ch 11 congress (test)

Question 1

how many seats in the house of representatives are up for re-election every 2 yrs?

Answer 1

435

Question 2

how many seats in the senate are up for re-election every 6 yrs?

Answer 2

100

Question 3

what are incumbents?

Answer 3

those already holding office

Question 4

what is bicameralism?

Answer 4

the 2 chambers in congress (senate, house of rep)

Question 5

the main function of congress are what?

Answer 5

1) lawmaking
2) representation
3) service to constituents
4) oversight
5) public education
6) conflict resolution

Question 6

lawmaking?

Answer 6

makes rules for all americans

logrolling: one favor for another

Question 7

representation function?

Answer 7

promoting their constituents narrow views and the nations larger interests which can lead to conflict

• instructed delegate-views on who elected them
• trustee-rely on conscience
• politico-combination of both

Question 8

service to constituents?

Answer 8

casework-members of congress assist private citizens with their individual problems and questions

Question 9

oversight function?

Answer 9

hearings and investigations

congress follows up on laws to make sure they are being enforced and administered

Question 10

the public education?

Answer 10

congress presents a wide range of views by holding public hearings and engage in debate
*agenda setting-decide what issues are up for debate

Question 11

the conflict resolution?

Answer 11

congress tries to resolve differences among competing points of view by passing laws to acomodate parties

Question 12

oversight or watchdog functions?

Answer 12

congress oversees actions of the executive branch in order to keep the president and his adminstration accountable

Question 13

impeachment?

Answer 13

first the house decides whether to bring charges against or impeach an official
2) the senate conducts the trial 2/3 vote is necessary

Question 14

what can the congress do to the amendments of the constitution?

Answer 14

congress can propose amendments to the constitution with a 2/3 vote in each chamber

Question 15

speaker of the house does what?

Answer 15

most powerful in the house
recognises members who wish to speak
assigns bills to commities

Question 16

president of senate does what?

Answer 16

• vice president of the u.s
• officer of chamber
• can only vote in case of a tie
• cannot engage in floor debate

Question 17

president pro tempore does what?

Answer 17

is selected by majority in party in the absence of the president of the senate