Crash Course GoPo #2

How is representation determined?

Representation is based off of the population of the state.

Originally how were Senators chosen? What amendment changed this? How are Senators elected now?

Senators were originally chosen by state legislatures, but this changed with the 17th amendment. Senators are now chosen by the people.

Why the Federal Congress is considered the most important branch?

The Federal Congress is considered the most branch because the Constitution with seven articles and 28 amendments mentions Congress first. Also, in Article I, Section I, says: "All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives."

What powers (3) are specific to the Senate?

1. Holds impeachment trials are done by the Senate. 2. They can ratify treaties which requires a 2⁄3rds vote of the Senate. 3. The Senate has confirmation power, which allows them to have confirmed certain appoints (like by president)

What powers (3) are specific to the House of Representatives?

1. The House of Representatives can impeach the president or other governmental officials. 2. Decides presidential election. 3. Article 1, Section 7 of the U.S. Constitution: "All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives."

What is an intra-branch check?

An intra-branch check is when one house limits the other (this is basically like checks and balances).

Why do we have a two house legislature (practical and historical)?

Historically: Framers came up with two different legislatures with different interests (New Jersey Plan and Virginia Plan). They just mixed up both into one compromise. Politically: Have it so legislature does not have too much power (as seen in the federalist papers). This is an intra-branch check.

What are the reasons for and the powers given to each house of Congress?

Mainly, the reasons for and the powers given to each house of Congress to prevent Congress to have too much power.

What are the names of the two houses of Congress?

The names of the two houses of Congress are the Senate and the House of Representatives.

What are the requirements for being a Senator?

The requirements for being a United States Senator is to be at least the age of 30, be a citizen of the United States for 9 years, and a resident of the state that they would like to represent.

What are the requirements for serving in the House of Representatives?

The requirements for serving in the House of Representatives includes that the person's age must at least be 25 years old, the person must have been a United States citizen for at least 7 years, and the person must reside as a citizen in the state that they are representing.

What are the six states with only one Representative?

The six states with only one Representatives include Vermont, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, and Alaska.

What were the terms of the Connecticut Compromise?

The terms of the Connecticut Compromise is taking ideas from both the New Jersey Plan and the Virginia plan. This mix allowed for equal representation, as taken from the NJ plan, and proportional representation, as seen in the Virginia plan.

What does the word bicameral mean?

The word bicameral means "two" such as being split into a two house legislature, specifically the Senate and the House of Representatives.