What is it called when one party controls the presidency but does not control both houses of Congress?
In the United States, divided government describes a situation in which one party controls the executive branch while another party controls one or both houses of the legislative branch. Opponents, however, argue that divided governments become lethargic, leading to many gridlocks.
How can you remove a president from office?
The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.
What vote is needed to kick out a member of Congress?
Voting to expel requires the concurrence of two-thirds of the members. This is set out in Article 1, Section 5, Clause 2 of the United States Constitution.
How does the Take Care clause affect presidential power?
The Take Care Clause modifies that grant, requiring the President to “take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed.” At the Founding, the President’s power over law execution was praised as ensuring prompt and vigorous implementation of laws, something lacking under the Articles of Confederation.
Does the United States have a divided government?
Early in the 20th century, divided government was rare in the United States, but since the 1970s it has become increasingly common. Divided governments are contrasted by government trifectas—a different situation in which the same party controls both the executive and legislative branches.
Who can declare the President unable to fulfill presidential duties?
It allows the vice president, together with a “majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide”, to issue a written declaration that the president is unable to discharge his duties.
Who can the President remove from power?
The president has the authority to remove his appointees from office, but the heads of independent federal agencies can only be removed for cause.
Can a political party expel a member?
Party leaders in such governments often have the authority to expel members of the party who violate the party line. If they do not vote the party line, they risk losing their seat.
What happens when a member of Congress is censured?
Members of Congress who have been censured are required to give up any committee chairs they hold. Like a reprimand, a censure does not remove a member from their office so they retain their title, stature, and power to vote. There are also no legal consequences that come with a reprimand or censure.
Who controls the time place and manner of holding elections for members of Congress?
The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulations, except as to the Places of chusing Senators.