislation.
13. Constituency (pg. 457)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

The residents in the area from which an official is elected.

Each Congress member’s primary responsibility is to the district he is from, not to the congressional leadership, a party, or even Congress itself, and must consider the diverse and expectations of the members of the district they represent.
14. Delegate (pg. 495)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

Political activists selected to vote at a party’s national convention.
15. Executive Agreement (pg. 493)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

An agreement made between the president and another country that has the force of a treaty but does not require the Senate’s “advice and consent”.
16. Filibuster (pg. 479)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

A tactic used by members of the Senate to prevent action on legislation they oppose by continuously holding the floor and speaking until the majority backs down. Once given the floor, senators have unlimited time to speak, and it requires a vote of 3/5’s of the Senate to end a __________. In Texas, Senate rules require that senators stand upright at his/her desk and remain on topic while speaking. This is unlike the U.S. Senate, where it is not necessary to remain on topic.
17. Gerrymandering (pg. 465)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

Apportionment of voters in districts in such a way as to give unfair advantage to one racial or ethnic group or political party.
18. Impeachment (pg. 494)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

The formal charge by the House of Representatives that a government official has committed “Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors”.
19. Incumbency (pg. 462)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

Holding a political office for which one is running.
20. Joint Committee (pg. 473)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

A legislative committee formed of members of both the House and the Senate.
21. Logrolling (pg. 487)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

A legislative practice whereby agreements are made between legislators in voting for or against a bill; vote trading.
22. Majority Leader (pg. 469)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

The elected leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives or in the Senate. In the House, the ________ ______ is subordinate in the party hierarchy to the Speaker of the House.
23. Minority Leader (pg. 469)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

The elected leader of the minority party in the House or Senate.
24. Open Rule (pg. 478)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

A provision by the House Rules Committee that permits floor debate and the addition of new amendments to a bill.
25. Oversight (pg. 491)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

The effort by Congress, through hearings, investigations, and other techniques, to exercise control over the activities of executive agencies.
26. Party Unity Vote (pg. 484)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

A roll-call vote in the House or Senate in which at least 50% of the members of one party take a particular position and are opposed by at least 50% of the members of the other party.
27. Patronage (pg. 466)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

The resources available to higher officials, usually opportunities to make partisan appointments to offices and to confer grants, licenses, or special favors to supporters.
28. Pocket Veto (pg. 482)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

A presidential veto that is automatically triggered if the president does not act on a given piece of legislation passed during the final 10 days of a legislative session.
29. Pork Barrel (or Pork) (pg. 466)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

Appropriations made by legislative bodies for local projects that are often not needed but that are created so that local representatives can win re-election in their home districts.
30. Private Bill (pg. 468)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

A proposal in Congress to provide a specific person with some kind of relief, such as a special exemption from immigration quotas.
31. Redistricting (pg. 464)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

The process of redrawing election districts and redistributing legislative representatives. This happens every 10 years to reflect shifts in population or in response to legal challenges in existing districts.
32. Roll-Call Vote (pg. 484)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

A vote in which each legislator’s yes or no vote in recorded as the clerk calls the names of the members alphabetically.
33. Select Committee (pg. 472)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

A (usually) temporary legislative committee set up to highlight or investigate a particular issue or address not within the jurisdiction of existing committees.
34. Seniority (pg. 474)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

Ranking given to an individual on the basis of length of continuous service on a committee in Congress.
35. Sociological Representation (pg. 458)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

Representatives Relate to their Constituents so Closely that they hold the Same Values, and will Represent that Particular Group’s Interests Correctly (since they Share the same Ideas and Beliefs).

A type of representation in which representatives have the same racial, gender, ethnic, religious, or educational backgrounds as their constituents. It is based on the principle that if 2 individuals are similar in background, character, interests, and perspectives, then one could correctly represent the other’s views.
36. Speaker of the House (pg. 469)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

The chief presiding officer of the House of Representatives. The Speaker is the most important party and House leader, and can influence the legislative agenda, the fate of individual pieces of legislation, and members’ positions within the House.
37. Staff Agency (pg. 476)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

A legislative support agency responsible for policy analysis.
38. Standing Committee (pg. 471)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

A permanent committee with the power to propose and write legislation that covers a particular subject, such as finance or agriculture.
39. Term Limits (pg. 463)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

Legally prescribed limits on the number of terms an elected official can serve.
40. Trustee (pg. 495)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

A representative who votes based on what he or she thinks is best for his or her constituency.
41. Veto (pg. 482)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

The president’s constitutional power to turn down acts of Congress. A presidential veto may be overridden by a 2/3 vote of each house of Congress.
42. Whip (pg. 469)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

A party member in the House or Senate responsible for coordinating the party’s legislative strategy, building support for key issues, and counting votes.
Judicial Review
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

The power to render the final decision when there is a conflict of interpretations of the Constitution or federal law among the courts, Congress, the executive branch, or the states.
1. Amendment (pg. 66)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

A change added to a bill, law, or constitution
2. Article V of the Constitution (Summary)
Government Ch. 12 Vocabulary

The Constitution can be amended, which can be added with the approval by a 2/3 vote in each house of Congress and ¾ vote by the states, this is the process used for every amendment that has been added except 1, as there are 4 possible ways to amend the Constitution; Congress has the power to choose which procedure is used, and no Amendment may be used to deny any state its equal representation in the Senate.
Ch. 12 Practice Quiz (pg. 500)

A – Providing Direct Patronage
Government Ch. 12 Practice Quiz

1. Members of Congress can work as agents of their constituents by?
D – Congress has increasingly opened itself up to the control of special interests.
Government Ch. 12 Practice Quiz

2. Why has public approval of Congress as an institution declined since the 1970’s?
C – Can better represent the national interest.
Government Ch. 12 Practice Quiz

3. Because they have larger and more heterogeneous constituencies, Senators can?
C – The symbolic composition of Congress is important for the political stability of the United States.
Government Ch. 12 Practice Quiz

4. Sociological representation is important in understanding the U.S. Congress because?
A – Agency Representation
Government Ch. 12 Practice Quiz

5. What type of representation is described when constituents have the power to hire and fire their representative?
C – (A & B)
A - Incumbents have tools and they can use to help ensure re-election.
B – Potentially strong challengers may be dissuaded from running because of the strength of the incumbent.
Government Ch. 12 Practice Quiz

