10 Questions
How long does a typical session of Congress today last?
From January until November or December
What is the purpose of a joint session of Congress?
To do business as a unit or to hear a presidential speech
What is the term length for each senator in the Senate?
Six-year terms
Why is Congress divided into two houses?
Delegates from smaller states wanted equal representation, while those from larger states wanted representation based on population.
Where is Congress described in the Constitution?
Article I
What was the aim of creating a bicameral Congress according to James Madison?
To give the legislative branch more power than the other two branches.
What is the role of the president pro tempore in the Senate?
To preside over the Senate when the vice president is absent
How are chairpersons of committees typically selected in Congress?
By seniority and years of service in Congress
What is the primary purpose of select committees in Congress?
To meet for a limited time to complete an assigned task
Why do party leaders consider the seniority of members when making committee assignments?
To ensure that chairpersons will have experience
Test your knowledge about the structure of the US Congress and the reasons behind its division into two houses. Understand the historical context and the debates that led to the creation of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
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