documents:external:our-american-government-2003
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documents:external:our-american-government-2003 [2019/10/04 21:57] – Oliver Wolcott | documents:external:our-american-government-2003 [2019/11/15 19:30] – [167. Where are these congressional publications available?] Oliver Wolcott | ||
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| 108TH CONGRESS | | 108TH CONGRESS | ||
| //1st Session// | | //1st Session// | ||
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<WRAP center round download 60%> | <WRAP center round download 60%> | ||
- | Download source: [[https:// | + | Download source: [[https:// |
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**CONTENTS** | **CONTENTS** | ||
+ | <WRAP center round info 60%> | ||
+ | The page numbers in the Contents here refer to the page numbers in the printed or PDF version and have no relevance on this Wiki page. | ||
+ | Use the Wiki __Table of Contents__ or | ||
+ | Use the browser search to find words or phrases in this page. | ||
+ | </ | ||
^ ^ Page ^ | ^ ^ Page ^ | ||
| Foreword | | Foreword | ||
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The Capitol Hill office complex includes offices for House and Senate leaders and officers and for certain committees in the Capitol building itself, plus five House office buildings and three Senate office buildings, plus additional rented space in commercial office buildings near Union Station, north of the Capitol. | The Capitol Hill office complex includes offices for House and Senate leaders and officers and for certain committees in the Capitol building itself, plus five House office buildings and three Senate office buildings, plus additional rented space in commercial office buildings near Union Station, north of the Capitol. | ||
- | The three main House office buildings are located on Independence Avenue, south of the Capitol. Proceeding from east to west, the three buildings are the Cannon House Office Building, completed in 1908; the Longworth House Office Building, completed in 1933; and the Rayburn House Office Building, completed in 1965. The buildings are named for the Speakers of the House at the time the construction of the buildings was authorized. In these buildings are located the personal offices of each Member of the House, as well as the offices of House standing committees. Two additional buildings were purchased in 1957 and 1975 for use by the House for additional office space. The first building, on C Street behind the Cannon Office Building, was renamed the Thomas P. O' | + | The three main House office buildings are located on Independence Avenue, south of the Capitol. Proceeding from east to west, the three buildings are the Cannon House Office Building, completed in 1908; the Longworth House Office Building, completed in 1933; and the Rayburn House Office Building, completed in 1965. The buildings are named for the Speakers of the House at the time the construction of the buildings was authorized. In these buildings are located the personal offices of each Member of the House, as well as the offices of House standing committees. Two additional buildings were purchased in 1957 and 1975 for use by the House for additional office space. The first building, on C Street behind the Cannon Office Building, was renamed the Thomas P. O' |
The Senate office buildings are located on Constitution Avenue, northeast of the Capitol. The buildings were completed in 1909, 1958, and 1982, and are named in honor of influential 20th century | The Senate office buildings are located on Constitution Avenue, northeast of the Capitol. The buildings were completed in 1909, 1958, and 1982, and are named in honor of influential 20th century | ||
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==== 50. What are the different types of appropriation measures? ==== | ==== 50. What are the different types of appropriation measures? ==== | ||
- | Appropriations are provided in three different types of appropriation measures. Regular appropriation bills are a series of measures that together fund many Federal operations and programs for a fiscal year (October 1September 30). Each of the 13 subcommittees of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees manages one regular appropriation bill. A supplemental appropriation bill is a measure which provides funds if a need develops that is too urgent to be postponed until the next fiscal year. Finally, a continuing resolution is a measure that provides stopgap funding if Congress is | + | Appropriations are provided in three different types of appropriation measures. Regular appropriation bills are a series of measures that together fund many Federal operations and programs for a fiscal year (October 1September 30). Each of the 13 subcommittees of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees manages one regular appropriation bill. A supplemental appropriation bill is a measure which provides funds if a need develops that is too urgent to be postponed until the next fiscal year. Finally, a continuing resolution is a measure that provides stopgap funding if Congress is unable to complete action on one or more regular appropriation bills before the beginning of a fiscal year. |
- | + | ||
- | unable to complete action on one or more regular appropriation bills before the beginning of a fiscal year. | + | |
