Legislative Process in Congress

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What primarily determines the chair positions in a committee?

The party majority

Seniority (correct)

Random selection

Member's popularity

Which of the following accurately describes the role of the Rules Committee?

It determines the debate priority of bills. (correct)

It is responsible for the final vote in Congress.

It oversees committee assignments.

It drafts all new legislation.

What is required to stop a filibuster in the Senate?

65 votes

A vote of cloture requiring 60 votes (correct)

A simple majority vote

The Speaker's approval

Why might amendments be added to bills in Congress?

To gain support or to kill the bill Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a 'Christmas Tree Bill'?

A bill with many amendments added for support Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the President does nothing with a bill for ten days?

The bill automatically becomes a law. Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a conference committee?

To reconcile different versions of the same bill Signup and view all the answers

Which voting method is most commonly used in Congress?

Roll call vote Signup and view all the answers

What is required for Congress to successfully override a presidential veto?

A two-thirds majority in both chambers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an informal requirement for getting elected to Congress?

Proven experience in politics or law Signup and view all the answers

What role do 'trustees' play in Congress?

They make independent decisions believing they know best. Signup and view all the answers

Which chamber of Congress is generally considered more stable and elite?

Senate Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of committees in Congress?

To divide work, filter bills, and study issues Signup and view all the answers

Which power is NOT given to Congress?

Conducting foreign policy Signup and view all the answers

What advantage do incumbents often have over challengers in Congressional elections?

Name recognition and office resources Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the unique responsibilities of the House of Representatives concerning tax bills?

Tax bills originate in the House. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Working in Committees

Committee chair positions often given based on seniority, though other factors also play a role.
Bills are assigned to committees where the chair can either take no action or refer them to subcommittees.
Subcommittee process includes hearings, markup sessions (amendments), and reports (subcommittee votes on returning the bill to the full committee).

Debate in the House

Rules Committee determines bill priority and debate rules (closed rule - limited debate and amendments; open rule - extensive debate and amendments).
Speaker of the House works closely with the Rules Committee, having significant influence.

Debate in the House and Senate

The Speaker and Majority Leader control who speaks on the floor.
House debate is limited to one hour while Senate debate is usually unlimited.

Debate in the Senate

Filibuster: Senators can speak indefinitely to delay a bill. A cloture vote (60 votes) is needed to stop a filibuster.
Holds: Senators can secretly place holds to signal their intent to filibuster.

Voting in Congress

Amendments are often added to bills to gain support or kill the bill.
Voting methods include voice vote, standing vote, and roll call vote (most common). "Present" means choosing not to vote.

Conference Committee

Works out compromises on different versions of a bill passed by the House and Senate.
The final bill goes back to both chambers for a final vote.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores the intricacies of working in committees and the debate procedures in both the House and Senate. Understand the roles of committee chairs, the impact of the Rules Committee, and the significance of the filibuster in Senate operations. Test your knowledge on how legislation is prioritized and debated in Congress.