6. Incumbency is an important factor in deciding who is elected to Congress because?
B – Made it more difficult for minorities to win substantive policy goals.
Government Ch. 12 Practice Quiz

7. Some have argued that the creation of minority congressional districts has?
A – The Media
Government Ch. 12 Practice Quiz

8. What is not an important influence on how members of Congress vote on legislation?
A – Standing Committee
Government Ch. 12 Practice Quiz

9. What is a type of committee that does not include members of both the House and the Senate?
C – Logrolling
Government Ch. 12 Practice Quiz

10. An agreement between members of Congress to trade support for each other’s bill is known as?
Ch. 23 – The Texas Legislature
Vocabulary (pg. 903)

1. Action by the Governor (pg. 886)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

The final step in the legislative process, during which the governor either signs or vetoes a bill.
2. Bicameral (pg. 880)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

Having a legislative assembly composed of 2 chambers or houses; opposite of unicameral.
3. Biennial (pg. 882)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

Occurring every 2 years.
4. Bill (pg. 883)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

A proposed law that has been sponsored by a member of Congress and submitted to the clerk of the House or Senate.
5. Concurrent Resolution (pg. 884)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

A resolution of interest to both chambers of the legislature, and that must pass both the House and Senate and generally be signed by the governor.
6. Conference Committee (pg. 886)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

A joint committee created to work out a compromise on House and Senate versions of a piece of legislation.
7. Consideration by Standing Committee (pg. 886)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

The 3rd step in the legislative process, during which a bill is killed, amended, or heard by a standing committee.
8. Constituent (pg. 885)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

A person living in the district from which an official is elected.
9. Constituent Powers (pg. 885)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

Efforts made by a member of a legislature on behalf of his or her constituency.
10. Directive and Supervisory Powers (Pg. 885)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

The legislature’s power over the executive branch; for example, the legislature determines the size of appropriations for state agencies.
11. Electoral Powers (pg. 885)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

The legislature’s mandated role in counting returns in the elections for governor and lieutenant governor.
12. Filibuster (pg. 888)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

A tactic used by members of the Senate to prevent action on legislation they oppose by continuously holding the floor and speaking until the majority backs down. Once given the floor, senators have unlimited time to speak, and it requires a vote of 3/5’s of the Senate to end a __________. In Texas, Senate rules require that senators stand upright at his/her desk and remain on topic while speaking. This is unlike the U.S. Senate, where it is not necessary to remain on topic.
13. Floor Action (pg. 886)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

The 4th step in the legislative process, during which a bill referred by a standing committee is scheduled for floor debate by the Calendars Committee.
14. General Bill (pg. 884)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

A bill that applies to all people and/or property in the state.
15. Impeachment (pg. 885)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

The formal charge by the House of Representatives that a government official has committed “Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors”.
16. Introduction (pg. 886)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

The 1st step in the legislative process, during which a member of the legislature gets an idea for a bill and files a copy of it with the clerk of the House or secretary of the Senate.
17. Investigative Powers (885)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

The power, exercised by the House, the Senate, or both chambers jointly, to investigate problems facing the state.
18. Joint Resolution (pg. 884)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

A resolution, commonly a proposed amendment to the Texas Constitution or ratification of an amendment to the U.S. Constitution, that must pass both the House and Senate but does not require the governor’s signature.
19. Judicial Powers (pg. 885)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

The power of the House to impeach and of the Senate to convict members of the executive and judicial branches of state government.
20. Line-Item Veto (pg. 890)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

The power of the executive to veto specific provisions (lines) of a bill passed by the legislature.
21. Local Bill (pg. 884)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

A bill affecting only units of local government, such as a city, county, or special district.
22. One-Person, One-Vote Principle (pg. 897)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

The principle that all districts should have roughly equal populations.
23. Pigeonholing (pg. 888)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

A step in the legislative process during which a bill is killed by the chair of the standing committee to which it was referred, as a result of his or her setting the bill aside and not bringing it before the committee.
24. Post-Adjournment Veto (pg. 890)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

A veto of a bill that occurs after the legislature adjourns, thus preventing the legislature from overriding it.
25. Recognition (pg. 896)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

The Speaker of the House’s power to control floor debate by recognizing who can speak before the House.
26. Redistricting (pg. 897)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

The process of redrawing election districts and redistributing legislative representatives. This happens every 10 years to reflect shifts in population or in response to legal challenges in existing districts.
27. Referral (pg. 886)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

The 2nd step in the legislative process, during which a bill is assigned to the appropriate standing committee by the Speaker (for House bills) or the lieutenant governor (for Senate bills).
28. Regular Session (pg. 882)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

The 140-day period during which the Texas legislature meets to consider and pass bills; occurs only in odd-numbered years.
29. Resolution (pg. 884)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

A proposal, made by a member of the legislature that generally deals with the internal workings of the government; a __________ is similar to a bill, but it has a more limited scope and lacks the force of the public law.
30. Simple Resolution (pg. 884)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

A resolution that concerns only the Texas House or Senate, such as the adoption of a rule or the appointment of an employee, and does not require the governor’s signature.
31. Single-Member District (pg. 897)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

An electorate that is allowed to select only one representative from each district.
32. Speaker (pg. 893)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

a
33. Special Bill (pg. 884)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

A bill that gives an individual or corporation a special exemption from state law.
34. Special Session (pg. 882)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

A legislative session called by the governor that addresses an agenda set by him or her and that lasts no longer than 30 days.
35. Standing Committee (pg. 888)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

A permanent committee with the power to propose and write legislation that covers a particular subject, such as finance or agriculture.
36. Veto (pg. 890)
Government Ch. 23 Vocabulary

The president’s constitutional power to turn down acts of Congress. A presidential ____ may be overridden by a 2/3’s vote of each house of Congress.
A – 31/4
Ch. 23 – The Texas Legislature Practice Quiz (pg. 902)

1. There are ____ members of the Texas Senate, and state Senators serve a __ year term.
D – 140 days each odd-numbered year and 60 days each even-numbered year.
Government Ch. 23 Practice Quiz

2. The Texas legislature meets in regular session.
B - Governor
Government Ch. 23 Practice Quiz

3. The agenda for a special session of the Texas legislature is set by the?
C – Is sent to a Conference Committee.
Government Ch. 23 Practice Quiz

4. If a bill fails to pass the Texas House and Texas Senate in exactly the same form, the bill?
B – Comptroller of Public Accounts
Government Ch. 23 Practice Quiz

