Organization of Congress

Question 1

Majority Party

Answer 1

-the political party with the most members

Question 2

Minority Party

Answer 2

-the political party with fewer members

Question 3

President Pro Tempore

Answer 3

-presides over the Senate in absence of the Vice President

Question 4

A committee has one or more ____ __________________ that may consider legislation before it is taken up by full committee.

Answer 4

sub-committees

Question 5

Speaker of the House

Answer 5

-most powerful officer in the House

Question 6

Duties/Powers of the Speaker of the House

Answer 6

-presides over the House while in session
-no member may speak until recognized
-influences order of business

Question 7

The number of representatives in each state is based upon _______________.

Answer 7

population

Question 8

The seats in Congress are based on information formulated in the _________.

Answer 8

census

Question 9

Gerrymandering

Answer 9

-the practice of drawing district lines to favor a political candidate or party

Question 10

Senate terms are for ____ terms.

Answer 10

6

Question 11

1/3 of the Senate is up for election every ____ years.

Answer 11

2

Question 12

Franking Privilege

Answer 12

-the right to mail official letters and packages, free of charge

Question 13

Codes of Conduct

Answer 13

-limit the amount of outside income, full disclosure of outside income

Question 14

Explusion

Answer 14

-if accused of a serious offense, person may give up seat, 2/3 vote required

Question 15

Censure

Answer 15

-formal disapproval of a member’s actions. Member must stand alone and listen to charges read.

Question 16

There are ____ sessions in Congress.

Answer 16

2

Question 17

Committee/Sub-Committee

Answer 17

-groups of members appointed to investigate, debate, and report on legislation
-a committee is made up of sub-committees

Question 18

Cuacus

Answer 18

-private meetings where members of each party choose their own leaders

Question 19

Whip

Answer 19

-assistant for each party’s floor leader

Question 20

Duties of the Whip

Answer 20

*count votes
*encourage party loyalty
*ensure party members are present for important votes

Question 21

implied powers (elastic cause)

Answer 21

-Congress has the power to make laws that are necessary and proper to keep the government running

Question 22

What are the sources of legislation?

Answer 22

-everyone; citizens, organized groups, congressional committees, members of Congress, the president

Question 23

Standing Committee

Answer 23

-a committee that is permanent

Question 24

quorum

Answer 24

-minimal amount of people needed for Congress to do business

Question 25

Filibuster

Answer 25

-to stall time so a vote is not taken

Question 26

Cloture

Answer 26

-Legislative procedure for ending debate in the Senate and taking a vote

Question 27

Conference Committee

Answer 27

-an equal number of senators and representatives who work to reach a compromise on a bill

Question 28

Immunity

Answer 28

-declares senators and representatives privileged from arrest during attendance at sessions

Question 29

Expulsion

Answer 29

-term for being removed and losing your job

Question 30

Impeach

Answer 30

-accuse an officeholder of misconduct

Question 31

Bicameral Governmnet

Answer 31

-a government with a 2-part Legislature

Question 32

Most bills in Congress are sent to a ___________.

Answer 32

committee