Legislative Branch

Question 0

When are Congressional elections held?

Answer 0

The Tuesday following the first Monday in November of each even-numbered year

Question 1

How many seats are currently in the House of Representatives?

Answer 1

435

Question 2

What are the three constitutional qualifications for House members?

Answer 2

1. Must be at least 25 years of age.
2. Must have been a citizen of the United States for at least seven years.
3. Must be an inhabitant of the State from which he or she is elected.

Question 3

How many seats are in the Senate?

Answer 3

100

Question 4

What do we call it when district lines are drawn to the advantage of the political party in control of a State legislature?

Answer 4

Gerrymandering

Question 5

What is the length of a term for a Senator?

Answer 5

6 years

Question 6

What are the three constitutional requirements for members of the Senate?

Answer 6

1. Must be 30 years of age.
2. Must have been a citizen for at least nine years.
3. Must be an inhabitant of the state from which elected.

Question 7

Since the adoption of the 17th Amendment in 1913, who chooses senators?

Answer 7

Voters in each state

Question 8

The two-year period of time in which Congress conducts business is called a?

Answer 8

Term

Question 9

The privilege that allows members of Congress to mail letters postage-free is called:

Answer 9

Franking privilege

Question 10

The job of checking to see if the Executive Branch is carrying out the laws as Congress intended:

Answer 10

Oversight

Question 11

List the five aspects of the job of a member of Congress:

Answer 11

1. Legislators
2. Representatives of their constituents
3. Committee members
4. Servants of their constituents
5. Politicians

Question 12

List three benefits members of Congress receive:

Answer 12

1. Special tax reduction
2. Generous travel allowances
3. Generous retirement plan
4. Free parking (e.g. at airports)
5. Very good health insurance

Question 13

What do we call the negative reaction of voters that limits increases in salary for Congress?

Answer 13

Backlash

Question 14

If a member of Congress makes decisions based on their own values, the desires of their party AND the desires of their constituents, they are acting as a?

Answer 14

Politico

Question 15

Which level of government should be MOST powerful according to strict constructionists?

Answer 15

State government

Question 16

True or false: a liberal constructionist believes the Constitution must be interpreted broadly with an eye toward change

Answer 16

True

Question 17

Give two examples of an implied power that comes from the expressed power to regulate interstate commerce.

Answer 17

Minimum wave, protection of rights of the disabled

Question 18

When Congress grants an exclusive right to manufacture, use, or sell an invention this is called?

Answer 18

Patent

Question 19

True or false: Congress a has the power to tax exports.

Answer 19

False.

Question 20

To impeach means?

Answer 20

To bring formal charges against a public official

Question 21

Who has the sole power to impeach civil officers of the United States?

Answer 21

The House of Representatives

Question 22

Which group has the responsibility of confirming or rejecting presidential appointees?

Answer 22

Senate

Question 23

The Constitutionally appointed presiding officer of the Senate:

Answer 23

President of the Senate (Vice president)

Question 24

The daily presiding officer of the Senate, who is elected by members of his party in the Senate:

Answer 24

President pro tem

Question 25

The presiding officer of the House of Representatives

Answer 25

The speaker of the house

Question 26

The position (person) that assists the Majority Leader by "counting votes" is called?

Answer 26

The Majority whip

Question 27

Does a joint resolution have the force of law?

Answer 27

Yes

Question 28

Members of Congress currently have a salary of

Answer 28

$174,000 a year

Question 29

Standing committee

Answer 29

Permanent committee in a legislative body to which bills in a specified subject-matter are referred

Question 30

Select committee

Answer 30

Legislative committee created for a limited time and for some specific purpose; also known as a special committee

Question 31

What is the job of the Minority Whip?

Answer 31

To make sure members are represent to vote and count votes

Question 32

What is the function of the House Rules committee?

Answer 32

They decide which bills will be debated and when

Question 33

What is a concurrent resolution used for?

Answer 33

A statement of position on an issue used by the House and Senate acting jointly; does not have the force of law and does not require the President's signature

Question 34

Define Mark-Up:

Answer 34

Part of the bill-making process when the bill is discussed, debated, & amended in committee

Question 35

In both the house and the Senate, what is the second step in the Introduction and First Reading process?

Answer 35

Given a number and a short title

Question 36

What is the committee of the Whole?

Answer 36

- Do not need a quorum - Preparing for the second meeting - 100 people present

Question 37

What is an Enrolled Bill?

Answer 37

The bill printed on parchment & sent to the President?

Question 38

What is the role of the Conference Committee?

Answer 38

Joint committee that negotiates a final version of the bill from the two engrossed