US Congressional Powers and Legislation Flashcards
6 cards from real US practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 US Congressional Powers and Legislation flashcards as text
What does the Supremacy Clause establish?
Answer: That the Constitution and federal laws are the supreme law of the land
Article VI establishes the Constitution, federal laws, and treaties as the supreme law of the land, binding on all state judges.
What is the constitutional significance of the Taxing and Spending Clause?
Answer: It grants Congress power to levy taxes and spend for the general welfare
Article I, Section 8 grants Congress power to lay and collect taxes and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.
What constitutional requirement governs the census?
Answer: Every 10 years
Article I, Section 2 mandates an enumeration of the population every ten years to apportion House seats among the states.
What is the Presentment Clause?
Answer: A clause requiring all legislation passed by Congress to be presented to the President
The Presentment Clause in Article I, Section 7 requires all legislation passed by both chambers to be presented to the President for signature or veto.
Under Article IV, what restriction applies when Congress admits new states?
Answer: No new states may be formed within existing state borders without that state's consent
Article IV, Section 3 prohibits forming new states within existing state jurisdiction or by merging states without consent of the affected state legislatures and Congress.
What is the constitutional basis for congressional investigative and subpoena power?
Answer: Implied from Congress's legislative powers under Article I
Congressional investigative and subpoena power is implied from Article I's grant of legislative authority and has been affirmed through Supreme Court precedent.