5. Which state official, in large part, determines the amount of money the legislature may appropriate?
B – Post-Adjournment Veto
Government Ch. 23 Practice Quiz

6. The ___________ provides the governor with a powerful tool with which to bargain with the legislature.
D – Speaker of the House and the Lieutenant Governor.
Government Ch. 23 Practice Quiz

7. The 2 most powerful political figures in the Texas legislature are the?
A – Appoint members of Conference Committees.
Government Ch. 23 Practice Quiz

8. The ability of the lieutenant governor and the Speaker of the House to control the final outcome of legislation comes from their power to?
D – Redistricting.
Government Ch. 23 Practice Quiz

9. An important issue for the legislature at least every 10 years is?
Ch. 24 – The Texas Executive Branch
Vocabulary (pg. 933)

1. Agricultural Commissioner (pg. 923)
Government Ch. 24 Vocabulary

Elected state official who is primarily responsible for enforcing agricultural laws.
2. Appointment (pg. 913)
Government Ch. 24 Vocabulary

The power of the chief executive, whether the president of the United States or the governor of a state, to appoint persons to office.
3. Attorney General (pg. 922)
Government Ch. 24 Vocabulary

Elected state official who serves as the state’s chief civil lawyer.
4. Bureaucracy (pg. 925)
Government Ch. 24 Vocabulary

The complex structure of offices, tasks, rules, and principles of organization that are employed by all large-scale institutions to coordinate the work of their personnel.
5. Comptroller (pg. 923)
Government Ch. 24 Vocabulary

___________ or ___________ of public accounts, elected state official who directs the collection of taxes and other revenues.
6. Executive Budget (pg. 914)
Government Ch. 24 Vocabulary

The state budget prepared and submitted by the governor to the legislature, which indicates the governor’s spending priorities. The _________ ______ is overshadowed in terms of importance by the legislative budget.
7. Impeachment (pg. 911)
Government Ch. 24 Vocabulary

The formal charge by the House of Representatives that a government official has committed “Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors”.
8. Land Commissioner (pg. 922)
Government Ch. 24 Vocabulary

Elected state official who is the manager of most publicly owned lands.
9. Legislative budget (pg. 914)
Government Ch. 24 Vocabulary

The state budget that is prepared and submitted by the Legislative Budget Board (LBB) and that is fully considered by the House and Senate.
10. Lieutenant Governor (pg. 919)
Government Ch. 24 Vocabulary

The 2nd-highest elected official in the state and president of the state Senate.
11. Line-Item Veto (pg. 916)
Government Ch. 24 Vocabulary

The power of the executive to veto specific provisions (lines) of a bill passed by the legislature.
12. Patronage (pg. 913)
Government Ch. 24 Vocabulary

The resources available to higher officials, usually opportunities to make partisan appointments to offices and to confer grants, licenses, or special favors to supporters.
13. Plural Executive (pg. 917)
Government Ch. 24 Vocabulary

An executive branch in which power is fragmented because the election of statewide officeholders is independent of the election of the governor.
14. Post-Adjournment Veto (pg. 916)
Government Ch. 24 Vocabulary

A veto of a bill that occurs after the legislature adjourns, thus preventing the legislature from overriding it.
15. Secretary of State (pg. 919)
Government Ch. 24 Vocabulary

State official, appointed by the governor, whose primary responsibility is administering elections.
16. Senatorial Courtesy (pg. 914)
Government Ch. 24 Vocabulary

The practice whereby the president, before formally nominating a person for a federal judgeship, seeks the indication that senators from the candidate’s own state support the nomination; in Texas, the practice whereby the governor seeks the support of the senator from the nominee’s district. Failure to obtain that support will usually mean the Senate will not confirm the nominee.
17. Special Session (pg. 916)
Government Ch. 24 Vocabulary

A legislative session called by the governor that addresses an agenda set by him or her and that lasts no longer than 30 days.
18. Sunset Advisory Commission (SAC)
Government Ch. 24 Vocabulary

A commission created in 1975 for the purpose of reviewing the effectiveness of state agencies.
19. Veto (pg. 916)
Government Ch. 24 Vocabulary

The president’s constitutional power to turn down acts of Congress. A presidential veto may be overridden by a 2/3’s vote of each house of Congress.
D – A candidate must be literate.
Ch. 24 – The Texas Executive Branch Practice Quiz (pg. 933)

1. Which of the following is not a qualification to become governor of Texas?
C – Prevent the presidential vote in Texas from influencing the election of state officials.
Government Ch. 24 Practice Quiz

2. The election for governor of Texas is held in an off-year in order to?
D – Impeachment and Conviction.
Government Ch. 24 Practice Quiz

3. The only constitutional method of removing the governor is?
A – Of Appointment.
Government Ch. 24 Practice Quiz

4. The governor’s most effective power in controlling the executive branch of state government is the power?
C – Post-Adjournment Veto.
Government Ch. 24 Practice Quiz

5. The governor’s veto is absolute when it is a?
A – Pardons.
Government Ch. 24 Practice Quiz

6. The governor can grant?
A – Secretary of State.
Government Ch. 24 Practice Quiz

7. Which member of the plural executive is appointed?
C – Legislature and Voters.
Government Ch. 24 Practice Quiz

8. Members of the plural executive are accountable to the?
D – Sunset Advisory Commission.
Government Ch. 24 Practice Quiz

9. Which agency investigates the performance of state agencies and recommends whether an agency should be abolished, continued as is, or continued with changes?
D – Numerous Elected and Appointed Officials.
Government Ch. 24 Practice Quiz

10. Who runs Texas state government?
1. The House and Senate play different roles in the (Legislative) process. The Senate is more deliberative, whereas the House is characterized by greater centralization and organization.
Ch. 12 Study Outline
Congress: Representing the American People (pg. 499)

1. The House and Senate play different roles in the ___________ process. The Senate is more deliberative, whereas the House is characterized by greater centralization and organization.
2. (House) members are more attuned to localized narrow interests in society, whereas the (Senate) are more able than (House) members to represent statewide or national interests.
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

2. ______ members are more attuned to localized narrow interests in society, whereas the ______ are more able than ______ members to represent statewide or national interests.
3. In recent years, the House has exhibited more partisanship and ideological (Division) than the Senate.
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

3. In recent years, the House has exhibited more partisanship and ideological ________ than the Senate.
4. Congress is not fully (Representative) because it is not a sociological microcosm of American Society.
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

