How Laws Are Made and How to Research ThemLearn how laws, regulations, and executive orders are made and how to look them up. Show
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Executive Orders and Other Presidential ActionsThe president creates many documents to issue orders and make announcements. These presidential actions can include executive orders, presidential memoranda, and proclamations. Find the Latest Executive Orders and Other Presidential ActionsThe White House posts the current president's executive orders and other presidential actions. The Federal Register's online records include executive orders, presidential proclamations, and other documents from the current and recent former presidents. The National Archives' online records include executive orders dating back to 1937. Learn About the Types of Presidential ActionsExecutive OrdersAn executive order has the power of federal law. Presidents can use executive orders to create committees and organizations. For example, President John F. Kennedy used one to create the Peace Corps. More often, presidents use executive orders to manage federal operations. Congress may try to overturn an executive order by passing a bill that blocks it. But the president can veto that bill. Congress would then need to override that veto to pass the bill. Also, the Supreme Court can declare an executive order unconstitutional. Presidential MemorandaPresidential memoranda are like executive orders. The president can use memos to direct government operations. But presidential memos are not numbered when they are published in the Federal Register, as executive orders are. Presidential ProclamationsPresidential proclamations are statements that address the public on policy matters. They are mainly symbolic and are usually not enforced as laws. How Federal Laws Are MadeCongress is the legislative branch of the federal government and makes laws for the nation. Congress has two legislative bodies or chambers: the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. Anyone elected to either body can propose a new law. A bill is a proposal for a new law. Steps in Making a Law
Differences Between the House and Senate ProceduresThe Senate and the House have some procedural differences between them. Learn more about each body’s process:
Federal and State Laws, Regulations, and Related Court DecisionsFederal laws apply to people living in the United States and its territories. Congress creates and passes bills. The president then may sign those bills into law. Federal courts may review the laws to see if they agree with the Constitution. If a court finds a law is unconstitutional, it can strike it down. Find Federal LawsThe United States Code contains general and permanent federal laws. It does not include regulations, decisions, or laws issued by:
New public and private laws appear in each edition of the United States Statutes at Large. There is a new edition for each session of Congress.
Federal RegulationsRegulations are issued by federal agencies, boards, and commissions. They explain how agencies plan to carry out laws. Regulations are published yearly in the Code of Federal Regulations. State Laws and RegulationsState legislatures make the laws in each state. State courts can review these laws. If a court decides a law doesn't agree with the state's constitution, it can declare it invalid. Find state laws and regulations with the Law Library of Congress’s guide for each state. Federal Court DecisionsFederal courts do not write or pass laws. But they may establish individual “rights” under federal law. This happens through courts' interpretations of federal and state laws and the Constitution. An example is the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. The court decided that state laws which segregated public school students by race violated the 14th Amendment. It said that "separate but equal" schools cause minority children to feel inferior. And that hurts their educational opportunities. Research recent decisions of the Supreme Court. Or get information about historic Supreme Court decisions by topic. Last Updated: August 10, 2022 TopWhat is the role of the conference committee in Congress Quizlet?The House votes for impeachment, and the Senate conducts a trial and reaches a guilty verdict. The role of a conference committee in Congress is to Reconcile differences in bills passed by the House and Senate Which of the following statements about the Senate is true?
What is the role of Congress in ensuring that executive branch agencies?Partisanship The role Congress plays in ensuring that executive branch agencies are carrying out their legislated responsibilities is known as executive privilege Which of the following statements about motions in for cloture is true? They are used by Senators to end a filibuster and bring a bill to a vote
Can Congress declare a presidential action unconstitutional?Congress may pass a law declaring a presidential action unconstitutional The Constitution states that all revenue bills must originate in the House of Representatives THIS SET IS OFTEN IN FOLDERS WITH... Chapter 7 - Public Opinion
What formal tools are used by Congress for oversight of the bureaucracy?One of the formal tools used by Congress for oversight of the bureaucracy is Authorization of spending Which of the following is an accurate statement about committees in Congress? Standing committees oversee the bureaucracy's implementation of legislation The advantages of incumbency in congressional elections include which of the following? (2)
How does Congress influence the Supreme Court quizlet?1) Congress can impeach Supreme Court Justices. If a justice takes too much liberty in judicial policymaking or more blatantly abuses his or her power, the House can impeach said justice, and the Senate will hear the trial and can remove the justice with a 2/3 vote.
Which of the following ways can Congress influence the federal judiciary?Which of the following is a way Congress can influence the federal judiciary? It can change appellate jurisdiction of federal courts.
How can Congress exert influence on the federal bureaucracy quizlet?How does Congress exert influence over the bureaucracy? Congress controls government spending and must approve the President's appointments.
Which of the following actions would the Senate take in their attempt to limit the Supreme Courts power?Which of the following actions would the Senate take in their ateto limit the Supreme Court's power? Congress could enact legislation to amend the Title VII of the Civil Rights act.
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