The Legislative Branch - 3.3: Congress - Civics State Exam (2024 everything you need to know!)

Summary

In this video, Mr. Raymond’s Civic Academy takes a deep dive into the legislative branch of the U.S. government, focusing on Congress. It explains its structure, powers, and functions, covering topics like the bicameral system, the powers of Congress outlined in the Constitution, impeachment, advice and consent, proposing amendments, and congressional oversight. The video also explores key concepts like enumerated and implied powers, with real-life examples of Congress’s role in shaping U.S. law and policy. Through clear explanations and engaging visuals, students gain a comprehensive understanding of how Congress operates and its critical role in American democracy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Congress is the legislative branch of the U.S. government, divided into two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
• 😀 The Constitution's Article 1 outlines the powers of Congress, focusing on its structure, functions, and the necessary checks and balances.
• 😀 The Great Compromise created a bicameral Congress: the House, based on population, and the Senate, with equal representation for each state.
• 😀 Enumerated powers are the specific powers granted to Congress by the Constitution, including taxing, borrowing money, and regulating commerce.
• 😀 The Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause) allows Congress to stretch its powers to address issues not explicitly outlined in the Constitution.
• 😀 Implied powers arise from the Elastic Clause, enabling Congress to take actions like creating a national bank or establishing the draft.
• 😀 Congress can impeach federal officials, including presidents, by a majority vote in the House and a 2/3 vote in the Senate for conviction.
• 😀 The Senate confirms presidential appointments and treaties, exercising the 'advice and consent' function as part of its role.
• 😀 Proposing amendments to the Constitution is an essential power of Congress, requiring a 2/3 vote in both houses and ratification by 34 states.
• 😀 Oversight and investigations are key functions of Congress, such as holding hearings on issues like terrorism, government actions, and policy concerns.

Q & A

What is Congress, and what is its primary function?

Congress is the legislative branch of the U.S. government, responsible for making laws. It consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

What is the meaning of 'bicameral' in the context of Congress?

'Bicameral' refers to a two-house legislature. In the case of Congress, it means that the legislative branch is divided into two parts: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

What is the main difference between the House of Representatives and the Senate?

The House of Representatives has 435 members based on state population, with members serving 2-year terms. The Senate has 100 members, with 2 Senators per state, serving 6-year terms.

What are 'enumerated powers,' and where can they be found?

Enumerated powers are specific powers granted to Congress by the Constitution, listed in Article 1, Section 8. These include powers such as taxing, borrowing money, regulating commerce, and declaring war.

What is the 'Necessary and Proper Clause,' and how has it impacted the powers of Congress?

The Necessary and Proper Clause, also known as the Elastic Clause, allows Congress to make laws that are necessary to carry out its enumerated powers. It has been used to justify implied powers, extending Congress's authority to cover unforeseen issues.

What does the process of impeachment involve, and which part of Congress is responsible for it?

Impeachment is the process of removing a federal official from office for misconduct. The House of Representatives initiates impeachment, while the Senate holds the trial and determines guilt or innocence.

What is the role of the Senate in 'advice and consent'?

The Senate's role in 'advice and consent' involves confirming presidential appointments, such as federal judges and cabinet members, and ratifying treaties negotiated by the president.

How does Congress propose amendments to the Constitution?

Congress proposes amendments to the Constitution by passing a resolution with a two-thirds vote in both the House and the Senate. The proposed amendment is then sent to the states for ratification by a three-fourths majority.

What are implied powers, and how do they arise from the Necessary and Proper Clause?

Implied powers are powers not explicitly written in the Constitution but are assumed based on the Necessary and Proper Clause. For example, Congress has used implied powers to draft soldiers and regulate emerging industries.

What is the significance of the Elastic Clause in the evolution of U.S. government powers?

The Elastic Clause allows the Constitution to adapt to changing needs and circumstances. It enables Congress to extend its powers to cover areas not originally anticipated, such as regulating new technologies or forming agencies like the EPA.