All regular appropriation bills as well as supplemental appropriation bills that fund more than a single agency or purpose are also referred to as general appropriation bills. | All regular appropriation bills as well as supplemental appropriation bills that fund more than a single agency or purpose are also referred to as general appropriation bills. | ||
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Sequestration is an across-the-board cut in Federal spending pursuant to a Presidential order. A sequestration order can only be issued if Congress fails to meet a budgetary requirement, | Sequestration is an across-the-board cut in Federal spending pursuant to a Presidential order. A sequestration order can only be issued if Congress fails to meet a budgetary requirement, | ||
- | 53. What are the powers of Congress as provided in the Constitution? | + | ==== 53. What are the powers of Congress as provided in the Constitution? |
The Constitution (Article 1, Section 8) empowers Congress to levy taxes, collect revenue, pay debts, and provide for the general welfare; borrow money; regulate interstate and foreign commerce; establish uniform rules of naturalization and bankruptcy; coin money and regulate its value; punish counterfeiters; | The Constitution (Article 1, Section 8) empowers Congress to levy taxes, collect revenue, pay debts, and provide for the general welfare; borrow money; regulate interstate and foreign commerce; establish uniform rules of naturalization and bankruptcy; coin money and regulate its value; punish counterfeiters; | ||
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==== 67. How are record votes taken in Congress? ==== | ==== 67. How are record votes taken in Congress? ==== | ||
- | Most votes are taken by a simple voice method, in which the yeas and nays are called out, respectively, | + | Most votes are taken by a simple voice method, in which the yeas and nays are called out, respectively, |
- | + | ||
- | Constitution simply provides that %%'' | + | |
==== 68. Are there time limitations on debate in Congress? ==== | ==== 68. Are there time limitations on debate in Congress? ==== | ||
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A bill that is to be introduced is typed on a special House or Senate form and signed by the Representative or Senator who will introduce it. In the House, a Representative may introduce a bill any time the House is in session by placing it in a special box known as the %%'' | A bill that is to be introduced is typed on a special House or Senate form and signed by the Representative or Senator who will introduce it. In the House, a Representative may introduce a bill any time the House is in session by placing it in a special box known as the %%'' | ||
- | ==== 71. When does a bill, introduced at the beginning of a Congress, become | + | ==== 71. When does a bill, introduced at the beginning of a Congress, become |
A bill may be introduced at any point during a two-year Congress, and remains eligible for consideration throughout the duration of that Congress until the Congress ends or adjourns sine die. | A bill may be introduced at any point during a two-year Congress, and remains eligible for consideration throughout the duration of that Congress until the Congress ends or adjourns sine die. | ||
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==== 91. What is meant by the " | ==== 91. What is meant by the " | ||
- | It had been the custom whereby a member who served longest on the majority side of a committee became its chairman or if on the minority, its ranking member. Members were ranked from the | + | It had been the custom whereby a member who served longest on the majority side of a committee became its chairman or if on the minority, its ranking member. Members were ranked from the chairman or ranking member down, according to length of service on the committee. |
- | + | ||
- | chairman or ranking member down, according to length of service on the committee. | + | |
Modifications—including party practices, term limits on chairmanships, | Modifications—including party practices, term limits on chairmanships, | ||
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In addition to express powers, the President possesses powers that are not enumerated within the Constitution' | In addition to express powers, the President possesses powers that are not enumerated within the Constitution' | ||
- | For example, although the Constitution does not grant to the President express power to remove administrators from their offices, as the chief executive, the President holds power over executive branch officers, unless such removal power is limited by public law. The President, however, does not have such implied authority over officers in independent establishments. When President | + | For example, although the Constitution does not grant to the President express power to remove administrators from their offices, as the chief executive, the President holds power over executive branch officers, unless such removal power is limited by public law. The President, however, does not have such implied authority over officers in independent establishments. When President Franklin D. Roosevelt removed a member of the Federal Trade Commission, an independent regulatory agency, and not part of the executive branch, the Supreme Court, in 1935, ruled the removal invalid. |
- | + | ||
- | Franklin D. Roosevelt removed a member of the Federal Trade Commission, an independent regulatory agency, and not part of the executive branch, the Supreme Court, in 1935, ruled the removal invalid. | + | |
