US Government Chapter: Senate Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the term length for a senator in the US Senate?

6 years (correct)

4 years

8 years

2 years

How many total senators does the US Senate have?

150

200

100 (correct)

What was the 3/5 compromise primarily concerned with?

Determining the voting age

Counting enslaved individuals for representation (correct)

Dividing electoral votes

Establishing state boundaries

What fraction of the Senate is elected every 2 years?

1/3 Signup and view all the answers

How did the 3/5 compromise affect southern states?

It increased their representation in Congress. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of votes required for an amendment to pass in state legislatures?

50% + 1 vote in 38 state legislatures Signup and view all the answers

How many senators are elected from each state?

2 senators Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment changed the method of electing senators to being directly elected by the people of the states?

17th Amendment Signup and view all the answers

What is the total number of representatives in the House?

435 representatives Signup and view all the answers

Who makes the choice to refer a bill to standing committees in the House of Representatives?

The Speaker Signup and view all the answers

What fraction of the states is required to ratify a proposed amendment?

3/4 of the states Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes standing committees?

They are permanent committees that persist over time Signup and view all the answers

How many standing committees does the Senate currently have?

16 Signup and view all the answers

What was the original manner of electing senators before the 17th Amendment?

State legislatures elected them Signup and view all the answers

How often are representatives in the House elected?

Every 2 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of majority and minority leaders in the Senate regarding bills?

They negotiate the referral of bills to committees Signup and view all the answers

What does the 10th Amendment emphasize regarding power distribution?

Power not delegated to the federal government is reserved for the states or the people. Signup and view all the answers

What influences committee decisions apart from party caucuses?

Public opinion Signup and view all the answers

What is a caucus in the context of the legislative process?

A closed meeting of elected officials within a party Signup and view all the answers

Which committee would a bill related to education most likely be referred to in the House?

Education and Workforce Committee Signup and view all the answers

What might executive agencies do in regards to bills being considered by Congress?

Lobby Congress regarding their positions on bills Signup and view all the answers

What can a new president do regarding the executive orders of their predecessor?

They can revoke or invalidate those orders. Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition can courts overturn an executive order?

If the executive order exceeds the president's power. Signup and view all the answers

What did Biden's executive order regarding student debt entail?

Cancellation of $10,000 for all borrowers and $20,000 for Pell Grant recipients. Signup and view all the answers

What can Congress do if they want to override a president's executive order?

Pass a bill that the president can veto. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant recent example of an executive order being overturned?

Biden's order on student debt cancellation. Signup and view all the answers

What factors influence a president's nominations for federal judges?

Their political ideology and belief alignment. Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a Congress-passed bill to remain in effect against a president's executive order?

A successful veto override by Congress. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the powers held by the president besides issuing executive orders?

To appoint federal judges. Signup and view all the answers

What is a regular veto?

The president sends the bill back to Congress with a message explaining the veto. Signup and view all the answers

How can Congress override a presidential veto?

With a two-thirds vote in both chambers. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a pocket veto?

The president holds the bill until it is no longer actionable during the legislative session. Signup and view all the answers

What is a line item veto?

A veto that allows the president to reject specific provisions of a bill. Signup and view all the answers

What are veto threats typically used for?

To deter Congress from sending certain bills to the president. Signup and view all the answers

What are executive orders?

Directions issued by the president to members of the executive branch. Signup and view all the answers

What must occur for the Senate to approve an executive branch appointment?

Simple majority vote Signup and view all the answers

Which types of nominations require Senate approval?

Federal judges, cabinet department heads, and foreign ambassadors Signup and view all the answers

What makes it difficult to override a presidential veto?

Getting two-thirds support in both chambers is challenging. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'going public' refer to in the context of executive action?

Visiting districts to pressure members of Congress Signup and view all the answers

What type of criminal offenses can a president grant pardons for?

Only federal crimes Signup and view all the answers

What powers does the president have during a declared national emergency?

Expanded powers, including freezing bank accounts Signup and view all the answers

What is required for a treaty negotiated by the president to become legally binding?

Ratification by a two-thirds majority in the Senate Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the power of the president as commander in chief?

The president is the civilian in charge of the US military Signup and view all the answers

What is judicial federalism characterized by?

A dual system with an overlap of federal and state courts Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Forms of Government

Confederal: States are more powerful than the federal government. A very weak central government holds the states together. These forms of government rarely last.
Unitary: The central government is very powerful compared to the states. States exist as administrative units.
Federal: There is a balance of power between the federal and state governments. Suitable for large, diverse countries.

Articles of Confederation

First written constitution in 1776-1777 for the 13 colonies, aiming to preserve freedom by fragmenting power.
Ratified in 1781, it was a unicameral system.
Needed 9 of 13 states to agree for most actions.
Needed 2/3 majority to pass legislation.
Amendments to the Articles required unanimous approval.
Weaknesses: Weak central government. Congress couldn't tax directly, raise sufficient military, regulate interstate commerce, establish a sound money system, or enforce treaties.

Constitution

A body of principles and rules established by the people, either explicitly written or implicitly understood
Outlines the setup of the government.
Article I established Congress

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Description

Test your knowledge about the United States Senate with this quiz. Explore topics such as term lengths, total number of senators, and historical agreements like the 3/5 compromise. Perfect for students studying U.S. government and civics.