Understanding U.S. Legislation and Congress

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Questions and Answers

What action can the committee take regarding a bill?

Debate it in the Senate

Vote to approve, amend, or reject the bill (correct)

Send it directly to the President

Only approve the bill

What are the characteristics of floor debate in the House compared to the Senate?

Strict rules apply in the House while filibusters are allowed in the Senate (correct)

The House allows unlimited amendments during debate

Filibusters are allowed in the House

Debate rules are more flexible in the House

What happens if the bill is approved by the first chamber?

It is implemented without further debate

It must be reviewed by a different committee

It is sent to the President immediately

It moves to the other chamber for consideration (correct)

What is the primary purpose of voting on a bill?

To ensure majority support for legislation Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Judiciary Committee play in relation to legislation?

It reviews legislation by lawmakers with specific expertise Signup and view all the answers

Which act is noted as being approved by the House prior to moving forward?

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 Signup and view all the answers

What does consideration in the other chamber provide?

An additional layer of scrutiny for the bill Signup and view all the answers

What are some voting methods mentioned for voting in the originating chamber?

Voice vote, roll call, and electronic voting Signup and view all the answers

What is one significant role of Congress in relation to executive power?

Rejecting legislation proposed by the executive Signup and view all the answers

Which Congress was the least productive in U.S. history?

112th Congress Signup and view all the answers

What contributes to the phenomenon of gridlock in Congress?

Filibustering by Senate members Signup and view all the answers

During which political climate is Congress more likely to scrutinize the executive?

Divided government Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of women were in the 118th Congress?

28% Signup and view all the answers

What is a common consequence of the increased use of closed rules by the House Rules Committee?

Reduced amendments on house bills Signup and view all the answers

Which group had the highest representation in the 117th Congress?

People of Color Signup and view all the answers

What is one result of the Watergate Scandal of 1973-74?

President Nixon's resignation Signup and view all the answers

What was the average age of House members in the 117th Congress?

58.4 years Signup and view all the answers

What can happen to witnesses who lie during congressional investigations?

They can face possible prison sentences Signup and view all the answers

Which group has had a stagnation in representation across the three most recent Congresses?

Asian Americans Signup and view all the answers

What factor tends to weaken congressional scrutiny of a president?

Unified government conditions Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant reason cited for the underrepresentation of women in Congress?

Historical male dominance in politics Signup and view all the answers

Which was the first non-Christian religious representation noted in Congress?

Buddhist Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of LGBTQ+ representation was recorded in the 117th Congress?

2% Signup and view all the answers

What professional background predominantly characterizes members of Congress?

Law, business, and public service Signup and view all the answers

What is required for Congress to override a presidential veto?

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

Which statement best describes the demographic changes in the 117th Congress compared to earlier sessions?

It had a record number of women elected Signup and view all the answers

What significant demographic milestone did the 116th Congress achieve regarding women?

It had the largest percentage of women in U.S. history Signup and view all the answers

Which group remained the most underrepresented in Congress according to the demographic analysis?

Atheists Signup and view all the answers

Which notable political group was represented by AOC and her peers in the Congress?

Progressive Democrats Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the 117th Congress identified as Hispanic?

9% Signup and view all the answers

Who were the first two Muslim women elected to Congress during the 117th session?

Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib Signup and view all the answers

In terms of racial diversity, which group had the highest representation in the 117th Congress?

African Americans Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential negative outcome of the Energy and Commerce Committee's focus on regional issues?

Overshadowing of national interests Signup and view all the answers

What is pork-barrel spending primarily associated with?

Local constituency benefits Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates the practice of pork-barrel spending?

The 'Bridge to Nowhere' project Signup and view all the answers

What role do legislators play when lobbying the executive branch?

They secure funding and policies for constituents Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the legislation passed in 2011 have on pork-barrel projects?

It limited earmarks and reduced funding Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of excessive pork-barrel spending?

Diverted funds from national interests Signup and view all the answers

What role do congressional staff play in constituency casework?

They play a key role in resolving constituent issues Signup and view all the answers

What effect did the resurgence of earmarks from 2018-2019 have?

Increased localized funding despite limitations Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary role of conference committees in the legislative process?

To reconcile differences between House and Senate bills. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant weakness associated with the increasing use of closed rules in legislative sessions?

They restrict bipartisan collaboration and limit flexibility. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the decline in the use of conference committees over time?

They are being used less frequently as alternative methods are preferred. Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable example where a conference committee was utilized for finalizing legislation?

The Affordable Care Act of 2010. Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary function of select committees during their establishment?

To investigate urgent or specific issues. Signup and view all the answers

How did former Chair Pete Sessions allegedly use his position?

To secure lobbying donations for personal interests. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the roles played by select committees in Congress?

To investigate issues and conduct high-profile hearings. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does a smaller membership skewed toward the majority party have?

It often worsens partisan divides. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Congress Structure

Congress is bicameral, meaning it has two chambers:
- The House of Representatives (lower house)
- The Senate (upper house)
The House of Representatives has 435 members, and each member represents a congressional district.
- Members serve two-year terms.
- Minimum age is 25.
- Must be a US citizen for 7 years.
- Must reside in the state they represent.
The Senate has 100 members, and each state has two senators.
- Members serve six-year terms.
- Minimum age is 30.
- Must be a US citizen for 9 years.
- Must reside in the state they represent.
The bicameral system was established to ensure representation for smaller states.
California (population 40 million) has 52 representatives, while Alaska (population 700,000) has only one.

Roles of Congress

Passing legislation (federal laws)
Representing the people (their concerns and needs)
Overseeing the executive (checks and balances)

Legislative Powers

Congress initiates legislation; both houses must approve a bill.
The bill goes to the president to be signed, vetoed, or ignored.
The Affordable Care Act (2010) was a significant piece of legislation passed after notable debate.

Other Key Functions

Declaring war (requires a vote from both houses)
Congressional oversight (monitoring the executive branch)
- Approving federal budgets
- Holding investigations
- Oversight committees allow Congress to investigate the executive branch.
Confirming presidential appointments (Senate only)
Ratifying treaties (Senate only)
Impeachment and removal from office (House initiates, Senate holds trial)
Electing the president and vice president, in case of a hung Electoral College
The legislative process in Congress involves multiple stages including introduction of a bill, committee referral, committee action, floor debate, voting, consideration in the other chamber, and final approval, with a conference committee if both chambers have different versions.
All of these processes have particular functions to ensure that the legislation properly passes and that Congress is fulfilling its role properly.

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Description

This quiz delves into the legislative process in the U.S. Congress, including the roles of various committees, voting methods, and historical productivity measures. Explore the dynamics of floor debate in the House versus the Senate, and understand the impact of demographics and rules on legislation. Test your knowledge on significant acts and the broader implications of congressional actions.