Congress & The Constitution Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is one of the major responsibilities of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO)?

  • To provide information and estimates for funding various agencies and programs (correct)
  • To allocate funding for earmarks
  • To create the federal budget
  • To determine the amount of money Congress will spend on programs and agencies

    • Which of the following is NOT a power granted to Congress by the Constitution?

  • The power to appoint federal judges (correct)
  • The power to declare war
  • The power to ratify treaties
  • The power to set the federal budget

    • What is the purpose of 'logrolling' in the context of budgeting?

  • It's a system of trading votes to gain support for earmarks (correct)
  • It's a method for making decisions about funding for national security
  • It's a way to ensure that every state receives equal funding
  • It's a process used to reduce the amount of money spent on earmarks

    • What is a major difference between 'oversight' and 'earmarks' in the context of congressional power?

    <p>Oversight involves investigating potential wrongdoings, while earmarks focus on funding specific projects (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the system of checks and balances work in the context of the Budgeting Process?

    <p>The branches must cooperate and compromise to pass a budget that reflects the needs of the country (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary reason the House of Representatives banned the use of earmarks in 2011?

    <p>To prevent members of Congress from unfairly favoring their own districts (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of congressional oversight?

    <p>To ensure that laws are carried out as intended by Congress (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does Congress exert control over the Supreme Court?

    <p>Congress can set the number of justices on the Supreme Court (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a requirement to be a member of the House of Representatives?

    <p>Be a member of a political party (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main reason the framers of the Constitution created a bicameral legislature?

    <p>To provide a system of checks and balances within Congress itself (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is most directly related to the idea that "the people come first" in the Constitution?

    <p>The direct election of members of the House of Representatives (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary difference between the House of Representatives and the Senate in terms of representation?

    <p>The House represents specific districts, while the Senate represents entire states (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the length of a Senator's term compare to that of a Representative?

    <p>Senators serve longer terms (6 years) than Representatives (2 years) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the example of the Dingell family illustrate the idea of terms in Congress?

    <p>It highlights the possibility of long-term political dynasties (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most important power granted to Congress by the Constitution?

    <p>The power to pass laws in areas of national policy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT considered one of the three main areas of Congress's powers?

    <p>Appointing federal judges (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Bicameral Legislature

    A two-chambered lawmaking body, like Congress.

    Great Compromise

    The agreement that established a bicameral legislature.

    House of Representatives

    The chamber of Congress directly elected and serving 2-year terms.

    Senate

    The chamber of Congress that serves 6-year terms and is insulated from public passions.

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    17th Amendment

    The amendment that allowed for direct election of Senators by voters.

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    Term Limits in Congress

    There are no term limits for members of Congress.

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    Powers of Congress

    Congress's main powers are lawmaking, budgeting, and oversight.

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    Legislative Authority

    The primary power of Congress to pass laws.

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    Enumerated Powers of Congress

    Specific powers granted to Congress outlined in the Constitution.

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    Power of the Sword

    Congress's authority to conduct foreign policy and declare war.

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    Power of the Purse

    Congress's power to tax, manage budgets, and allocate funding.

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    Congressional Budget Office (CBO)

    An agency that provides cost estimates and budget information for Congress.

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    Pork Barrel Spending

    Allocation of funds for local projects to please constituents and win votes.

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    Logrolling

    The practice of trading votes among members of Congress to pass legislation.

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    Oversight Authority

    Congress's ability to monitor and ensure laws are implemented correctly.

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    Checks and Balances

    System to prevent any branch of government from becoming too powerful.

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    Study Notes

    Congress & The Constitution

    • Congress is the longest and most detailed article of the Constitution
    • Bicameral Legislature (two-chambered) created by the Great Compromise
    • Madison believed in checks and balances, and that the two chambers would check each other

    Differences of the House and Senate

    • House of Representatives:
      • Directly elected by voters
      • Serve 2-year terms
      • Must be at least 25 years old
      • US citizen for 7 years
      • Resident of the state
    • Senate:
      • Originally chosen by state legislators, now directly elected by voters
      • Serve 6-year terms
      • Must be at least 30 years old
      • US citizen for 9 years
      • Resident of the state
    • No term limits for members of Congress

    Powers of Congress

    • Legislative Authority: Power to make laws in national policy areas (economic, security, foreign)
    • Budgeting: Sets the federal budget and funds agencies/programs
    • Oversight: Ensures laws are implemented as intended, investigates wrongdoing
    • Impeachment: Power to remove federal officials (President, etc.) through a process

    The Budgeting Process

    • Congress sets annual budget
    • Congressional Budget Office (CBO) provides information & estimates
    • Pork barrel spending (earmarks) may be used, though earmarks have been banned in some contexts

    Exercising Checks and Balances

    • Congress & other branches share authority over some government aspects (e.g., Congress declares war, Senate ratifies treaties; President commands armed forces)
    • Congress checks the executive branch (President) by investigating and making oversight
    • Senate confirms presidential appointments to courts, important bureaucracy positions
    • Impeachment process: House brings charges, Senate tries the official; high majority needed for conviction

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    Related Documents

    American Government Chapter 4 Notes PDF

    Description

    This quiz explores the structure and functions of Congress as outlined in the Constitution. It covers the differences between the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as the powers and responsibilities granted to Congress. Test your knowledge on the constitutional provisions and legislative authority.

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