CH 12

Question 1

The House of Representative does all except what on opening day?

Answer 1

D) None of the above

Question 2

What is the State of the Union message?

Answer 2

• President’s report on the nation

- Lays our proposed plans and policies

Question 3

Who are the presiding officers of each House of Congress and powers?

Answer 3

• The speaker of the House presides meetings and votes and is 2nd in line after the President
• President of the senate is the Vice President

Question 4

2 facts on “Standing Committees” of Congress Pivotal role in the lawmaking process.

Answer 4

• Committees made up of representatives from both parties- majority from the majority party
• Recommends decisions to the Members of Congress

Question 5

Where do most proposed bills die?

Answer 5

-Committee

Question 6

What is a Filibuster? and Cloture rule?

Answer 6

• Filibuster: a stalling tactic in which a minority of senators seeks to delay or prevent a vote on a bill
• Cloture rule: 3/5ths of Senate (60 votes) can force an end to a debate after 30 more hours

Question 7

What are the steps that you must take for a bill to be a law?

Answer 7

1) The First reading
2) Committees consider and report those bills they find worthy for floor consideration
3) Bill placed on House Calendars
4) The second reading of the bill
review of the bill section by section final vote up or down
(When bill is approved, it’s engrossed= printed in final form. Then a 3rd and final vote, up or down)
5) Conference Committee makes identical form
6) Both houses must pass it in identical form
7) President signs it or vetoes it

Question 8

Whats a party whip and what does a conference committee do?

Answer 8

• It checks with party members and tell the floor leader which members, how many votes, can be counted on in any particular matter
• This joint body tries to iron out differences in the bill and reach a compromise both houses will accept