AP Gov 2.1 | Congress: Senate & House | NEW!

Summary

In this engaging overview of Unit 2, the focus is on Congress, the legislative branch of the U.S. government. It highlights the bicameral structure, contrasting the House of Representatives—where representatives serve 2-year terms and have closer ties to the electorate—with the Senate, which has longer 6-year terms and fewer formal rules. The video explains Congress's extensive powers, including making legislation, managing budgets, declaring war, and overseeing the executive branch. It emphasizes Congress's role as the preeminent branch of government, setting the stage for further exploration of these concepts in upcoming videos.

Takeaways

• 😀 Congress is the legislative branch of the U.S. government, responsible for making laws.
• 🏛️ Congress is bicameral, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
• 🗳️ The House has 435 members serving 2-year terms, with all members up for election every two years.
• 📜 The Senate has 100 members, two from each state, serving 6-year terms, with one-third up for election every two years.
• 📊 The House is more formal, with stricter rules and an emphasis on leadership, while the Senate is less formal and has fewer rules.
• ⚖️ Congress has the power to initiate tax and revenue bills, and the House has the exclusive power of impeachment.
• 💰 Congress can raise revenue through taxes, borrowing money, and coining currency.
• 🌍 Congress has the authority to declare war and maintain armed forces, serving as a check on presidential power in foreign affairs.
• 📜 The necessary and proper clause allows Congress to create implied powers, enabling legislation on issues not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution.
• 🔍 Congress conducts oversight of the executive branch to ensure accountability and appropriate action by the president and bureaucratic agencies.

Q & A

What is the primary function of Congress?

The primary function of Congress is to make legislation.

How does the structure of Congress reflect republicanism?

Congress embodies republicanism by ensuring that the will of the people is reflected in policy debates and decisions made by their representatives.

What are the two chambers of Congress?

Congress is bicameral, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

What are the main characteristics of the House of Representatives?

The House has 435 members, each serving 2-year terms. It is closer to the people, more formal, and has more rules.

How often are elections held for the House of Representatives?

Elections for the entire House of Representatives are held every two years.

What powers does the House of Representatives hold?

The House has the power of impeachment and initiates all tax and revenue bills.

What distinguishes the Senate from the House of Representatives?

The Senate has 100 members who serve 6-year terms, with one-third up for election every two years. It is less formal and has fewer rules.

What are some non-legislative powers of the Senate?

The Senate's non-legislative powers include confirming presidential nominations, ratifying treaties, and holding impeachment trials.

What are the enumerated powers of Congress as defined in the Constitution?

Enumerated powers include passing a federal budget, raising revenue, declaring war, and regulating interstate commerce, among others.

How has the Necessary and Proper Clause affected congressional power?

The Necessary and Proper Clause has allowed Congress to expand its power by enabling legislation on matters not specifically mentioned in the Constitution, as long as they relate to enumerated powers.

What is the significance of Congress conducting oversight of the executive branch?

Congress conducts oversight to ensure that the president and bureaucratic agencies are acting in ways that align with congressional approval.