Professional Documents
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HONORS:
CHAPTER 4
The Legislative Branch
Liberal Constuctionalists
Led by Alexander Hamilton
Gives more power to the federal government
House has the sole power to impeach- bring chargesrequires a majority vote
Senate has the sole power to try- 2/3rds vote needed to
convict
Penalty is removal from office
19 impeachments (2 presidents)
8 convictions (all federal judges)
Other Powers
Constitutional Amendments
Electoral Duties
Presiding Officers:
Speaker of the House- arguably most important member of Congress
Currently in the news with John Boehner announcing he is stepping down and
Republicans working on picking a new one
Preside over house
Aid the majority party and its legislative goals
Preside and to keep order
No member may speak until he or she is recognized by the speaker
Interprets and applies the rules
Refers bills to committee
Rules on points of order
Puts motions to vote
Decides the outcome of most votes
Names the members of all select and conference committees