4. Congress is not fully ______________ because it is not a sociological microcosm of American Society.
5. Members of Congress frequently (Communicate) with constituents and devote a great deal of staff time to constituency service.
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

5. Members of Congress frequently ___________ with constituents and devote a great deal of staff time to constituency service.
6. (Electoral) motivations have a strong impact on both sociological and agency representation in Congress.
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

6. _________ motivations have a strong impact on both sociological and agency representation in Congress.
7. Incumbency affords members of Congress resources such as constituency service and mailing to help secure (Re-Election).
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

7. Incumbency affords members of Congress resources such as constituency service and mailing to help secure __-________.
8. In recent years, (Turnover) rates in Congress have increased, although this is due more to incumbent retirement than to the defeat of incumbents in elections.
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

8. In recent years, ________ rates in Congress have increased, although this is due more to incumbent retirement than to the defeat of incumbents in elections.
9. Members of Congress can supply (Benefits) to constituents by passing pork-barrel legislation. Members of Congress exchange pork-barrel votes for votes on other issues.
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

9. Members of Congress can supply ________ to constituents by passing pork-barrel legislation. Members of Congress exchange pork-barrel votes for votes on other issues.
1. At the beginning of each Congress, Democrats and Republicans gather to select their leaders. The leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives is elected Speaker of the House by a strict (Party Vote).
The Organization of Congress (pg. 499)
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

1. At the beginning of each Congress, Democrats and Republicans gather to select their leaders. The leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives is elected Speaker of the House by a strict _____ ____.
2. In the Senate, the president pro tempore is the presiding (Officer), although the majority and minority leaders control the calendar and agenda of the Senate.
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

2. In the Senate, the president pro tempore is the presiding _______, although the majority and minority leaders control the calendar and agenda of the Senate.
3. The committee system provides Congress with a 2nd organizational structure that is more a (Division) of labor than the party-based hierarchies of power.
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

3. The committee system provides Congress with a 2nd organizational structure that is more a ________ of labor than the party-based hierarchies of power.
4. With specific jurisdiction over certain policy areas and the task of processing proposals of legislation into bills for floor consideration, (Standing) committees are the most important arenas of congressional policy making.
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

4. With specific jurisdiction over certain policy areas and the task of processing proposals of legislation into bills for floor consideration, ________ committees are the most important arenas of congressional policy making.
5. Power within committees is based on seniority, although the seniority principle is not (Absolute).
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

5. Power within committees is based on seniority, although the seniority principle is not ________.
6. During the 1970’s, reforms fragmented power in Congress – the committee system, specifically – by increasing both the number of subcommittees and the (Autonomy) of subcommittee chairpersons.
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

6. During the 1970’s, reforms fragmented power in Congress – the committee system, specifically – by increasing both the number of subcommittees and the ________ of subcommittee chairpersons.
7. Each member of Congress has a personal staff that deals with constituency requests and, increasingly, with the details of legislative and administrative (Oversight).
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

7. Each member of Congress has a personal staff that deals with constituency requests and, increasingly, with the details of legislative and administrative _________.
8. Groups of senators or representatives who share certain opinions, interests, or social characteristics form informal organizations called (Caucuses).
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

8. Groups of senators or representatives who share certain opinions, interests, or social characteristics form informal organizations called ________.
1. Committee (Deliberation) is necessary before floor action on any bill.
Rules of Lawmaking: How a Bill Becomes a Law (pg. 500)
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

1. Committee ____________ is necessary before floor action on any bill.
2. Many bills receive little or no committee or subcommittee (Action); they are allowed to “die in committee.”
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

2. Many bills receive little or no committee or subcommittee ______; they are allowed to “die in committee.”
3. Bills presented out of committee in the House must go through the House Rules Committee before they can be debated on the floor. The Rules Committee allots the time for floor debate on a bill and the (Conditions) under which a bill may (or may not) be amended.
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

3. Bills presented out of committee in the House must go through the House Rules Committee before they can be debated on the floor. The Rules Committee allots the time for floor debate on a bill and the __________ under which a bill may (or may not) be amended.
4. In the Senate, rules of debate are much less rigid. In fact, senators may delay Senate action on legislation by refusing to yield the floor; which is known as a (Filibuster).
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

4. In the Senate, rules of debate are much less rigid. In fact, senators may delay Senate action on legislation by refusing to yield the floor; which is known as a __________.
5. (Conference) committees are often required to reconcile House and Senate versions of bills that began with similar provisions but emerged with significant differences.
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

5. __________ committees are often required to reconcile House and Senate versions of bills that began with similar provisions but emerged with significant differences.
6. After being adopted by the House and the Senate, a bill is sent to the president, who may choose to sign the bill or veto it. Congress can (Override) a president’s veto by a 2/3’s vote in both the House and the Senate.
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

6. After being adopted by the House and the Senate, a bill is sent to the president, who may choose to sign the bill or veto it. Congress can ________ a president’s veto by a 2/3’s vote in both the House and the Senate.
1. Creating a legislative agenda, drawing up a list of possible measures, and deciding among them is a complex process in which a variety of (Influences) from inside and outside government play important roles.
How Congress Decides (pg. 500)
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

1. Creating a legislative agenda, drawing up a list of possible measures, and deciding among them is a complex process in which a variety of __________ from inside and outside government play important roles.
2. (Interest Groups) can influence congressional decision making by mobilizing followers in congressional districts, setting the agenda, or writing legislative language.
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

2. ________ ______ can influence congressional decision making by mobilizing followers in congressional districts, setting the agenda, or writing legislative language.
3. Party (Discipline) is still an important factor in congressional voting, despite its decline throughout the 20th century.
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

3. Party __________ is still an important factor in congressional voting, despite its decline throughout the 20th century.
4. Party unity is typically (Greater) in the House than in the Senate. Party unity on roll-call votes has increased in recent sessions of Congress.
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

4. Party unity is typically _______ in the House than in the Senate. Party unity on roll-call votes has increased in recent sessions of Congress.
5. (Party Unity) is a result of a combination of the ideology and background of individual members and the resources party leaders have at their disposal.
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

5. _____ _____ is a result of a combination of the ideology and background of individual members and the resources party leaders have at their disposal.
6. The influence of the (Presidency) is probably the most important of all the resources that maintain party discipline in Congress.
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