Another implied constitutional power is derived from the President' | Another implied constitutional power is derived from the President' | ||
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==== 100. Have many bills been vetoed by Presidents? ==== | ==== 100. Have many bills been vetoed by Presidents? ==== | ||
- | As of August 31, 2003, U.S. Presidents have vetoed 2,550 bills presented to them by Congress. Of that total number, 1,484 were | + | As of August 31, 2003, U.S. Presidents have vetoed 2,550 bills presented to them by Congress. Of that total number, 1,484 were regular vetoes, and 1,066 were pocket vetoes. This may appear to be a large number of vetoes, but it actually represents about 3 percent of the approximately 93,555 bills presented to U.S. Presidents since George Washington. (See the accompanying table, Vetoes by Presidents.) |
- | + | ||
- | regular vetoes, and 1,066 were pocket vetoes. This may appear to be a large number of vetoes, but it actually represents about 3 percent of the approximately 93,555 bills presented to U.S. Presidents since George Washington. (See the accompanying table, Vetoes by Presidents.) | + | |
VETOES BY PRESIDENTS | VETOES BY PRESIDENTS | ||
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==== 104. What is the date for the commencement of a President' | ==== 104. What is the date for the commencement of a President' | ||
- | When the Constitution was ratified, Congress was given power to determine the date for beginning the operations of the new administration. Congress set the date of March 4, 1789. Although George Washington did not take the oath of office until April 30, 1789, his term began March 4. Later, the 20th or so-called %%'' | + | When the Constitution was ratified, Congress was given power to determine the date for beginning the operations of the new administration. Congress set the date of March 4, 1789. Although George Washington did not take the oath of office until April 30, 1789, his term began March 4. Later, the 20th or so-called %%'' |
- | + | ||
- | Franklin D. Roosevelt became the first President to take the oath on January 20. When inauguration day falls on a Sunday, it is traditional practice for the President to take the oath privately on January 20 and to hold the public ceremony the following day. | + | |
==== 105. What qualifications are prescribed for the President? ==== | ==== 105. What qualifications are prescribed for the President? ==== | ||
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==== 113. Of these successions, | ==== 113. Of these successions, | ||
- | Four: Abraham Lincoln, James A. Garfield, William McKinley, and John F. Kennedy were assassinated. Andrew Johnson served as President all but 1 month of Lincoln' | + | Four: Abraham Lincoln, James A. Garfield, William McKinley, and John F. Kennedy were assassinated. Andrew Johnson served as President all but 1 month of Lincoln' |
- | + | ||
- | Arthur served 3< | + | |
==== 114. What would happen if the President-elect were to die before taking office? ==== | ==== 114. What would happen if the President-elect were to die before taking office? ==== | ||
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==== 122. How are executive departments and agencies funded? ==== | ==== 122. How are executive departments and agencies funded? ==== | ||
- | Most depend on annual appropriations passed by Congress. In some cases, though, the appropriation is permanent and requires no annual action by Congress. Certain agencies also operate from revenue received when loans are repaid and from non-appropriated | + | Most depend on annual appropriations passed by Congress. In some cases, though, the appropriation is permanent and requires no annual action by Congress. Certain agencies also operate from revenue received when loans are repaid and from non-appropriated funds such as money received from theaters, post exchanges on military bases, and various other types of user fees. |
- | + | ||
- | funds such as money received from theaters, post exchanges on military bases, and various other types of user fees. | + | |
==== 123. Who oversees the operations of executive departments and agencies? ==== | ==== 123. Who oversees the operations of executive departments and agencies? ==== | ||
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==== 128. To whom are independent agencies and commissions responsible? | ==== 128. To whom are independent agencies and commissions responsible? | ||
- | Independent regulatory commissions, | + | Independent regulatory commissions, |
- | + | ||
- | President. In some cases, Government-sponsored enterprises may also have directors who are private citizens. While all of the independent regulatory commissions and most of the Government-sponsored enterprises submit their budget requests to OMB for review and clearance, the degree of dependence on these budgets varies considerably. While nearly all of the Government-sponsored enterprises generate a substantial part of their financial resources from outside sources, almost all the independent regulatory commissions rely on the Government for their funding. | + | |
Activities of all of these entities are presented in public reports which are prepared annually. In addition, they are subject to periodic authorization and appropriations hearings in Congress, where their activities and operations can be reviewed. | Activities of all of these entities are presented in public reports which are prepared annually. In addition, they are subject to periodic authorization and appropriations hearings in Congress, where their activities and operations can be reviewed. | ||
