American Government Chapter 5 Quiz

Question 1

• Congress can influence the federal judiciary by changing appellate jurisdiction of federal courts.

Question 2

• In Baker v Carr (1962), the Supreme Court recognized the state's power to draw legislative districts with relatively few rules regarding size and shape.
• Congress does not have the power to overrule states when redrawing legislative districts.

Question 3

• The federal government's role in interstate commerce has been substantially broadened through judicial interpretations of the interstate commerce clause.

Question 4

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Question 5

• Directing federal funds into a representative's district through legislation is an example of "pork-barreling."

Question 6

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Question 7

• "Back scratching" is the practice where a legislator votes for a colleague's bill in the expectation of reciprocal support.

Question 8

• The House's most notable power is to author bills for raising revenue.

Question 9

• The House and Senate are collaborating to improve a bill affecting American citizens.
• The legislative process includes involvement from the House Natural Resources, Energy, and Commerce committees.

Question 10

• A bill passed by both houses, but amended by the House, is being reviewed.
• A conference committee is being held to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill.

Question 11

• "Closed rule" in the House means that a bill can only be amended by section.

Question 12

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Question 13

• The Senate's power to approve presidential nominees and ratify treaties is a key debate-related power.
• The Senate also has the ability to filibuster.

Question 14

• Congressional standing committees are permanent subject-matter-based committees.

Question 15

• Members of Congress who act as delegates typically vote based on their constituents' preferences.

Question 16

• The Budget and Impoundment Control Act illustrates Congress's attempt to regain power from the executive branch.

Question 17

• The War Powers Resolution requires the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops.

Question 18

• The committee system plays a more significant role in the House than the Senate due to the House's large size, demanding more work accomplished in committee than on the floor.
• The House committee structure is constitutionally established.

Question 19

• "Pork barrel" legislation can improve a Congressman's reelection chances by gaining a reputation for serving their district.

Question 20

• Authorization of spending is a formal tool for Congress to oversee the bureaucracy.

Question 21

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Question 22

• State legislatures typically set congressional district boundaries.

Question 23

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Question 24

• A 60-vote threshold is required for the Senate to take any action on legislation or nominations.

Question 25

• The "necessary and proper" clause is often debated due to its broad interpretation, potentially affecting the balance of power in the political system.

Question 26

• Legislation details are typically worked out in legislative hearings and subcommittees.

Question 27

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Question 28

• The House Rules Committee's power is derived from its role in determining debate procedures, setting the legislative calendar and deciding the type of amendments allowed.

Question 29

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Question 30

• The House represents a broad range of constituencies, while the Senate represents more homogenous constituencies.

Question 31

• The Senate operates on a less rigid, rules-based system compared to the House.
• The Senate was designed to be more responsive to state concerns initially.
• The Senate is tied to the people and has always been.
• The Senate allows different states to have varying levels of influence.

Question 32

• The Senate Majority Leader is a very important figure responsible for leading the senate.

Question 33

• The Senate Majority Leader is the most powerful/influential member of the upper chamber of the US Congress.

Question 34

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Question 35

• Drawing legislative districts based on voter race is constitutionally allowed but drawing them based on political party is not allowable.

Question 36

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Question 37

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Question 38

• Critics of term limits often argue that limiting legislators' time in office can hinder their ability to gain institutional knowledge which can harm the legislative ability.

Question 39

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Question 40

• Congressional caucuses are often made up of members of one political party and they can greatly influence legislation.

Question 41

• The powers of Congress were established in Article 1, Section 7 to give the President defined roles for reviewing a bill.
• A bill passed through both houses can become law if the President does not veto it within 10 days.
• The bill can become law if Congress overrides the veto by a 2/3 vote.

Question 42

• Helping a constituent navigate the benefits process with the Veterans Admin. exemplifies congressional casework.

Question 43

• A trustee is a legislator who uses their professional judgment to decide on best policies for constituents.

Question 44

• Congress missed the fact that agencies responsible for banking supervision had failed to identify growing risks, which led to the 2008-2009 financial crisis.

Question 45

• Incumbents may deemphasize policy positions to gain broader support from voters and to attract campaign contributions.
• This might be done if a popular figure is aligned against a candidate's political viewpoint.