Practice Questions on Congressional Overrides for AP US Government

📚 Topic Summary

A Congressional override is when the United States Congress uses its power to pass legislation despite a President's veto. This is a significant check on the executive branch, requiring a two-thirds vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate to succeed. Congressional overrides highlight the balance of power in the U.S. government and the legislative branch's ability to act independently.

🧠 Part A: Vocabulary

Match each term with its correct definition:

1. Veto
2. Override
3. Legislation
4. House of Representatives
5. Senate

Definitions:

1. The act of nullifying a presidential veto by a supermajority vote.
2. The power of the President to reject a bill passed by Congress.
3. One of the two chambers of Congress, with representation based on state population.
4. Proposed or enacted laws.
5. The upper chamber of Congress, with equal representation for each state.

Answer Key:

• 🔍 Veto - The power of the President to reject a bill passed by Congress.
• 📜 Override - The act of nullifying a presidential veto by a supermajority vote.
• 🏛️ Legislation - Proposed or enacted laws.
• 🏢 House of Representatives - One of the two chambers of Congress, with representation based on state population.
• ⚖️ Senate - The upper chamber of Congress, with equal representation for each state.

✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the following paragraph using the words provided:

(two-thirds, Congress, President, veto, override)

When the ___________ ___________ a bill, __________ can attempt to __________ the ___________. This requires a ___________ vote in both the House and the Senate.

Answer:

When the President vetoes a bill, Congress can attempt to override the veto. This requires a two-thirds vote in both the House and the Senate.

🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking

Explain why the Congressional override is an important check on presidential power in the U.S. government. Provide an example of a situation where a congressional override might be necessary or beneficial for the country.

Sample Answer:

The Congressional override is a crucial check on presidential power because it prevents the President from unilaterally blocking legislation that has broad support in Congress. It ensures that the legislative branch can act independently and represent the will of the people, even when the President disagrees. A situation where a congressional override might be beneficial is when a President vetoes a bill that addresses a national crisis or emergency, but Congress believes the bill is essential for the country's well-being. For example, if a President vetoes a bill providing disaster relief funds, Congress might override the veto to ensure that the affected communities receive the necessary aid.