6. The influence of the __________ is probably the most important of all the resources that maintain party discipline in Congress.
1. Congress has increasingly relied on legislative oversight of (Administrators).
Beyond Legislation: Other Congressional Powers (pg. 500)
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

1. Congress has increasingly relied on legislative oversight of ______________.
2. The (Senate) also has the power of approving or rejecting presidential treaties and appointments.
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

2. The ______ also has the power of approving or rejecting presidential treaties and appointments.
3. Congress has the power to (Impeach) executive officials.
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

3. Congress has the power to _______ executive officials.
1. Congressional reforms of the 1970’s (Fragmented) power in Congress and made it more open to special interests.
Thinking Critically about Congress and Democracy (pg. 500)
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

1. Congressional reforms of the 1970’s __________ power in Congress and made it more open to special interests.
2. What the public dislikes most about Congress stems from suspicions that Congress does not act as a trustee or as a delegate of any broad interest but that it is swayed by narrow special interests with (Money).
Government Ch. 12 Study Guide

2. What the public dislikes most about Congress stems from suspicions that Congress does not act as a trustee or as a delegate of any broad interest but that it is swayed by narrow special interests with _____.
1. Cabinet (pg. 520)
Chapter 13 – The Presidency (pg. 502 – 544)
Vocabulary (pg. 542)

The secretaries, or chief administrators, of the major departments of the federal government. The president with the consent of the Senate appoints cabinet secretaries.
2. Caucus (Political) (pg. 506)
Government Ch. 13 Vocabulary

A normally closed meeting of a political or legislative group to select candidates, plan strategy, or make decisions regarding legislative matters.
3. Commander in Chief (pg. 508)
Government Ch. 13 Vocabulary

The role of the president as commander of the national military and the state National Guard units (when called into service).
4. Delegated Powers (pg. 507)
Government Ch. 13 Vocabulary

Constitutional powers that are assigned to one governmental agency but that are exercised by another agency with the express permission of the first.
5. Executive Agreement (pg. 512)
Government Ch. 13 Vocabulary

An agreement, made between the president and another country that has the force of a treaty but does not require the Senate’s “advice and consent”.
6. Executive Office of the President (EOP) (pg. 522)
Government Ch. 13 Vocabulary

The permanent agencies that perform defined management tasks for the president. Created in 1939, the EOP includes the Office of Management and Budget, the Council of Economic Advisers, the National Security Council, and other agencies.
7. Executive Order (pg. 517)
Government Ch. 13 Vocabulary

A rule or regulation issued by the president that has the effect and formal status of legislation.
8. Executive Privilege (pg. 514)
Government Ch. 13 Vocabulary

The claim that confidential communications between a president and close advisers should not be revealed without the consent of the president.
9. Expressed Powers (pg. 507)
Government Ch. 13 Vocabulary

Specific powers granted by the Constitution to Congress (Article I, Section 8), and to the president (Article II).
10. Inherent Powers (pg. 507)
Government Ch. 13 Vocabulary

Powers claimed by a president that are not expressed in the Constitution, but are inferred from it.
11. Kitchen Cabinet (pg. 522)
Government Ch. 13 Vocabulary

An informal group of advisers to whom the president turns for counsel and guidance. Members of the official Cabinet may or may not also be members of the _______ Cabinet.
12. Legislative Initiative (pg. 515)
Government Ch. 13 Vocabulary

The president’s inherent power to bring a legislative agenda before Congress.
13. Mandate (pg. 526)
Government Ch. 13 Vocabulary

A claim by a victorious candidate that the electorate has given him or her special authority to carry out promises made during the campaign.
14. National Security Council (NSC) (pg. 520)
Government Ch. 13 Vocabulary

A presidential foreign-policy advisory council composed of the president; the vice president; the secretaries of state, defense, and the treasury; the attorney general; and other officials invited by the president.
15. Pocket Veto (pg. 515)
Government Ch. 13 Vocabulary

A presidential veto that is automatically triggered if the president does not act on a given piece of legislation passed during the final 10 days of a legislative session.
16. Veto (pg. 515)
Government Ch. 13 Vocabulary

The president’s constitutional power to turn down acts of Congress. A presidential veto may be overridden by a 2/3’s vote of each house of Congress.
17. War Powers Resolution (pg. 510)
Government Ch. 13 Vocabulary

A resolution of Congress that the president can send troops into action abroad only by authorization of Congress, or if American troops are already under attack or serious threat.
18. White House Staff (pg. 522)
Government Ch. 13 Vocabulary

Analysts and advisers to the president, often given the title “special assistant”.
B – Article II
Ch. 13 – The Presidency Practice Quiz (pg. 541)

1. Which article of the Constitution establishes the presidency?
B – The power to declare war.
Government Ch. 13 Practice Quiz

2. Which of the following war powers does the Constitution not assign to the president?
A – An executive agreement.
Government Ch. 13 Practice Quiz

3. Which of the following does not require the advice and consent of the Senate?
B – “The Imperial Presidency”
Government Ch. 13 Practice Quiz

4. What term has been used to describe the presidency as presidents have used constitutional and other powers to make themselves more powerful?
A – Veto Override
Government Ch. 13 Practice Quiz

5. By what process can Congress reject a presidential veto?
C (Both “A” and “B”) – The “Inner Cabinet” and The National Security Council
Government Ch. 13 Practice Quiz

6. Which of the following describes the presidential foreign-policy advisory council composed of the president; the vice president; the secretaries of state, defense, and the treasury; the attorney general; and others?
A – The Executive Office of the President
Government Ch. 13 Practice Quiz

7. The Office of Management and Budget is part of?
B – Franklin Roosevelt’s
Government Ch. 13 Practice Quiz

8. Which 20th Century presidency transformed the American system of government from a Congress-centered to a president-centered system?
C – 1,500 to 2,000
Government Ch. 13 Practice Quiz

9. How many people work for agencies within the Executive Office of the President?
1. The framers thought a (Unitary) executive would be energetic and thus better able to protect the nation’s interests.
Ch. 13 Study Outline
The Constitutional Basis of the Presidency (pg. 540)

1. The framers thought a _______ executive would be energetic and thus better able to protect the nation’s interests.
2. Presidents are selected in (Indirect) elections through the Electoral College.
2. Presidents are selected in ________ elections through the Electoral College.
1. The president’s (Expressed Powers) fall into 5 categories – military, judicial, diplomatic, executive, and legislative – that is the source of some of the most important powers on which the president can draw.
The Constitutional Powers of the Presidency (pg. 540)

