Congressional Structure and Function Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which term describes the process by which states are allocated congressional seats based on population?

Apportionment (correct)

Gerrymandering

Redistricting

Bicameralism

Who ranks second in authority within the House of Representatives?

The Minority Leader

The Speaker of the House

The Majority Leader (correct)

The Whip

What is the primary function of whips in Congress?

To represent the president's interests

To draft new legislation

To lead committee meetings

To count votes and ensure party discipline (correct)

What process is required to formally end a filibuster in the Senate?

Cloture vote requiring sixty senators Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a bill that has been pocket vetoed?

It can be reintroduced in the next session Signup and view all the answers

Why were presidents Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton impeached but not removed from office?

A simple majority in the House led to charges but the Senate trial failed to convict Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Congressional Research Service fulfill?

Providing nonpartisan summaries of major bills Signup and view all the answers

What is a select or special committee in Congress?

A temporary committee established for a specific purpose Signup and view all the answers

What role does the vice president serve in the Senate?

Presiding officer Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a discharge petition in the House of Representatives?

To vote on a bill stalled in committee Signup and view all the answers

What procedure in the Senate limits debate on budget controversies to twenty hours?

Reconciliation Signup and view all the answers

How does logrolling function in Congress?

Members agree to support each other's bills in exchange for mutual support Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following steps is NOT part of the typical path a bill takes in the House of Representatives?

Full Senate debate and vote Signup and view all the answers

If a senator wants to express objections to a bill and wishes to be consulted further, what tactic should they use?

HOLD Signup and view all the answers

What is a good example of constituent casework?

Helping a constituent obtain a social security check Signup and view all the answers

What does the trustee model of representation entail?

Legislators use their judgment and expertise to make decisions for constituents Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Congressional Structure and Function

Apportionment: States are awarded congressional seats based on population proportion.
Legislature: A bicameral legislature (Senate and House of Representatives) was created by the Constitutional Convention.
House Leadership: The Majority Leader is second in authority to the Speaker of the House.
Conference Committees: These committees reconcile differences in bills passed by the House and Senate.
Pork-Barrelling: Directing federal funds or benefits to a specific district can aid a member of Congress's district.
Delegate Model: An elected official who votes as their constituents want.
Whips: Count votes and ensure party discipline.
Filibuster Cloture: Cloture, requiring 60 votes, formally ends a filibuster.
Pocket Veto: A bill can become law if pocket vetoed, but only if the president doesn't sign it and Congress adjourns.
House Apportionment: Members of the House are apportioned based on population and serve two-year terms.
Congressional Research Service (CRS): Provides nonpartisan summaries of bills and tracks their progress.
Impeachment: Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton were impeached but not removed from office due to failures in the Senate trial after the House vote.
House Size: The House of Representatives has 435 members, a fixed number by law.
Appropriations: Congress grants federal funds to agencies and programs during the appropriations process.
Party Unity: Congressional party unity measures partisan cohesion and discipline.

Congressional Procedures and Processes

Party Caucus: Members of Congress gather to select leadership.
Select/Special Committees: Temporary committees appointed for specific purposes.
Congressional Approval: Americans' approval ratings of Congress fluctuate with effectiveness and partisan gridlock.
Senate Presiding Officer: The Vice President presides over the Senate.
President Pro Tempore: Selected by the majority party to preside over the Senate in the VP's absence.
House Majority Leader: Smooths passage of majority-backed bills.
Trustee Model: Legislators use judgment and expertise to make decisions.
Discharge Petition: A way to force a bill out of committee and onto the House floor.
Bill Process (House): Bills typically follow a path of introduction, committee referral, subcommittee review, full committee report and floor debate, conference committee, and presidential action.
Bill Process (Senate): Similar path of introduction, referral, subcommittee, committee, debate, conference committee and presidential action.
Casework: Assisting constituents in obtaining government services.
Staff Influence: Members' staff influence how representatives vote on bills impacting their district.
Reconciliation: Limits debate on budget controversies to twenty hours, ending potential filibusters.
Logrolling: When members agree to support each other's bills in exchange for support.
HOLD: A tactic a senator uses to signal objections to a bill or nomination, requiring consultation before further action.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the structure and functions of Congress, including topics like apportionment, leadership roles, and legislative processes. This quiz covers the key concepts essential for understanding how the U.S. Congress operates.