U.S. Bicameral Legislative System

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Questions and Answers

What year was the agreement reached to permanently cap the number of seats in the House of Representatives at 435?

1935

1929 (correct)

1920

1925

How often does redistricting occur in the United States?

Every five years

Every election cycle

Every twenty years

Every ten years (correct)

Which of the following states currently has only one congressional representative?

Texas

Montana (correct)

California

Florida

What is the primary reason for adjusting the boundaries of legislative districts?

To maintain similar numbers of voters in each district Signup and view all the answers

Which state has the most congressional districts?

California Signup and view all the answers

What is required for legislation to be sent to the president in a bicameral system?

Both houses must pass identical bills. Signup and view all the answers

What was a reason for the framers to create a complex legislative process?

To prevent hasty decisions based on fleeting instincts. Signup and view all the answers

How many senators does each state have under the current system?

Two senators per state. Signup and view all the answers

What change did the Seventeenth Amendment bring about?

It enabled senators to be elected by popular vote. Signup and view all the answers

How are seats in the House of Representatives distributed among states?

According to each state’s population. Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum number of representatives in the House of Representatives?

435 members. Signup and view all the answers

What was the approximate number of representatives at the close of the first U.S. Congress in 1791?

65 representatives. Signup and view all the answers

What mathematical method is used for congressional apportionment today?

Equal proportions method. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary responsibilities of the Speaker of the House?

To assign bills to committees Signup and view all the answers

Which position presides over the Senate?

The Vice President of the United States Signup and view all the answers

What role does the minority leader play in the House?

They hold the rank closest to the Speaker and strategize for the minority Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of whips in Congress?

To maintain party discipline and secure votes Signup and view all the answers

In the Senate, who typically presides over sessions when the Vice President is absent?

The President Pro Tempore Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the power distribution in the Senate?

The real power resides with the majority and minority leaders Signup and view all the answers

What function do committees serve in the legislative process?

They allow for specialization and manage the congressional agenda Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the roles of the Senate and House leadership structures?

The House leadership is more hierarchical than that of the Senate Signup and view all the answers

Which chamber in Congress has the responsibility of appointing members to committees?

The Speaker of the House and the Majority Leader of the Senate Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of select committees?

To fulfill specific purposes and then disband Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Speaker of the House?

To preside over the House and lead the majority party Signup and view all the answers

Who elects the leaders of the two-party conferences in Congress?

The conference members of each party Signup and view all the answers

What significant role do committees play in Congress?

They facilitate the passage of legislation or ensure it doesn't progress Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about congressional leaders is incorrect?

Majority leaders are elected by the entire chamber of Congress. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the Speaker of the House from other House officers?

The Speaker is the only House officer mentioned in the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

Why do independents like Senator Bernie Sanders usually join one of the major party conferences?

To align with larger member numbers for influence Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the House Democratic and Republican Conferences?

To elect leaders and strategize on policy issues Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best characterizes the relationship between the party conferences and the Speaker of the House?

The Speaker is elected by the entire House but maintains party loyalty. Signup and view all the answers

Which power does the House of Representatives have regarding federal officials?

Impeach or formally accuse federal officials Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Senate play in presidential nominations?

Give final approval for many presidential nominees Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the necessary and proper clause for Congress?

It allows Congress to create laws vital for executing their powers Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Congress's oversight powers?

To monitor and review the actions of the executive branch Signup and view all the answers

How does Congress limit the power of the president in law-making?

By having the sole power to introduce legislation Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect differentiates inherent powers from enumerated and implied powers?

Inherent powers arise from the nature of a government Signup and view all the answers

Why is removal of a president from office considered a serious action?

It involves the entire House and Senate to ensure fairness Signup and view all the answers

What encompasses a significant portion of Congress's daily work activities?

Laws tied to the necessary and proper clause Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the powers of the Speaker of the House?

To appoint members and chairs to committees Signup and view all the answers

Which leadership role is typically closest in rank to the Speaker of the House?

Minority Leader Signup and view all the answers

What function do whips serve in Congress?

They enforce party discipline and gather votes Signup and view all the answers

How does the Speaker of the House often delegate authority?

By appointing a speaker pro tempore Signup and view all the answers

What typically happens when a Speaker of the House steps down?

The majority leader is automatically promoted Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of the majority leader in the House?

To strategize and lead the majority party's agenda Signup and view all the answers

During a joint session of Congress, who presides over the meeting?

The Speaker of the House Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant aspect of the party conference's influence over the Speaker?

The party conference holds the power to vote the Speaker out Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of the majority leader in the Senate?

To serve as the chief spokesperson for the majority party Signup and view all the answers

Which committee structure is responsible for exploring key issues without any bill-referral authority?

Joint committee Signup and view all the answers

What happens to most bills introduced in Congress?

They die in committee Signup and view all the answers

Which role does the president pro tempore serve in the Senate?

