Chapter 10 Test Flashcards
What are the three reasons why the House of Representatives is Bicameral?
- Historical reason: British parliament- had 2 houses
- Practical reason- settled conflict between small and large states
- Theoretical reason- check and balance each other
What are the three unique powers of the House?
- To impeach the president
- Decide presidential election if no clear winner (1800 and 1824)
- All tax bills start here *(power of the purse)
What are the two ways in which gerrymandering is done?
- PACKING- Concentrate the opposition voters in as few districts as possible
- CRACKING- Spread the oppositions voters out in as many districts as possible
* purpose is to lose as few districts as possible and stay in power!
What are the qualifications of a House member?
- Must be 25 years old
- Must have been a citizen for 7 years
- Must be a resident of the states
What are the 5 major roles of a congressman?
- Legislators- make laws
- Representatives- voice of the people
- Committee members- screen bills
- Servants to constituents- provide help to the people
- Politicians- work for the government
What are the 3 limits on congressional pay?
- Presidents Veto
- Voters backlash- most important
- 27th amendment (does not take effect until the next term)
What are the 2 types of committees?
- Standing committees (permanent) deal with subject matter (education, finance, environment, agriculture, etc)
- Special committees (temporary) deal with investigations and Presidential appointments (Watergate, Supreme Court nominees)
What are the 2 type of “bills”
- Public bill- law involving everyone
2. Private bill- law involving specific group
Where do ideas for “bills” come from?
Who introduces them?
- Executive branch
- People
- Special interest groups (industry, organizations, etc)
A Congressman introduces them
What are the 5 steps of how a bill becomes a law?
*Must go through both houses!
1. Bill introduced by a Congressman
2. *Goes to Committee for action *Must bills die here “pigeon hold”
3. Goes to Full house/Senate- debate/vote
4. Conference committee- “iron out”
5. President signs- become a LAW or vetoes- rejects!
*veto can be overridden by 2 thirds majority vote in each house
*One extra step in the house- house rules committee
“traffic cop- screen bills
How many bills are introduced each year, and how many of them are passed?
5000 bills
Very difficult process! Less than 4% (200) of bills become laws in any given term
What are Fringe benefits of Congressmen?
They can set their own pay $174,000/yr
- Housing tax allowance
- Travel allowance
- Cheap health insurance
- Pension plan
- Free office and expenses for staff
Differences between the House and the Senate
House Senate
Larger- 435 members Smaller - 100 members
Longer term- 6yrs
Shorter term-2yrs Larger constituency (state)
1/3 constituents elected
Smaller constituency. More prestige
All elected every 2 years
Less Prestige
What are the qualifications for a Senator?
- 30 yrs old
- Citizen of USA- 9yrs
- Live in the State
