Can someone help me with these two questions?
What are the Constitutional powers given to the House of Representatives?
My answer is: 1. Revenue- raising bills must orginate. 2. Has the sole power of impeachment. 3. Elect president in electoral college dead lock.
What are the Constitutional powers given to the Senate?
My answer is: 1. Has the sole power to try impeachment cases. 2. Empowered to ratify treaties. 3. To approve the top presidential appointment.
Is this right? Is there anything else that I could add to my two questions?
Thanks.
To double-check yourself, be sure to re-read ALL of Article I of the Constitution carefully:
http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.table.html#articlei
Your answers are mostly correct for the Constitutional powers given to the House of Representatives and the Senate. However, there are a few additional points you could add to provide a more comprehensive answer.
For the Constitutional powers given to the House of Representatives:
1. You mentioned that revenue-raising bills must originate in the House. Additionally, the House has the power to propose and pass laws related to taxes and government spending.
2. In addition to having the sole power of impeachment, the House also has the power to bring charges against high-ranking government officials, including the President and federal judges.
3. While the House of Representatives does not directly elect the President in the event of an electoral college deadlock, they do have the power to determine the outcome of certain presidential elections. If no presidential candidate receives a majority of the electoral votes, the House of Representatives holds a contingent election to choose the President among the top three candidates.
For the Constitutional powers given to the Senate:
1. You correctly mentioned that the Senate has the sole power to try impeachment cases. In these trials, they serve as the jury and determine whether to convict or acquit impeached officials.
2. Besides ratifying treaties, the Senate also plays a role in international relations by confirming diplomatic appointments and ambassadors nominated by the President.
3. You mentioned the approval of top presidential appointments, but it would be helpful to clarify that the Senate's power extends to confirming various executive and judicial nominations made by the President, including cabinet members, federal judges, and other high-ranking officials.
In summary, adding these additional points will enhance your answers and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Constitutional powers given to the House of Representatives and the Senate.