To hold the position of the Senate in the absence of the Vice President Signup and view all the answers

Why do committees hold hearings with experts?

To collect information and provide insight into legislative matters Signup and view all the answers

In what situation does the president of the Senate cast a vote?

When there is an equal number of votes for and against a bill Signup and view all the answers

What do conference committees do?

Reconcile different versions of a bill passed by the House and Senate Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of select committees?

To address specific topics or conduct special investigations Signup and view all the answers

Which type of committee in Congress is seen as the most powerful?

Standing committee Signup and view all the answers

Who typically holds the chair positions in congressional committees?

Members of the majority party Signup and view all the answers

What is one outcome of the intense partisanship in congressional committee hearings?

They can become politically driven public spectacles Signup and view all the answers

What typically happens to members of Congress competing for committee positions?

They strive to match their expertise to committee needs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the majority and minority leaders' roles in the Senate?

They work together to achieve a super-majority for legislation Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between standing committees and select committees?

Select committees address specific issues, while standing committees handle regular legislative work Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary responsibility of a committee chair in Congress?

Control the committee's budget and meeting schedules Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains the limitations on committee chairs in the House?

They are limited to six consecutive years in their position Signup and view all the answers

What is necessary for a bill to be considered by a committee?

The committee chair must hold a hearing on the bill Signup and view all the answers

Why do senators generally hold more committee assignments than House members?

The total number of senators is much smaller than the number of House members Signup and view all the answers

What must happen for revenue-raising bills according to the Constitution?

They must originate in the House of Representatives Signup and view all the answers

What role does the parliamentarian play in the legislative process?

They provide advice on procedural matters Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects how legislation is typically handled in committees?

Committees often kill legislation rather than passing it Signup and view all the answers

What is a reason that committees have evolved in Congress over time?

To allow for an in-depth review of policy Signup and view all the answers

In what way did Chuck Grassley's actions reflect the power of committee chairs?

He unilaterally decided to refuse hearings for a nomination Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the legislative drafting process?

Individuals and organizations outside Congress can draft successful legislation Signup and view all the answers

Why might a bill be sent to a subcommittee instead of being reviewed by the full committee?

Full committees are often too large for effective discussions Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a hearing for a committee's evaluation of a bill?

Hearings provide crucial expert insight and perspectives Signup and view all the answers

How can the majority leadership influence the legislative process once a bill is proposed?

They choose which committees the bill is sent to for review Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bicameral System

The U.S. Congress is bicameral, meaning it has two legislative chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Both houses must pass identical bills before they are sent to the president.
This process is designed to be complex and difficult, requiring deliberation and preventing hasty legislation.
The system aims to maintain conservatism in government by making large-scale reforms difficult to pass.
It also prevents single factions or interest groups from enacting laws that unfairly favor them.

Senate

Each state has two senators, serving six-year terms.
There are currently 100 senators in the U.S. Senate.
Senators were originally appointed by state legislatures, but are now elected by popular vote.

House of Representatives

Seats in the House are allocated to states based on their population, with each member representing a specific congressional district.
Each state is guaranteed at least one seat.
The number of representatives is determined by the U.S. Census, conducted every ten years.
Currently, there are 435 members in the House.
The House has grown in size over time, but was capped at 435 members in 1929.
Every ten years, redistricting occurs to adjust district boundaries based on population changes.
California has the most congressional districts (53), while seven states have only one representative.

Historical Notes

In 1791, the House had 65 members, representing approximately 30,000 citizens each.
The House grew in size as the United States expanded its territory.
In 1920, Congress was unable to reapportion the House due to a deadlock over the issue.

House Leadership Structure

Leadership positions in the House are determined by the majority and minority conferences
- These conferences are made up of elected party members
The Speaker of the House is a unique position elected by the entire House
- They are the presiding officer and administrative head
- They are also the partisan leader of the majority party, and a representative of a specific congressional district
- Since 1947, the Speaker is second in line to succeed the president
The Speaker is powerful and can:
- Assign bills to committees
- Decide when a bill will be presented to the floor for a vote
- Rule on House procedures
- Appoint members and chairs to committees
- Create select committees
- Select a member to be speaker pro tempore
- Preside over joint sessions with the Senate
The Speaker can be removed via vote or by stepping down
Below the Speaker, the majority and minority conferences each have two leadership positions:
- Floor leaders (majority and minority leaders)
- Whips

Senate Leadership Structure

The Senate has majority and minority leaders and whips
There is no Speaker in the Senate
The duties of the Speaker in the House are performed by the majority leader in the Senate
The President of the Senate per the U.S. Constitution is the vice president of the United States
- They only vote to break a tie
The Senate chooses a president pro tempore
- Typically the most senior senator of the majority party
The president pro tempore is primarily a formal, powerless role
The real power in the Senate is in the hands of the majority leader and minority leader
The majority leader serves as the chief spokesperson for the majority party in the Senate

