Podcast
Questions and Answers
What primarily determines the chair positions in a committee?
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?
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?
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?
Why might amendments be added to bills in Congress?
What characterizes a 'Christmas Tree Bill'?
What characterizes a 'Christmas Tree Bill'?
What happens if the President does nothing with a bill for ten days?
What happens if the President does nothing with a bill for ten days?
What is the function of a conference committee?
What is the function of a conference committee?
Which voting method is most commonly used in Congress?
Which voting method is most commonly used in Congress?
What is required for Congress to successfully override a presidential veto?
What is required for Congress to successfully override a presidential veto?
Which of the following is an informal requirement for getting elected to Congress?
Which of the following is an informal requirement for getting elected to Congress?
What role do 'trustees' play in Congress?
What role do 'trustees' play in Congress?
Which chamber of Congress is generally considered more stable and elite?
Which chamber of Congress is generally considered more stable and elite?
What is the primary role of committees in Congress?
What is the primary role of committees in Congress?
Which power is NOT given to Congress?
Which power is NOT given to Congress?
What advantage do incumbents often have over challengers in Congressional elections?
What advantage do incumbents often have over challengers in Congressional elections?
What is one of the unique responsibilities of the House of Representatives concerning tax bills?
What is one of the unique responsibilities of the House of Representatives concerning tax bills?
Flashcards
Congressional Bill Process
Congressional Bill Process
The process of debating and voting on bills, with the goal of creating and passing laws.
Congressional Committee
Congressional Committee
A group of senators or representatives who specialize in specific policy areas and review proposed legislation.
Seniority Rule
Seniority Rule
A system where committee chairmanships are often awarded based on the length of time a member has served in Congress.
Closed Rule
Closed Rule
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Open Rule
Open Rule
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Filibuster
Filibuster
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Cloture
Cloture
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Conference Committee
Conference Committee
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Veto Override
Veto Override
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Expectations of Congress Members
Expectations of Congress Members
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Formal Requirements for Congress
Formal Requirements for Congress
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Informal Requirements for Congress
Informal Requirements for Congress
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Delegate Representation
Delegate Representation
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Trustee Representation
Trustee Representation
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Incumbency Advantage
Incumbency Advantage
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Bicameral System of Congress
Bicameral System of Congress
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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.
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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.
