American Government: The Legislative Branch

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Questions and Answers

What is the minimum age requirement to be elected as a representative in the House?

35 years old

21 years old

25 years old (correct)

30 years old

What is the primary purpose of redistricting after a census?

To ensure equal representation across districts (correct)

To draw the lines based on party preference

To change the election date

To increase the number of representatives

Gerrymandering refers to which of the following?

Creating competitive election districts

Drawing district lines fairly

Eliminating district lines altogether

Redrawing district lines to benefit a particular party (correct)

What is one of the primary non-legislative functions of Congress?

Confirming presidential appointments Signup and view all the answers

What is required for Congress to formally amend the Constitution?

A two-thirds vote in both houses Signup and view all the answers

For how many years must a person be a citizen before being eligible to run for the Senate?

9 years Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of congressional oversight involves educating the public about issues?

Public investigations Signup and view all the answers

The Speaker of the House has the authority to perform which of the following?

Ignore members who wish to speak Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Vice President in the Senate?

Vote only when necessary to break a tie Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about impeachment is accurate?

Only the House can impeach but the Senate must convict Signup and view all the answers

What type of redistricting is considered extreme and is often criticized?

Gerrymandering Signup and view all the answers

What defines the districts in the House of Representatives?

Each district has roughly equal population representation Signup and view all the answers

The legislative calendar is primarily used for what purpose by the Speaker of the House?

To delay or speed up legislative processes Signup and view all the answers

What must happen during the impeachment process in the House of Representatives?

A two-thirds vote is necessary Signup and view all the answers

How are the 435 seats in the House of Representatives allocated among the states?

According to population and reapportionment Signup and view all the answers

What is the result if an official is convicted during the impeachment process?

The official is removed from office Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the majority and minority leaders in Congress?

To supervise legislative business Signup and view all the answers

In the Senate, who primarily controls the agenda and schedule?

The majority leader Signup and view all the answers

What is a key function of the majority and minority whips in Congress?

To enforce party discipline among members Signup and view all the answers

What must happen before a proposed bill can be formally introduced in Congress?

It must be submitted by a member of Congress Signup and view all the answers

Why does the two-party system dominate US politics?

It is ingrained in congressional structures and processes Signup and view all the answers

What does the legislative branch primarily create?

The laws of the land Signup and view all the answers

What type of vote does the Senate president break only in tie situations?

Tie vote Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential element for the legislative process of changing a proposed bill into a law?

Compromise and cooperation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Legislative Branch

Congress, the legislative branch, has the power to make laws, but not to enforce them
It's the most important institution in American democracy

The Capital of the United States

In 1790, Congress chose Washington D.C. as the national capital.
The District of Columbia is governed by an elected mayor and city council. Congress retains the power to set the budget and enact legislation.
The 23rd Amendment gave residents of D.C. the right to vote in presidential elections, and the District has three electoral votes
Washingtonians are represented by a non-voting member of the House of Representatives.

The House of Representatives and the Senate

Congress is bicameral (two houses)
The House of Representatives is the lower house.
The Senate is the upper house.
The Framers of the Constitution intended two houses to ensure each house's role is followed as a specific role.
The 17th Amendment changed the Senate's election method from state legislatures to direct popular election

Congressional Terms and Sessions

A Congress is a group of representatives and senators who serve together in a two-year period following the latest congressional election.
A new Congress begins in January.

The Rule of Law

Congress operates under the rule of law
The government must act within the established laws.
It is a principle established by Founding Fathers.

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Description

Explore the intricate workings of the legislative branch of the United States government, including the roles of Congress, the House of Representatives, and the Senate. Understand the significance of Washington D.C. as the national capital and its unique electoral representation. This quiz covers fundamental aspects of American democracy.