WGU C963 Section 2: Structure of the United States
Government | Actual study complete Solutions |
2026 Updates | 100% correct
What is this Section about? In this Section, you learn about the structure of the
federal government, including the powers of each branch (both formal and
informal) and checks and balances, as well as the relationship between the
national and state governments.
What do I need to know by the end of Section 2?
What are the main powers of the legislative branch and how does it check the
other two branches?
What are the main powers of the executive branch and how does it check the
other two branches?
What are the main powers of the judicial branch and how does it check the other
two branches?
What are the powers of the federal government compared to the state
governments, and which powers are shared?
Note: Pay close attention to the Learning Objectives. The questions on the
objective assessment are designed and chosen to align with the learning
objectives of this course. Topic: The Legislative Branch
Learning Objectives:
, • Examine the main powers of the legislative branch of the federal
government.
o Key Terms : levy taxes, enumerated power, implied power, inherent
powers, veto, oversight, committees, appropriation, deficit spending,
discretionary spending, budget resolution, pork-barrel spending, line-
item veto, Interstate Commerce Clause, advice and consent,
impeachment, supermajority, filibuster, and administrative agencies
• Explain how the legislative branch makes laws.
o Key Terms : majority party, minority party, Speaker of the House,
majority leader, minority leader, majority whip, minority whip,
president pro tempore, committee, standing committee, select
committee, joint committee, conference committee, Rules
Committee, and cloture
• Explain reapportionment, redistricting, and gerrymandering.
o Key Terms : gerrymandering, redistricting, census, and
reapportionment
Questions about the Legislative Branch
1. What are the eight powers of Congress (i.e., the legislative branch) listed in
the text?
2. Briefly define the types of congressional powers (i.e., enumerated, implied,
inherent) and provide an example of each.
3. What is the Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause) and how is it
connected to the concept of implied powers?
Government | Actual study complete Solutions |
2026 Updates | 100% correct
What is this Section about? In this Section, you learn about the structure of the
federal government, including the powers of each branch (both formal and
informal) and checks and balances, as well as the relationship between the
national and state governments.
What do I need to know by the end of Section 2?
What are the main powers of the legislative branch and how does it check the
other two branches?
What are the main powers of the executive branch and how does it check the
other two branches?
What are the main powers of the judicial branch and how does it check the other
two branches?
What are the powers of the federal government compared to the state
governments, and which powers are shared?
Note: Pay close attention to the Learning Objectives. The questions on the
objective assessment are designed and chosen to align with the learning
objectives of this course. Topic: The Legislative Branch
Learning Objectives:
, • Examine the main powers of the legislative branch of the federal
government.
o Key Terms : levy taxes, enumerated power, implied power, inherent
powers, veto, oversight, committees, appropriation, deficit spending,
discretionary spending, budget resolution, pork-barrel spending, line-
item veto, Interstate Commerce Clause, advice and consent,
impeachment, supermajority, filibuster, and administrative agencies
• Explain how the legislative branch makes laws.
o Key Terms : majority party, minority party, Speaker of the House,
majority leader, minority leader, majority whip, minority whip,
president pro tempore, committee, standing committee, select
committee, joint committee, conference committee, Rules
Committee, and cloture
• Explain reapportionment, redistricting, and gerrymandering.
o Key Terms : gerrymandering, redistricting, census, and
reapportionment
Questions about the Legislative Branch
1. What are the eight powers of Congress (i.e., the legislative branch) listed in
the text?
2. Briefly define the types of congressional powers (i.e., enumerated, implied,
inherent) and provide an example of each.
3. What is the Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause) and how is it
connected to the concept of implied powers?
