How did the constitution set up the legislative branch weegy – The Constitution of the United States established a bicameral legislature, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. This intricate system of checks and balances ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful.
The House of Representatives is composed of members elected from each state in proportion to its population. The Senate, on the other hand, is composed of two senators from each state, regardless of its size.
Historical Background: How Did The Constitution Set Up The Legislative Branch Weegy
The legislative branch of the United States government was established as part of the Constitutional Convention in 1787. The Founding Fathers recognized the need for a representative body to make laws and oversee the executive branch. After much debate and compromise, they created a bicameral legislature consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Bicameral Structure
The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of Congress and is composed of 435 members elected from districts of roughly equal population. The Senate is the upper chamber and has 100 members, with two senators elected from each state.
The House has the exclusive power to initiate revenue bills, while the Senate has the exclusive power to confirm presidential appointments and ratify treaties. Both chambers must pass a bill before it can be sent to the president for signature.
Representation and Elections
Members of the House of Representatives are elected every two years, while senators are elected for six-year terms. The number of representatives each state gets is based on its population, while each state gets two senators regardless of its size.
Elections for Congress are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of even-numbered years.
Lawmaking Process
The legislative process begins when a bill is introduced in either the House or the Senate. The bill is then referred to a committee for consideration. If the committee approves the bill, it is sent to the floor of the chamber for debate and a vote.
If the bill passes in one chamber, it is sent to the other chamber for consideration. If the bill passes in both chambers, it is sent to the president for signature. The president can sign the bill into law or veto it.
Checks and Balances, How did the constitution set up the legislative branch weegy
The system of checks and balances is a fundamental principle of the U.S. government. It prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
The legislative branch can check the executive branch by passing laws that limit the president’s power. The legislative branch can also impeach the president and remove him from office.
The legislative branch can check the judicial branch by passing laws that change the jurisdiction of the courts. The legislative branch can also impeach judges and remove them from office.
Powers and Responsibilities
The legislative branch has a number of powers and responsibilities, including:
- Making laws
- Overseeing the executive branch
- Impeaching the president and other government officials
- Ratifying treaties
- Declaring war
- Appropriating money
These powers give the legislative branch a significant role in the U.S. government.
Key Questions Answered
What is the purpose of the legislative branch?
The legislative branch is responsible for making laws, declaring war, and impeaching the president.
How are members of the House of Representatives elected?
Members of the House of Representatives are elected from each state in proportion to its population.
How are members of the Senate elected?
Members of the Senate are elected from each state, regardless of its size.