1. The president’s _________ ______ fall into 5 categories – military, judicial, diplomatic, executive, and legislative – that is the source of some of the most important powers on which the president can draw.
2. The position of commander in chief makes the (President) the highest military authority in the United States, with control of the entire military establishment.
2. The position of commander in chief makes the _________ the highest military authority in the United States, with control of the entire military establishment.
3. The Constitution delegates to the president, as commander in chief, the (Obligation) to protect every state against invasion and domestic violence.
3. The Constitution delegates to the president, as commander in chief, the __________ to protect every state against invasion and domestic violence.
4. The presidential power to grant (Reprieves), (Pardons), and (Amnesties) allows the president to choose freedom or confinement, and even life or death for all individuals who have violated, or are suspected of having violated, federal laws, including people who directly threaten the security of the United States.
4. The presidential power to grant _________, _______, and _________ allows the president to choose freedom or confinement, and even life or death for all individuals who have violated, or are suspected of having violated, federal laws, including people who directly threaten the security of the United States.
5. The power to receive representatives of foreign countries allows the president almost unconditional authority to determine whether a new ruling group can indeed commit its country to (Treaties) and other agreements.
5. The power to receive representatives of foreign countries allows the president almost unconditional authority to determine whether a new ruling group can indeed commit its country to ________ and other agreements.
6. The president’s executive power consists of the ability to (Appoint) and (Supervise) all executive officers.
6. The president’s executive power consists of the ability to (Appoint) and _________ all executive officers.
7. The president’s legislative power consists of the obligation to make (Recommendations) for consideration by Congress and the ability to veto legislation.
7. The president’s legislative power consists of the obligation to make _______________ for consideration by Congress and the ability to veto legislation.
1. Presidents have at their disposal a variety of (Institutional) resources – such as the power to fill high-level political positions – that directly affect their ability to govern.
The Presidency as an Institution (pg. 540)

1. Presidents have at their disposal a variety of _____________ resources – such as the power to fill high-level political positions – that directly affect their ability to govern.
2. Presidents increasingly have preferred the White House staff to the (Cabinet) as a tool for managing the gigantic executive branch.
2. Presidents increasingly have preferred the White House staff to the _______ as a tool for managing the gigantic executive branch.
3. The White House staff, which is composed primarily of (Analysts) and (Advisers), has grown from an informal group of fewer than a dozen people to a new presidential bureaucracy.
3. The White House staff, which is composed primarily of ________ and ________, has grown from an informal group of fewer than a dozen people to a new presidential bureaucracy.
4. The Executive Office of the President, often called the (Institutional) presidency, is larger than the White House staff, and comprises the president’s permanent management agencies.
4. The Executive Office of the President, often called the _____________ presidency, is larger than the White House staff, and comprises the president’s permanent management agencies.
5. As the institutional presidency has grown in size and complexity, most presidents of the past 25 years have sought to use their vice presidents as a (Management) resource after the election.
5. As the institutional presidency has grown in size and complexity, most presidents of the past 25 years have sought to use their vice presidents as a __________ resource after the election.
1. Generally, presidents have (Expanded) their power in 3 ways: party, popular mobilization, and administration.
The Contemporary Bases of Presidential Power (pg. 540)

1. Generally, presidents have ________ their power in 3 ways: party, popular mobilization, and administration.
2. Although all presidents rely on the members and leaders of their own party to implement their legislative agendas, during periods of (Divided) government, the president’s party is in the minority in Congress.
2. Although all presidents rely on the members and leaders of their own party to implement their legislative agendas, during periods of _______ government, the president’s party is in the minority in Congress.
1. Texas has a (Bicameral) legislature composed of a House of Representatives and a Senate.
Ch. 23 Study Outline
Structure (pg. 902)

1. Texas has a _________ legislature composed of a House of Representatives and a Senate.
2. The Texas (House) has 150 members who serve 2-year terms. The Texas (Senate) has 31 members who serve 4-year terms.
2. The Texas _____ has 150 members who serve 2-year terms. The Texas ______ has 31 members who serve 4-year terms.
3. Members of the House represent about (157,000) people. Senators represent approximately (758,000) constituents.
3. Members of the House represent about ___,___ people. Senators represent approximately ___,___ constituents.
4. Formal qualifications to serve in the legislature are (Minimal).
4. Formal qualifications to serve in the legislature are _______.
5. The average (Legislator) is a college educated, white male who works as a business or professional person.
5. The average __________ is a college educated, white male who works as a business or professional person.
6. The annual salary of a member of the legislature is ($7,200).
6. The annual salary of a member of the legislature is $_,___.
7. The number of (Minorities) and (Women) serving in the legislature increased in the past 2 decades.
7. The number of __________ and _____ serving in the legislature increased in the past 2 decades.
1. The Texas legislature meets in (Regular Session) for 140 days every odd-numbered year.
Sessions of the Legislature

1. The Texas legislature meets in _______ _______ for 140 days every odd-numbered year.
2. The governor calls special sessions of the legislature, which last no longer than 30 days, and the governor sets the (Agenda) for the special session.
2. The governor calls special sessions of the legislature, which last no longer than 30 days, and the governor sets the ______ for the special session.
1. The legislature has legislative and non-legislative (Functions).
Powers of the Legislature

1. The legislature has legislative and non-legislative _________.
2. Legislative functions include passing (Bills) and (Resolutions).
2. Legislative functions include passing _____ and ___________.
3. There are 3 classifications of bills: (Local) bills, (Special) bills, and (General) bills.
3. There are 3 classifications of bills: _____ bills, _______ bills, and _______ bills.
4. There are 3 types of resolutions: (Concurrent) resolutions, (Joint) resolutions, and (Simple) resolutions.
4. There are 3 types of resolutions: __________ resolutions, _____ resolutions, and ______ resolutions.
5. (Non-Legislative) powers include constituent powers, electoral powers, investigative powers, directive and supervisory powers, and judicial powers.
5. ___-___________ powers include constituent powers, electoral powers, investigative powers, directive and supervisory powers, and judicial powers.
1. Bills can be written by (Anyone) but must be introduced by a legislator.
How a Bill Becomes Law in Texas