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==== 142. What is the tenure of a Federal judge? ==== | ==== 142. What is the tenure of a Federal judge? ==== | ||
- | Judges of the Court of Federal Claims, Tax Court, Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and Court of Veterans Appeals have | + | Judges of the Court of Federal Claims, Tax Court, Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and Court of Veterans Appeals have terms of 15 years, and judges of the territorial District Courts in Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands have 10year terms. Otherwise, the judges of the courts mentioned in the preceding questions, including the Supreme Court, courts of appeals, and most Federal district courts, have %%'' |
- | + | ||
- | terms of 15 years, and judges of the territorial District Courts in Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands have 10year terms. Otherwise, the judges of the courts mentioned in the preceding questions, including the Supreme Court, courts of appeals, and most Federal district courts, have %%'' | + | |
==== 143. Why do most Federal judges have "good behaviour" | ==== 143. Why do most Federal judges have "good behaviour" | ||
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The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act of 1987 guarantees the right of persons in military service or living abroad to vote by absentee ballot in Federal elections. The Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act of 1984 mandates Federal standards of physical accessibility for polling places and registration sites and requires the availability of large type ballots and hearing devices for the handicapped. | The Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act of 1987 guarantees the right of persons in military service or living abroad to vote by absentee ballot in Federal elections. The Voting Accessibility for the Elderly and Handicapped Act of 1984 mandates Federal standards of physical accessibility for polling places and registration sites and requires the availability of large type ballots and hearing devices for the handicapped. | ||
- | Voters must also meet State requirements in order to vote, the most common of which is registration. Citizens in 46 States and the District of Columbia must register between 10 and 50 days in advance of election day, while the States of Maine, Minnesota, and | + | Voters must also meet State requirements in order to vote, the most common of which is registration. Citizens in 46 States and the District of Columbia must register between 10 and 50 days in advance of election day, while the States of Maine, Minnesota, and Wisconsin provide for registration on election day. In addition, North Dakota does not require registration of voters, relying instead on presentation of personal identification at the polls. Thirty States and the District of Columbia require that voters be residents for a period of between 1 and 50 days prior to election day. In addition, most States bar registration and voting by convicted felons and those judged mentally incompetent. |
- | + | ||
- | Wisconsin provide for registration on election day. In addition, North Dakota does not require registration of voters, relying instead on presentation of personal identification at the polls. Thirty States and the District of Columbia require that voters be residents for a period of between 1 and 50 days prior to election day. In addition, most States bar registration and voting by convicted felons and those judged mentally incompetent. | + | |
==== 152. Who is responsible for the administration of elections in the United States? ==== | ==== 152. Who is responsible for the administration of elections in the United States? ==== | ||
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==== 157. What are these Presidential libraries and where are they located? ==== | ==== 157. What are these Presidential libraries and where are they located? ==== | ||
- | The Presidential libraries managed by the National Archives began with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, but the current program was established with the Presidential Libraries Act of 1955. Under the terms of this law, a former President or heirs may purchase land, usually near the former President' | + | The Presidential libraries managed by the National Archives began with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, but the current program was established with the Presidential Libraries Act of 1955. Under the terms of this law, a former President or heirs may purchase land, usually near the former President' |
==== 158. Are there libraries across the United States that regularly receive copies of Federal Government publications as they are produced? ==== | ==== 158. Are there libraries across the United States that regularly receive copies of Federal Government publications as they are produced? ==== | ||
- | Many years ago, Congress recognized the desirability of making Government publications available to the public. The depository library program was created by Congress in order to promote the American public' | + | Many years ago, Congress recognized the desirability of making Government publications available to the public. The depository library program was created by Congress in order to promote the American public' |
