Congress Structure and Functions Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is gerrymandering?

Redrawing district lines to favor one group over another (correct)

A method for increasing public participation in voting

A strategy to reduce the number of political action committees

The process of eliminating ineffective members of Congress

What percentage of PAC contributions typically goes to incumbents?

90%

65%

85% (correct)

50%

Which chamber of Congress has members serving 2-year terms?

Select Committee

Senate

House of Representatives (correct)

Joint Committee

What is a pocket veto?

Not signing a bill when Congress is adjourned Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of congressional committees?

To kill about 90% of the bills introduced Signup and view all the answers

What fraction of Senators is required to pass a vote for cloture?

3/5 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true about the leadership of the Senate?

The Majority Leader is the real leader of the Senate Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors accounts for the difference in the number of representatives from Texas versus Alaska?

Population size Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a filibuster in Congress?

To delay or block a vote. Signup and view all the answers

Which group is responsible for setting the debate schedule in the House of Representatives?

House Rules Committee Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference in debate practices between the House and Senate?

The House imposes time limits, while the Senate allows for extended debate. Signup and view all the answers

What is the reelection rate for members of the House of Representatives?

94% Signup and view all the answers

Where must all revenue bills originate, and why?

House of Representatives; they represent the populace. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between implied powers and inherent powers?

Implied powers arise from the Constitution; inherent powers come from government needs. Signup and view all the answers

What is legislative oversight primarily concerned with?

Supervising the executive branch and its agencies. Signup and view all the answers

Who has the authority to introduce a bill in Congress?

Members of Congress. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Congressional Structure and Function

Congress differs from 1800s Congress, having larger staffs dealing with more legislation.
Pork-barrel legislation involves unnecessary parts of legislation.
Committees kill about 90% of bills.
A pocket veto occurs when a bill is neither signed nor vetoed while Congress is adjourned.
Congress's main functions are lawmaking, oversight, and representation.
Cloture is a vote to end debate, requiring a specific fraction of Senators.
A filibuster is intended to block a vote, and ends with cloture.
Any member can introduce a bill in Congress.
Most legislative work is done in committees.
The House Rules Committee sets the schedule for bill votes and debate in the House.
House representatives' salary is 175,000;Senaterepresentativesalsoearn175,000; Senate representatives also earn 175,000;Senaterepresentativesalsoearn175,000.
The House's reelection rate is 94%.

Gerrymandering and PACs

Gerrymandering is redrawing congressional districts to favor one group over another.
Gerrymandering sometimes occurs during redistricting and is illegal.
85% of PAC contributions go to incumbents.
Differences in representative numbers between states like Texas and Alaska are due to population differences.
The Speaker of the House leads the House of Representatives, while the Majority Leader leads the Senate.

Congressional Membership and Qualifications

House: 435 members; minimum age 25; 7-year U.S. citizenship; resident of represented state; 2-year terms; no term limits.
Senate: 100 members; minimum age 30; 9-year U.S. citizenship; resident of represented state; 6-year terms, with 1/3 up for reelection every 2 years; no term limits.

Legislative Process and Debate

The legislative process involves introduction, committee review, debate, and presidential action (signing or vetoing).
The House has time limits on debate; the Senate does not.
Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce is vast, impacting many aspects of life.
Revenue bills must originate in the House, aiming to represent the people.

Implied and Inherent Powers

Implied powers are created by the Necessary and Proper Clause
Inherent powers are inherent to a government.

Legislative Oversight

Congressional oversight is continuous review of executive branch actions, ensuring laws are implemented effectively.

Congressional Styles and Issues

The politico style combines trustee and instructed delegate approaches.
Minority-majority districts can have a majority of citizens from a minority group.
Factors like misconduct, turnout, and strong challengers, can affect a member of Congress's election chances.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the structure and functions of Congress, including the legislative process, gerrymandering, and the role of political action committees (PACs). This quiz covers essential concepts such as pork-barrel legislation and the functions of committees. Prepare to explore how Congress has evolved since the 1800s and the implications for modern legislating.