Benchmark Review

Question 1

Congressional Districts

Answer 1

A fixed number of districts into which a state is divided, each district electing one member to national House of Representatives

Question 2

House Members

Answer 2

435

Question 3

Senate Members

Answer 3

100

Question 4

Requirements for Senate

Answer 4

• At least 35 yrs of age
• U.S Citizens for at least 9 yrs
• Resident of State

Question 5

House Requirements

Answer 5

• 25 yrs at least
• Citizens for 7 yrs
• Resident of state

Question 6

Gerrymandering

Answer 6

The dividing of a state, country, etc. into election districts so as to give one political party a majority in many districts while concentrating the voting strength of other party into as few districts as possible

Question 7

Powers of the House

Answer 7

• Initiate revenue bills
• Impeach federal officials
• Elect Pres. in case of electoral college tie

Question 8

Power of Senate

Answer 8

• try cases of impeachment
• advice and consent appointments made by Pres.
• approve treaties

Question 9

Functions of Congress

Answer 9

pass rules that all Americans must obey

Question 10

Judicial Review

Answer 10

Gov. power of a court to adjudicate the constitutionality of the laws of a gov. or the acts of a gov. official

Question 11

How a bill becomes a law

Answer 11

1. Citizens suggest idea
2. Members of House of Rep. or Senate propose bill
3. If more than 2/3 of House and Senate approve, it becomes a law

Question 12

Filibuster

Answer 12

An effort to prevent action in a legislature (such as U.S Senate or House of Rep) by making a long speech or series of speeches

Question 13

Seniority Rule

Answer 13

A rule in Congress by which members have their choice of committee assignments in order of rank based solely on length of service

Question 14

Speaker of the House

Answer 14

most powerful, precludes over proceedings on House floor, influences which bills go to which committees

Question 15

Majority Leader

Answer 15

Party leader on floor, help plan party’s legislative program

Question 16

Chief Executive

Answer 16

Power to enforce and lead the nation

Question 17

Commander in Chief

Answer 17

Directs military, can launch nuclear missiles

Question 18

Chief Legislature

Answer 18

Sets public policy

Question 19

Chief Admin

Answer 19

Representative of nation

Question 20

Chief Diplomat

Answer 20

Architect of U.S foreign policy

Question 21

Presidential Act of 1947

Answer 21

Establishes the line of succession to powers and duties of Pres. in the event that neither a Pres. or VP is able to discharge duties of the office

Question 22

20th Amendment

Answer 22

sets the dates at which federal gov elected officials end (president terms)

Question 23

22nd Amendment

Answer 23

Limited president terms to 2 for any other person, or to one elected if the person has completed more than 2 yrs of another term

Question 24

25th Amendment

Answer 24

Establish succession to presidency in event of president’s death

Question 25

Electoral College Cons

Answer 25

Possibly electing minority president, failure to accurately reflect national pop will

Question 26

Electoral College Pros

Answer 26

Enhances status of minority interests, encourages 2 party system

Question 27

War Power Act of 1973

Answer 27

Limit power of president to deploy military forces w/o consent of Congress

Question 28

National Security Council

Answer 28

Advise president on all domestic, foreign, and military matter that relate to nation,s security

Question 29

Progressive Taxes

Answer 29

From the wealthy

Question 30

Regressive Taxes

Answer 30

Poor ppl

Question 31

Monetary Policy

Answer 31

Changing interest rate and influencing money supply

Question 32

Fiscal Policy

Answer 32

Gov. changing tax rages and levels of gov. spending

Question 33

Federal District a Courts

Answer 33

District trial court of law and equity that heard cases under federal jurisdiction

Question 34

Jurisdiction

Answer 34

Official power to make legal decisions and judgements

Question 35

Bill of Rights

Answer 35

Protect individual liberties

Question 36

4th Amendment

Answer 36

Protect us from unreasonable search and seizure

Question 37

5th Amendment

Answer 37

No person shall be held to answer for capital or infamous crime unless accusation of grand jury

Question 38

6th Amendment

Answer 38

the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial

Question 39

8th Amendment

Answer 39

Prohibits cruel and unusual punishments

Question 40

Exclusionary Rule

Answer 40

Evidence obtained illegally cannot be used in federal court cases

Question 41

Civil Rights

Answer 41

Positive acts of gov. designed to protect people against discriminatory treatment by gov or individuals

Question 42

Quotas

Answer 42

A rule requiring certain numbers of jobs or promotions for members of certain groups

Question 43

Civil Liberties

Answer 43

Liberties usually said in Bill of Rights or a constitution that guarantee the protection of people, opinions, and property from interference or gov. officials