U.S. Politics Quiz

Question 1

• Congress can influence the federal judiciary by changing appellate jurisdiction of federal courts.

Question 2

• In Baker v Carr (1962), the Supreme Court recognized states' ability to draw legislative districts with few size and shape restrictions. Congress can overrule the states when drawing federal legislative districts, but not state legislative districts.

Question 3

• The federal government's role in interstate commerce has been significantly expanded through court interpretations of the interstate commerce clause.

Question 4

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Question 5

• Directing federal funds into a representative's district through legislation is an example of "pork barreling."

Question 6

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Question 7

• "Logrolling" is the practice when a legislator votes for a colleague's bill in the expectation the colleague will reciprocate in the future.

Question 8

• The most notable power of the House of Representatives is the power to author bills for raising revenue.

Question 9

• A conference committee was formed to further develop legislative ideas and policies, and include members from the Natural Resources and Energy and Commerce committees.

Question 10

• A bill passed by both chambers with amendments added by the House, but not approved by the Senate, is likely prompting the need for a conference committee.

Question 11

• "Closed rule" debate in the House means only senior members participate and amendments cannot be offered. The debate is conducted with five-minute speeches.

Question 12

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Question 13

• The Senate has the power to approve presidential nominees and ratify treaties. It also has the ability to filibuster.

Question 14

• Congressional standing committees are permanent subject-matter based committees.

Question 15

• Members of Congress voting based on the preferences of a majority of their constituents align with the delegate role.

Question 16

• The Budget & Impoundment Control Act is an example where Congress attempted to regain control of powers lost to the executive branch.

Question 17

• The War Powers Resolution requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops.

Question 18

• The House's committee system is more significant than the Senate's due to its larger size and the constitutionally mandated committee structure.

Question 19

• "Pork barrel" legislation enhances a member of Congress's reelection prospects by fostering a reputation for service within their district.

Question 20

• Authorization of spending is a formal tool used by Congress to oversee the bureaucracy.

Question 21

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Question 22

• State legislatures typically define the boundaries of U.S. congressional districts.

Question 23

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Question 24

• The Senate requires a 60-vote supermajority for significant actions like legislation and nominations.

Question 25

• The Necessary and Proper Clause of the U.S. Constitution has frequently been central in debates concerning the balance of power in the government. It's about the principle of flexibility in the role of enumerated powers.

Question 26

• Legislative hearings, specifically subcommittees, are where the details of legislation often unfold.

Question 27

• Most bills introduced in both chambers are typically not passed into law without a presidential veto.

Question 28

• The Rules Committee's role encompasses aspects like initiating spending legislation, determining procedures for nominations, setting rules for subcommittee selections, and orchestrating the placement of bills on the legislative calendar, limiting debate periods, and defining permitted amendments.

Question 29

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Question 30

• In the House, members represent broader constituencies, whereas members of the Senate represent more homogenous constituencies.

Question 31

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Question 32

• The Speaker of the House is responsible for overseeing legislative procedures and order on the House floor.

Question 33

• The Speaker of the House is the most powerful member in the House.

Question 34

• (No information on Tennessee's delegation)

Question 35

• Drawing legislative districts based on the race of voters is not permitted.

Question 36

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Question 37

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Question 38

• Critics of term limits might argue that less experienced legislators lack the necessary institutional knowledge or expertise, that incumbents might take their positions for granted, and that representatives need multiple terms to achieve the required level of legislative knowledge

Question 39

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Question 40

• Congressional member caucuses are primarily interest-based groups acting within Congress and often wielding considerable influence over legislation.

Question 41

• The constitutional procedure for a bill to become a law is explained.

Question 42

• Helping a constituent navigate a bureaucratic process, like benefits with the Veterans Administration, is an example of congressional casework

Question 43

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Question 44

• Agencies' failure to adequately oversee the banking industry contributed to the 2008-2009 recession.

Question 45

• Incumbents might de-emphasize their policy stances to attract broader campaign support from interest groups and align with a popular figure (like the president), even if their stated preferences conflict.