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Questions and Answers
How many total members are there in Congress?
How many total members are there in Congress?
Each member of the House of Representatives serves a term of four years.
Each member of the House of Representatives serves a term of four years.
False
What is the minimum age required to be a member of the House of Representatives?
What is the minimum age required to be a member of the House of Representatives?
25
The number of representatives a state has is based on its __________.
The number of representatives a state has is based on its __________.
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Match the following terms with their correct descriptions:
Match the following terms with their correct descriptions:
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During which part of the year do elections for the House of Representatives typically occur?
During which part of the year do elections for the House of Representatives typically occur?
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Every state is guaranteed at least two representatives in the House.
Every state is guaranteed at least two representatives in the House.
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What is the total number of members in the Senate?
What is the total number of members in the Senate?
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Which method is used to create 'safe' seats through gerrymandering?
Which method is used to create 'safe' seats through gerrymandering?
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Incumbents running for reelection are often more likely to face serious competition in elections.
Incumbents running for reelection are often more likely to face serious competition in elections.
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What is the primary election used for?
What is the primary election used for?
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In California, the top two candidates from the primary election face each other regardless of __________.
In California, the top two candidates from the primary election face each other regardless of __________.
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Match the following terms with their definitions:
Match the following terms with their definitions:
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What is the typical term length for a Senator?
What is the typical term length for a Senator?
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All 100 Senators are up for reelection at the same time.
All 100 Senators are up for reelection at the same time.
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What is the annual compensation for a member of Congress?
What is the annual compensation for a member of Congress?
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Which of the following best describes implied powers?
Which of the following best describes implied powers?
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Strict constructionists believe that Congress should have broad powers beyond what is explicitly stated in the Constitution.
Strict constructionists believe that Congress should have broad powers beyond what is explicitly stated in the Constitution.
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What is the significance of the Commerce Clause?
What is the significance of the Commerce Clause?
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The power to ____________ is a listed power that allows the government to support its functions.
The power to ____________ is a listed power that allows the government to support its functions.
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What is meant by the 'elastic clause'?
What is meant by the 'elastic clause'?
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The seniority rule in Congress dictates that the newest member of the majority party becomes the committee chair.
The seniority rule in Congress dictates that the newest member of the majority party becomes the committee chair.
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What is one way the power to borrow money impacts the U.S. government's operations?
What is one way the power to borrow money impacts the U.S. government's operations?
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Study Notes
Legislative Branch (Congress)
- Congress is the law-making branch of the US government
- It is bicameral, composed of two houses: the House of Representatives (HOR) and the Senate
- This bicameral structure was part of the Great Compromise, designed to balance power and prevent too much power concentrating in single body
- There are a total of 535 members in Congress
- 435 members in the House of Representatives
- 100 members in the Senate
House of Representatives (HOR)
- There are 435 members in the House
- The number of representatives each state receives is based on its population
- Each state is guaranteed at least one representative
- Originally, the House had 59 members in 1789
- Currently, there are 218 Republicans and 212 Democrats
- Members serve two-year terms. All members are up for reelection at the same time
- Elections take place every two years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November
- Two-year terms ensure responsiveness to the public will and feelings
- 95% of incumbents win reelection; in 2020, 13 incumbents lost (all Democrats)
- Minimum age for a Representative is 25
- Minimum residency requirement is seven years as a US citizen.
- Representatives must live in the state they represent.
- Every 10 years, a census is taken to count the population of the US
- This determines how many representatives each state receives in the House
- Each member currently represents approximately 750,000 people
- Districts are redrawn to reflect population shifts, a process that can be subject to gerrymandering
Senate
- One hundred senators (2 per state)
- Currently, there are 49 Democrats and 49 Republicans, with 1 independent
- Senators are elected by voters in a popular vote, though before the 17th amendment, they were chosen by state legislatures
- Senators serve six-year terms
- One-third of Senators are up for reelection every two years
- Unlike the House, the Senate has no limit on the amount of time a senator can speak during debate.
- Minimum age to serve is 30
- Senators are US citizens for at least nine years
- Senators must live in the state they represent
Congressional Elections
- Primary elections are held in June to determine the candidates for each party who will run in the general election
- General elections are held in November, with the winner being the candidate who receives the most popular votes, meaning they win the seat.
- California uses a different system: the top two candidates, regardless of party, advance to the general election
Committees
- Congressional work is largely done in committees
- All members of the house and senate serve on committees
- Members typically serve on two standing and four subcommittees
- Standing committees are permanent; there are subcommittees within them
- Party in charge of Congress holds committee leadership positions
- The seniority rule generally determines who leads each committee; the longest serving member of the controlling party usually heads the committee
- Committee chair determines the bills that come up for a vote
Congressional Power
- Congress’ powers are limited by the Constitution and the division of power between federal and state governments
- Powers are separated into expressed and implied powers
- Expressed powers are explicitly stated in the Constitution (Article 1, Section 8, clauses 1-18)
- Implied powers are not explicitly stated but are considered necessary to carry out the expressed powers
Congressional Compensation and Perks
- Members of Congress are responsible for setting their own salaries (though the 27th amendment pertains)
- Annual salary for US Representatives and Senators is currently $174,000
- Members enjoy perks like travel, medical insurance, retirement plans, office staff, free mail, parking, and gyms.
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Description
Explore the structure and function of the US Congress with this quiz. Learn about the bicameral composition, the House of Representatives, and key facts about its members. Test your knowledge on how Congress operates and its role within the government.
