Congress Overview Quiz

The power to approve or reject laws passed by Congress. The President can formally reject a bill by signing a veto message.

The power of the president to prevent a bill passed by Congress from becoming law by neither signing nor vetoing the bill; the bill automatically dies after 10 days.

The right of the president and other high-level executive officials to withhold information from Congress or the courts.

A written declaration by the President that explains his reasoning for signing a bill into law. Often used to clarify the president's interpretation of the law and state potential limitations.

A directive issued by the President that has the force of law and does not require congressional approval.

A specific spending project that is added to a bill by a member of Congress to benefit their constituents. Often criticized as a form of pork-barrel spending.

A formal request to bring a bill to the floor of the House for a vote, bypassing the usual committee process. Requires a majority vote of House members.

A procedural rule in the House that limits amendments to a bill and can restrict debate. May restrict the types of amendments that can be considered.

A procedural rule in the House that allows amendments to a bill but restricts debate. The amount of debate allowed is predetermined.

The practice where lawmakers trade favors and votes with one another, supporting each other's projects in exchange for support on their own.

The legal ruling that federal courts have the power to review the constitutionality of legislative acts. Established by the Supreme Court in Marbury v. Madison (1803).

A judicial philosophy that emphasizes restraint from striking down laws and leaving policy decisions to the elected branches of government.

A judicial philosophy that believes judges should actively use their power to shape policy and advance social justice.

A Supreme Court case that overturned the long-standing precedent of Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) and declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students to be unconstitutional.

A formal accusation of wrongdoing against a government official, leading to a trial in the Senate.

The practice of the President awarding government jobs to loyal party members and supporters, regardless of their qualifications.

A law passed in 1883 that created a merit-based system for hiring and promoting government employees, based on exams and qualifications, rather than political connections.

A law that restricts the political activities of federal employees, limiting their ability to engage in partisan politics or campaigning.

A system of hiring government employees based on their qualifications and performance on exams, rather than political connections or patronage.

A close, mutually beneficial relationship between a government agency, a legislative committee, and an interest group.

The process by which the government allocates funds to specific programs and agencies. It's how Congress sets spending levels.

A style of representation where the representative acts according to their own conscience and best judgment, even if it's not popular with their constituents.

A style of representation where the representative acts as a mouthpiece for their constituents, reflecting their wishes faithfully.

A style of representation where the representative balances the wishes of their constituents with their own judgment and the needs of the nation.

A special privilege that allows members of Congress to send official mail for free. Helps them communicate with constituents.

Legislation designed to directly benefit a specific region or group within a state, often considered wasteful spending.

The process of redrawing electoral districts to reflect changes in population, as determined by the U.S. Census.

The practice of manipulating district boundaries to favor a particular political party or candidate. Can give one party an unfair advantage.

The process by which the Constitution requires the House of Representatives to be re-apportioned every 10 years, based on the results of the U.S. Census.

A situation in which a significant number of congressional seats are held by members of one party, making it difficult for the other party to gain control of the House or Senate.

A situation where the President is from one party and one or both houses of Congress are controlled by the opposing party. Can lead to gridlock.

A situation where the legislative process is slowed down or blocked due to disagreements or political deadlock between the executive and legislative branches.

A type of spending that is not mandatory and can be adjusted by Congress each year, such as spending on defense, education, or transportation.

A type of spending required by law, such as Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid, where Congress cannot easily change spending levels.

Government programs that provide benefits to individuals, based on eligibility requirements, such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.