Congressional Committee System

Congress uses a committee system to manage their large workload
Committees specialize in specific areas such as domestic, international, economic, agricultural, regulatory, criminal, and military issues
There are two types of committees:
- Standing committees
- Subcommittees
There are over two hundred committees in Congress
Committees are where bills originate and where most of the work that sets the congressional agenda takes place
- They function similarly to departments in the executive branch
Each chamber has a sizable number of standing committees:
- The House has twenty standing committees
- The Senate has sixteen standing committees

Congressional Powers: Checks and Balances

Congress has several powers that serve as checks on the other branches of government.
Congress solely introduces legislation, limiting the President's power to solely enforce laws.
The Senate approves presidential nominations and treaties, ensuring the President considers Congress's needs when making key appointments.
The House can impeach federal officials, including the President, for wrongdoing. The Senate then holds a trial and can remove the official from office.
These powers allow Congress to oversee the actions of the President and the Executive Branch.

Implied Powers: The Necessary and Proper Clause

The Constitution grants Congress both enumerated and implied powers.
The Necessary and Proper Clause allows Congress to create laws that are "necessary and proper" to carry out the enumerated powers.
This clause allows Congress to regulate banks, establish a minimum wage, and construct interstate highways, among other things.

Inherent Powers: Essential to Government Functioning

Inherent powers are not mentioned in the Constitution but are considered essential to the operation of the government.
These include the power to control borders, expand territory, and defend itself from internal threats.
The Founders assumed these powers were so fundamental that they didn't need to be explicitly listed.

Speaker of the House

The Speaker of the House is the most powerful position in the House of Representatives.
The Speaker is elected by the House and serves until their party loses control or until they are voted out or step down.
The Speaker assigns bills to committees and decides when bills are presented to the House floor for a vote.
The Speaker rules on House procedures and appoints members and chairs to committees.
The Speaker can create select committees for specific purposes and appoint a Speaker Pro Tempore to act in their absence.
The Speaker presides over joint sessions of Congress when the Senate and House meet together.

House Leadership

The majority and minority conferences in the House each elect two leadership positions in a hierarchical order.
The majority and minority leaders are at the top of the hierarchy.
The minority leader is the official leader of the opposition and makes strategic decisions for the minority party.
The majority leader has considerable power because they hold the speakership.
Below the leaders are the majority and minority whips who enforce party discipline and ensure members vote according to party strategy.

Senate Leadership

The Senate does not have a Speaker of the House.
The President of the Senate is the elected Vice President of the United States, but they can only vote in case of a tie.
The Senate elects a President Pro Tempore, usually the most senior senator of the majority party, to preside over the Senate.
Real power in the Senate rests with the majority and minority leaders.
The majority leader is the chief spokesperson for the majority party in the Senate.

Committee System

The committee system is how Congress divides work based on specialization.
Committees are where bills originate and most of the work that sets the congressional agenda takes place.
There are over 200 committees, subcommittees, select committees, and joint committees in Congress.
Standing committees are the core committees in the House and Senate.
Members of both parties compete for positions on committees, and majority members typically chair the committees.
Committees and their chairs have the ability to stop bills from reaching the floor for a vote.

Types of Committees

Standing Committees: Permanent committees that are the first to consider proposed bills.
Joint Committees: Committees with members from both the House and Senate that explore key issues but do not have bill-referral authority.
Conference Committees: Committees appointed to reconcile different versions of a bill passed by the House and Senate.
Ad Hoc/Select Committees: Temporary committees set up for specific purposes, often for investigations.

Committee Roles and Power

Members of Congress seek committee positions based on their experiences, interests, and expertise.
Committee chairs are powerful and control the committee's budget, meeting times, hearings, and whether a bill will be considered.
Committee chairs serve for a limited term and can be removed by their party leadership.

Classic Legislative Process

Bills can be drafted by anyone, but only members of Congress can introduce them.
Bills that raise revenue must originate in the House of Representatives.
The majority leadership consults with the parliamentarian to decide which committee should receive a bill.
The committee chair guides the bill through the committee process, which can include hearings.
Hearings provide a forum for committee members to gather information and hear expert opinions on the bill.
The committee will send the bill to the floor for a vote if it is approved, and the bill will be accompanied by a committee report detailing the bill and its impact.

Modern Legislative Process

Modern congressional processes have evolved from the classic legislative process.
Creative interpretations of rules and statues have created loopholes for passing legislation.
Committee systems have become more efficient and effective.
Members of Congress have developed more sophisticated and complex ways to manage legislation.

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Test your knowledge on the structure and function of the U.S. Congress. Explore how the Senate and House of Representatives operate within a bicameral system, including voting processes and member representation. Understand the complexities of legislation in American government.