1. Bills can be written by ______ but must be introduced by a legislator.
2. A bill must pass the House and Senate in exactly the same (Form).
2. A bill must pass the House and Senate in exactly the same ____.
3. Every bill is assigned to a (Standing) committee, and most bills die in committee.
3. Every bill is assigned to a ________ committee, and most bills die in committee.
4. The (Governor) can sign a bill, allow it to become law without his signature, or veto it.
4. The ________ can sign a bill, allow it to become law without his signature, or veto it.
1. In addition to legislators, 2 state officials – the governor and the comptroller of public accounts – are directly involved in the (Legislative) process.
Other Players in the Legislative Process

1. In addition to legislators, 2 state officials – the governor and the comptroller of public accounts – are directly involved in the ___________ process.
2. The (Governor) exercises the message power, signs and vetoes legislation, and calls special sessions.
2. The ________ exercises the message power, signs and vetoes legislation, and calls special sessions.
3. The comptroller of public accounts issues revenue estimates that (Determine) the amount of money the state can spend in the next 2 years.
3. The comptroller of public accounts issues revenue estimates that _________ the amount of money the state can spend in the next 2 years.
4. The media, courts, lobbyists, and the public are also involved in the (Legislative) process.
4. The media, courts, lobbyists, and the public are also involved in the ___________ process.
1. The Speaker of the House and the lieutenant governor are the 2 most (Powerful) political figures in Texas.
Power in the Legislature

1. The Speaker of the House and the lieutenant governor are the 2 most ________ political figures in Texas.
2. A major source of power for the speaker and the lieutenant governor is the power to assign legislators to (Standing) committees.
2. A major source of power for the speaker and the lieutenant governor is the power to assign legislators to ________ committees.
3. Party (Membership) is less important in the Texas legislature than in the U.S. Congress.
3. Party __________ is less important in the Texas legislature than in the U.S. Congress.
4. Committee membership and the chairs of standing committees cross (Party Lines).
4. Committee membership and the chairs of standing committees cross _____ _____.
5. The governor lacks a (Formal) spokesperson in the legislature.
5. The governor lacks a ______ spokesperson in the legislature.
6. The ability to appoint members of conference committees gives the Speaker and the lieutenant governor control over the final (Content) of a bill.
6. The ability to appoint members of conference committees gives the Speaker and the lieutenant governor control over the final _______ of a bill.
7. (Redistricting) is a major issue for the legislature.
7. _____________ is a major issue for the legislature.
1. The governor of Texas has few formal (Powers) to influence what happens in state government.
Ch. 24 Study Outline
The Governor (pg. 932)

1. The governor of Texas has few formal ______ to influence what happens in state government.
2. Governors are selected in off-year elections so that presidential elections will not (Influence) the outcome of statewide elections.
2. Governors are selected in off-year elections so that presidential elections will not __________ the outcome of statewide elections.
3. The only (Constitutional) method of removing a governor from office before the end of his or her term is impeachment and conviction.
3. The only ______________ method of removing a governor from office before the end of his or her term is impeachment and conviction.
4. The power of appointment is the governor’s most effective means of controlling the executive branch of state government, but the power of removal and control over the budget provide him or her with little control over the (Executive) branch.
4. The power of appointment is the governor’s most effective means of controlling the executive branch of state government, but the power of removal and control over the budget provide him or her with little control over the _________ branch.
5. The governor’s powers vis-à-vis the legislature are mostly (Negative) and include the ability to exercise the veto, post-adjournment veto, and line-item veto.
5. The governor’s powers vis-à-vis the legislature are mostly _________ and include the ability to exercise the veto, post-adjournment veto, and line-item veto.
6. Governors control special sessions by deciding if and when to call them, and by setting the sessions (Agendas).
6. Governors control special sessions by deciding if and when to call them, and by setting the sessions _______.
7. Judges in Texas are officially elected, not appointed, to office. However, governors can appoint judges to (Vacant Seats).
7. Judges in Texas are officially elected, not appointed, to office. However, governors can appoint judges to ______ _____.
8. The governor has only limited power of (Clemency).
8. The governor has only limited power of ________.
1. The plural executive, by fragmenting power among several state officials, illustrates Texans’ distrust of a (Centralized Government).
The Plural Executive (pg. 932)

1. The plural executive, by fragmenting power among several state officials, illustrates Texans’ distrust of a ___________ __________.
2. Each member of the plural executive is (Accountable) to the voters and the legislature.
2. Each member of the plural executive is ___________ to the voters and the legislature.
3. Members of the plural executive often operate (Independently) of each other.
3. Members of the plural executive often operate _____________ of each other.
1. The Texas (Bureaucracy) can be divided into those headed by appointed officials and those headed by elected officials.
Boards, Commissions, and Regulatory Agencies (pg. 932)

1. The Texas ___________ can be divided into those headed by appointed officials and those headed by elected officials.
2. Appointed officials are (Indirectly) accountable to the people through the elected officials who appointed them and to the legislature.
2. Appointed officials are _________ accountable to the people through the elected officials who appointed them and to the legislature.
3. Elected officials are (Directly) accountable to the people and to the legislature.
3. Elected officials are ________ accountable to the people and to the legislature.
4. The Sunset Advisory Commission investigates the (Performance) of each agency and makes recommendations to continue the agency with no changes, continue the agency with changes, or abolish the agency.
4. The Sunset Advisory Commission investigates the ___________ of each agency and makes recommendations to continue the agency with no changes, continue the agency with changes, or abolish the agency.
Anything they want to, include "sit" on it, basically ignore it, and it will never get passed.
Government Class Notes

What can a Committee (U.S.) do with a bill they receive?
1. Bill is presented by Legislature (President cannot directly introduce a bill)
2. Bill gets assigned to a Committee of some sort
3. Once Committee is done with the bill, it goes for a vote called Markup
4. If bill gets voted out of the Committee, it goes for vote in Congress (House or Senate, wherever it originated from) and has to pass by Simple Majority (50% of house +1)
5. Once voted out of either house, it goes to the other house for a vote
6. Repeat steps 2 - 4 in other house.
7. If bill is not exactly the same in both houses, it will go to a Conference Committee, where they will do what they want with it, again
8. Once out of the Conference Committee, it gets voted on again by both houses, yet CANNOT be amended or changed at all
9. If it doesn't pass both houses, then the bill dies, if it does, then
10. It goes to the President, who can sign it into law, or veto it.
Government Class Notes

Explain the process of a Bill (U.S. Congress)?
President has 10 days to do whatever he is going to do with the bill, which could be:
1. Sign it into law
2. Veto it
3. Pocket Veto - basically gets vetoed without the President actually vetoing it (happens if 10 days have passed and he hasn't signed it, AND Congress isn't in session)
4. If 10 days has passed, Congress is still in session and the President hasn't signed it, it will automatically become law.
Government Class Notes

