11.4 questions

1. What are the two ways Congress may be involved in amending the Constitution? Which method has never been used?
They have a 2/3 vote or a national convention with delegates in each state. 2.Describe the role of Congress in each of the following situations: a. if no candidate for President receives a majority of the electoral votes The house may elect a President, voting by states. b. if no candidate for Vice President wins majority of the electoral votes The Senate must choose a V.P.

3.Describe the process for filling a vacancy in the Vice Presidency? The Senate has to vote for V.P. Each state gets one vote.

4. What does it mean to impeach? Who may be impeached? Impeach means to accuse or to bring charges to. The President and Vice President, and civil officers may be impeached. 5.What are the Constitutional reasons for impeachment? You may be impeached for treason or a misdemeanor.

6.Explain the role of each of the following in impeachment cases: The House-The House has the power to bring charges. The Senate- The Senate has the power to try- to judge, and to sit as a court in impeachment cases.

7.Explain the role of the Senate in each of the following a. presidential appointments- Senate must confirm presidential appointments by majority votes. b. treaties-The president makes treaties with the advice and consent of the Senate.

8.What is the unwritten rule of senatorial courtesy and how does it affect the president’s power of appointment?
Senatorial courtesy is when the Senate wont approve a Presidential appointment
Opposed by a majority-party senator from the State in which the appointee would serve.
9.Where does Congress power to investigate come from?
It is implied by the constitution’s grant of the Legislative power to Congress.

10. List the 5 main reasons that committees of Congress conduct investigations a. to gather information necessary to the framing of legislation b. to oversee the operations of various agencies in the executive branch c. to focus public attention on some particular matter d. to expose the questionable activities of some public official or private person or group e. to promote the particular interests of some members of Congress
11.Explain how each of the following agencies helps Congress inform itself and perform its oversight responsibilities.
a. Congressional Budget Office- rely on taxing, spending , and budget-related matters b. Congressional Research Service-several hundred staff specialists provide members with factual information on many subject

c. Government Accountability Office- called Congress’ watchdog because it has the authority to monitor the work of the Federal Government and report it to Congress