Congressional Structure and Function

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Questions and Answers

What term is used to describe the allocation of congressional seats based on population?

Apportionment (correct)

Reapportionment

Redistricting

Gerrymandering

Who holds the position of second in authority to the Speaker of the House in the House of Representatives?

Majority Leader (correct)

Minority Leader

Whip

President Pro Tempore

What is the primary function of a conference committee?

Raise funds for campaigns

Enforce party discipline

Reconcile differences in bills (correct)

Create new legislations

What does the Congressional Research Service primarily provide?

Nonpartisan analysis of major bills Signup and view all the answers

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

The Senate conducted the trial and acquitted them. Signup and view all the answers

What does the appropriations process in Congress involve?

Granting federal funds to agencies Signup and view all the answers

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

Approval of sixty senators Signup and view all the answers

What type of committee is appointed for a specific purpose and is temporary in nature?

Select/Special committee Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the vice president in the Senate?

To preside over the Senate when present Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure is designed to limit debate on budget controversies in the Senate?

Reconciliation Signup and view all the answers

What is logrolling in the context of Congress?

The agreement between members to support each other's legislation Signup and view all the answers

Which individual is responsible for communicating within their party, counting votes, and preparing summaries of bills?

Party Whip Signup and view all the answers

What is typically the first step in the legislative process for a bill in the House of Representatives?

Introduction Signup and view all the answers

What is a discharge petition used for in the House of Representatives?

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

What does the trustee model of representation involve?

Using judgment and expertise to make decisions Signup and view all the answers

What advantage do incumbents typically have in elections?

Established recognition and voter loyalty Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Congressional Structure and Function

Senate: Each state has 2 senators, serving 6-year terms.
House of Representatives: Members are apportioned by population, serving 2-year terms. Currently, there are 435 members.
Bicameral Legislature: The US Congress is a bicameral legislature, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Leadership and Committees

House Leadership: Speaker of the House, Majority Leader (second in authority).
Senate Leadership: Vice President (presiding officer), President pro tempore (selected by the majority party to preside in the Vice President's absence). Majority Leader presides over the House and smooths passage of majority-backed bills.
Party Caucus: Members of a given party gather to select party leadership at the start of each term.
Conference Committee: Reconciles differences in bills passed by the House and Senate.
Special/Select Committees: Temporary committees for specific purposes.
Whips: Count votes and ensure party discipline; keep close contact with members, count votes and preparing summaries for bills, act as a communication link within their party.
Congressional Research Service: Provides nonpartisan summaries of bills to track progress.

Congressional Processes and Powers

Apportionment: States are awarded congressional seats based on population.
Bills becoming Law: A pocket veto can happen or a bill can be reintroduced during the next session.
Appropriations: Congress grants federal funds to agencies and programs.
Impeachment: A simple majority in the House leads to impeachment charges, but the Senate trial requires two-thirds majority to remove an official. Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton were impeached but not removed.
Discharge Petition: A way to force a House bill out of committee for a vote.
Filibuster: A tactic to delay or block a vote on a bill; cloture (60 senators' approval) can end one.
Reconciliation: Procedure limiting budget debate to 20 hours to curb filibusters.
Logrolling: Members agree to support each other's bills in exchange for mutual support.
Constituent Casework: Assistance to a constituent in obtaining a social security check is an example.
Pork: Directing federal funds to a specific district may aid the district of a member of Congress.
Delegate Model: An elected official who votes how constituents want.
Trustee Model: Legislators are entrusted to use their judgment on behalf of constituents.
Incumbency Advantage: Incumbents have a significant advantage in reelection.
Committee Influence: Staff members can influence a member of Congress to vote on a bill affecting their district.
Bill Path Examples: Describe the path a bill would follow in either the House or Senate.
Hold: A senator notifies leadership that they want to be consulted before further action on a bill or an appointment.

Congressional Voting Behavior

Party Unity: A significant measure of partisan cohesion and discipline (e.g., Republicans meeting to select leaders and objectives).

Approval Ratings

Congressional Approval: Fluctuates based on public perception of effectiveness and partisan gridlock.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential components of the U.S. Congress, detailing the structure and functions of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Learn about terms, leadership roles, and the importance of committees in legislative processes. Test your understanding of how the bicameral legislature operates and its key players.