The primary function of Congress, as the Legislative Branch of our government, is to create and modify laws. In addition, under the powers enumerated in the Constitution, Congress has authority over financial and budgetary policy by levying and collecting taxes, duties, imposts and excises, and, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. Show
Here is the legislative process, from introduction to enactment into law: LEGISLATION IS INTRODUCEDAny member can introduce a piece of legislation. House: Senate:
COMMITTEE ACTION The bill is referred to the appropriate committee by the Speaker of the House or the presiding officer in the Senate. Most often, the actual referral decision is made by the House or Senate parliamentarian. Bills may be referred to more than one committee and it may be split so that parts are sent to different committees. The Speaker of the House may set time limits on committees. Bills are placed on the calendar of the committee to which they have been assigned. Failure to act on a bill is equivalent to killing it. Bills in the House can only be released from committee without a proper committee vote by a discharge petition signed by a majority of the House membership (218 members). Committee Steps:
FLOOR ACTION Legislation is placed on the Calendar:
Debate:
Vote:
THE PRESIDENT
THE BILL BECOMES LAW Which of the following is an action that Congress would most likely take to address the issues illustrated by the data in the table?Which of the following is an action that Congress would most likely take to address the issues illustrated by the data in the table? Congress can hold the bureaucracy accountable by calling on leaders from departments and agencies responsible for the improper payments to testify before committees.
Which of the following May the president do to limit the power of Congress?Which of the following may the president do to limit the power of Congress? The president can veto particular items or language in a bill while passing the remainder of the bill. The president can veto a congressional bill that has passed the House and Senate.
What is required for Congress to override a presidential veto quizlet?Congress can override a veto by passing the act by a two-thirds vote in both the House and the Senate.
Which of the following scenarios best demonstrates a president avoiding a check from the judicial?Which of the following scenarios best demonstrates a president avoiding a check from the judicial branch? The president claims that certain detainees are enemy combatants and thus do not possess the same constitutional protections that the Supreme Court has upheld for the interrogation of criminal suspects.
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