What can the President do with a bill once he receives it?
Rules Committee
Government Class Notes

What Committee does the House of Representatives have that the Senate does not?
January 1, every other year in odd-numbered years, for 140 days
Government Class Notes

In the Texas Legislature, when do they meet, how often, and for how long?
House - 150
Senate - 31
Total - 181
Government Class Notes

Texas' Congress is Bicameral, like the U.S.'s, how many members are in each house (House of Representatives and Senate)?
House - Speaker of the House
Senate - Lieutenant Governor
Government Class Notes

In Texas, who leads each house of Congress?
They have to be read 3x aloud in each house.
Government Class Notes

The Legislative process in Texas is almost exactly like the U.S., but what HAS to happen with the bills?
Line-Item Veto - (has to be a revenue bill), but he can eliminate 1 line, or word out of the bill; but does not have the option to do a pocket veto
Government Class Notes

What can the Texas Governor do to a revenue bill once he receives it that the U.S. President cannot?
3/4 of Congress has to approve (both are the same), but in the U.S. it then goes to the States to vote on, where 3/4 have to approve, but in Texas it goes to be voted on by the people, where a simple majority (50% + 1) will pass it.
Government Class Notes

What is different in amending the Texas Constitution and the U.S. Constitution?
House - 435
Senate - 100
Government Class Notes

How many Legislatures are in the House of Representatives and Senate?
Democrats - 57
Republicans - 41
Independents - 2
Government Class Notes

What is the makeup of the Senate (how many Democrats, Republicans, and Independents)?
House - must be elected
Senate - left up to the states to decide, in most states the governor decides, but in some states they share the responsibility
Government Class Notes

If there is an opening in the House or Senate (by death or other circumstance), how are members in the Congress replaced?
Unlimited, until they die.
Government Class Notes

How many times can members of the House and Senate be elected?
1. Every voice is heard
2. Unlimited debate
*These rules are respected and followed
Government Class Notes

The houses in Congress are allowed to make their own rules, what are the 2 "rules" in the Senate (unofficial rules as they aren't documented)?
It is the only way to stop a filibuster (a way around it), 16 Senators must ask to sign a petition to ask for a Cloture Vote, and is the only time for the Chair to stop floor, if 60 Senators invoke Cloture, they vote to suspend the debate (any piece of legislation can be filibustered).
Government Class Notes

What does it mean to invoke cloture?
1. President
2. Vice President
3. Speaker of the House
4. President Pro Tempure
Government Class Notes

What is the line of presidency (who replaces him if he dies, or is impeached from office)?
Congress
Government Class Notes

Who has the power to declare war?
The power of the President to protect the country as necessary and can enact the military to anything, after 90 days, the Congress has to approve, yet the President can get around this if he says that it isn't war.
Government Class Notes

What is the War Powers Act?
Nancy (bitch-ass) Pelosi
Government Class Notes

Who is the Speaker of the House?
Majority - Harry Reid (D - Nevada)
Minority - Mitch McConnel (R - Kentucky)
Government Class Notes

Who is the Majority and Minority Leaders in the Senate?
October 1 - September 30
Government Class Notes

What is the dates of the Fiscal Year in the United States?
1787
Government Class Notes

What is the date of the proposed Constitution?
To represent the people.
Government Class Notes

What is the purpose of the census?
Article I in itself establishes the Legislative Branch, but Section I takes it further by dividing this branch into the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Government Constitution Questions

What does Article I, Section 1 establish?
The House of Representatives, how it is formed, and the power of impeachment.

The minimum requirements to be elected into the House of Rep's is:
1. 25 years old
2. Citizen of the U.S. for at least 7 years
3. Live in the state they represent
Government Constitution Questions

What does Article I, Section 2 establish?
The Senate, how it is formed, and the rules of impeachment trials.

The minimum requirements to be elected into the Senate is:
1. 30 years old
2. Citizen of the U.S. for at least 9 years
3. Live in the state they represent
Government Constitution Questions

What does Article I, Section 3 establish?
Elections and Meetings requirements (Congress meets at least 1x per year, and are elected through the states)
Government Constitution Questions

What does Article I, Section 4 establish?
Membership, Rules, Journals, and Adjournment
Government Constitution Questions

What does Article I, Section 5 establish?
Compensation, Privileges, and Disabilities
Government Constitution Questions

What does Article I, Section 6 establish?
Procedure in Passing Bills and Resolutions, Legislative Process, and the President Veto

Only the House may propose bills that raise money, but the Senate has the power to amend a revenue bill once it is sent from the House.
Government Constitution Questions

What does Article I, Section 7 establish?
The Powers of Congress.

Including:
1. The Necessary and Proper Clause (ability to make all laws necessary and proper in order to fulfill its duties)
2. Only Congress has the power to declare war
3. Taxes
4. Borrow $ from the Government
5. Create lower courts
6. Fund the military
7. Create Navy
8. Many more
Government Constitution Questions

What does Article I, Section 8 establish?
Restrictions on Federal Power

1. Habeus Corpus (individuals must be brought before a court of law and told of the charges against them before they can be imprisoned)
2. Bills of Attainder (legislative acts that inflict punishment without a trial, which were outlawed by this clause)
3. Ex Post Facto (After the Fact) you can only be punished for existing crimes and not ones that have been created after the fact
Government Constitution Questions

What does Article I, Section 9 establish?
Restrictions on States Power

Basically restricts states to govern themselves, not to make treaties or declare war with other countries as the National Government is the Supreme Power, can't coin its own money, etc.
Government Constitution Questions

What does Article I, Section 10 establish?
Defines the Qualifications of the Presidency and How He is Elected
Government Constitution Questions

What does Article II, Section 1 establish?
Powers of the President

1. He is Commander in Chief, but Congress has power to control funds of the military and how they are distributed.
2. Has power to fill vacancies with the approval of the Senate, yet can appoint someone of his choosing if the Senate is adjourned
3. Make Treaties, with approval of Senate
4. More...
Government Constitution Questions

What does Article II, Section 2 establish?
State of the Union, Convening Congress
Government Constitution Questions

What does Article II, Section 3 establish?
Impeachment

Anyone can be Impeached
Government Constitution Questions

What does Article II, Section 4 establish?