==== 159. What is the Federal Citizen Information Center Program? ==== | ==== 159. What is the Federal Citizen Information Center Program? ==== | ||
- | Established in 1966 and managed by the Administrator of the General Services Administration, | + | Established in 1966 and managed by the Administrator of the General Services Administration, |
==== 160. What special information resources may be found at the Library of Congress? ==== | ==== 160. What special information resources may be found at the Library of Congress? ==== | ||
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The Library of Congress in Washington, DC—which was established by an act of April 24, 1800 appropriating $5,000 %%'' | The Library of Congress in Washington, DC—which was established by an act of April 24, 1800 appropriating $5,000 %%'' | ||
- | The Library' | + | The Library' |
==== 161. What special information resources are found in other Federal libraries? ==== | ==== 161. What special information resources are found in other Federal libraries? ==== | ||
- | The national medical collection is located at the National Library of Medicine <// | + | The national medical collection is located at the National Library of Medicine <http:// |
==== 162. How may someone get access to unpublished Federal records that are still in agency files? ==== | ==== 162. How may someone get access to unpublished Federal records that are still in agency files? ==== | ||
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==== 167. Where are these congressional publications available? ==== | ==== 167. Where are these congressional publications available? ==== | ||
- | All Members receive a limited allotment of most congressional publications and documents. Committees also maintain a limited supply of hearings transcripts, | + | All Members receive a limited allotment of most congressional publications and documents. Committees also maintain a limited supply of hearings transcripts, |
==== 168. How may someone obtain access to unpublished records of Congress? ==== | ==== 168. How may someone obtain access to unpublished records of Congress? ==== | ||
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AMENDMENT [XX.] | AMENDMENT [XX.] | ||
- | SECTION. 1. The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3d day of January, of the years | + | SECTION. 1. The terms of the President and Vice President shall end at noon on the 20th day of January, and the terms of Senators and Representatives at noon on the 3d day of January, of the years in which such terms would have ended if this article had not been ratified; and the terms of their successors shall then begin. |
- | + | ||
- | in which such terms would have ended if this article had not been ratified; and the terms of their successors shall then begin. | + | |
SECTION. 2. The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall begin at noon on the 3d day of January, unless they shall by law appoint a different day. | SECTION. 2. The Congress shall assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall begin at noon on the 3d day of January, unless they shall by law appoint a different day. | ||
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[EDITORIAL NOTE: There is some conflict as to the exact dates of ratification of the amendments by the several States. In some cases, the resolutions of ratification were signed by the officers of the legislatures on dates subsequent to that on which the second house had acted. In other cases, the Governors of several of the States %%'' | [EDITORIAL NOTE: There is some conflict as to the exact dates of ratification of the amendments by the several States. In some cases, the resolutions of ratification were signed by the officers of the legislatures on dates subsequent to that on which the second house had acted. In other cases, the Governors of several of the States %%'' | ||
- | **PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE** | + | ===== PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION NOT RATIFIED BY THE STATES |
- | + | ||
- | **CONSTITUTION NOT RATIFIED BY THE STATES** | + | |
During the course of our history, in addition to the 27 amendments that have been ratified by the required three-fourths of the States, six other amendments have been submitted to the States but have not been ratified by them. | During the course of our history, in addition to the 27 amendments that have been ratified by the required three-fourths of the States, six other amendments have been submitted to the States but have not been ratified by them. | ||
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%%'' | %%'' | ||
- | INDEX | + | ===== INDEX ===== |
+ | <WRAP center round info 60%> | ||
+ | The page numbers in the Index refer to the page numbers in the printed or PDF version and have no relevance on this Wiki page. | ||
+ | Use the browser search to find words or phrases in this page. | ||
+ | </ | ||
[The terms are cross-referenced to the question numbers in the text. The terms with an asterisk (*) are also included in the Glossary of Legislative Terms in the Appendix.] | [The terms are cross-referenced to the question numbers in the text. The terms with an asterisk (*) are also included in the Glossary of Legislative Terms in the Appendix.] | ||
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War Powers* (//See also// Armed Forces; President) 53, | War Powers* (//See also// Armed Forces; President) 53, | ||
+ | {{page>: | ||
documents/external/our-american-government-2003.txt · Last modified: 2021/02/23 16:14 by 127.0.0.1