Government Chapter 10 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How long does a term of Congress last?

Each term of Congress lasts 2 years.

How does a special session differ from a regular session of Congress?

A special session is only called by the President and only deals with an emergency situation.

When does Congress adjourn?

Congress adjourns at the end of a session or recesses during a session; can only occur when both houses agree.

Who has the power to prorogue a session of Congress?

The President has the power to prorogue a session of Congress when the two houses can't agree on a date for adjournment. Signup and view all the answers

How are the seats in the House of Representatives apportioned?

Set by Congress, each state is guaranteed at least one seat in the House of Representatives regardless of its population. Signup and view all the answers

When will the next two off-year elections occur?

2018, 2021 Signup and view all the answers

Explain the difference between a single-member district seat and an at-large seat.

In a single-member district, voters elect one representative from candidates running for a seat in that district; an at-large seat is elected from the state as a whole. Signup and view all the answers

Why do politicians gerrymander districts?

To concentrate voters in a district and to create as many safe districts as possible. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Senate called a continuous body?

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How does a typical senator's constituency differ from that of a typical representative in the House?

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Why do most senators receive more public attention than their colleagues in the House of Representatives?

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Study Notes

Congress Structure and Sessions

A TERM of Congress lasts 2 YEARS.
A SPECIAL SESSION is called by the PRESIDENT and addresses emergency situations.
Congress ADJOURNS at the end of sessions or recesses but must have agreement from both houses.

Congressional Powers and Roles

The PRESIDENT has the authority to PROROGUE a session when both houses cannot agree on an adjournment date.
The apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives is determined by Congress, ensuring each state has at least one seat regardless of population.

Elections and Representation

The next two OFF-YEAR ELECTIONS are scheduled for 2018 and 2021.
SINGLE-MEMBER DISTRICT seats are filled by voters electing one representative from their specific district, while AT-LARGE seats are elected from the entire state.

Districting and Voting

Politicians engage in GERRYMANDERING to pack voters into specific districts, creating safe electoral districts.
The SENATE is referred to as a CONTINUOUS BODY because it has staggered elections, allowing two-thirds of its members to remain in office at any time.

Constituency and Attention

A senator's CONSTITUENCY generally encompasses a wider and more diverse group than a representative's constituency, which is more localized.
Senators typically receive more public attention compared to House representatives due to their wider-reaching influence and roles.

Description

Test your knowledge with these flashcards focusing on key concepts from Government Chapter 10. Explore terms related to the duration of congress, the differences between regular and special sessions, and adjournment procedures. Perfect for students preparing for exams or wanting to enhance their understanding of government operations.