Congress

Question 1

Can congress alter a state’s voting practices?

Answer 1

Yes

Question 2

What is the unwritten constitution

Answer 2

Things not called for but not at odds with the constitution

Question 3

What is the elastic, or necessary and proper, clause?

Answer 3

Congress has the right to make any laws necessary for carrying out its powers

Question 4

What are implied powers?

Answer 4

The 10th amendment - powers not delegates to the federal government belong to the states

Question 5

McCulloch v. Maryland

Answer 5

Maryland’s tax law was at odds with a federal law

Question 6

How do special interest groups work?

Answer 6

They bring issues to legislators attention

Question 7

What is the first step a bill goes through?

Answer 7

Referral to appropriate committees

Question 8

What is the rules committee?

Answer 8

Determine the length a bill may be debated and type of amendments that can be made

Question 9

Filibuster

Answer 9

Senators speak as long as they want until the time limit is up to debate the bill

Question 10

What happens if a president vetos a bill?

Answer 10

He returns it with a statement of objections

Question 11

How are House and senate amendments different?

Answer 11

House amendments must pertain to the bill

Question 12

How are open seats in the house filled?

Answer 12

Special election

Question 13

How is an opening in the senate filled?

Answer 13

Appointment

Question 14

Incumbent representatives have what winning percentage?

Answer 14

92%

Question 15

Gerrymandering

Answer 15

Intentional rigging of voting districts to favor one party

Question 16

Franking privileges

Answer 16

Members of congress have the right to deliver mail at government expense

Question 17

Speaker of the house

Answer 17

Presides over the sessions

Question 18

Majority leader

Answer 18

Guide majority party’s agenda

Question 19

Whip

Answer 19

Keeps count of votes

Question 20

Ministry leader

Answer 20

Prepares to step in as speaker should his party take over majority

Question 21

Impeachment powers belong to

Answer 21

The House of Representatives

Question 22

Senate’s role in impeachment

Answer 22

Hold trial and vote (2/3) after impeachment

Question 23

Why was Lyndon Johnson impeached?

Answer 23

Didn’t get senate approval for removing a cabinet member

Question 24

Why was Clinton impeached?

Answer 24

Lying to a grand jury & obstruction of justice

Question 25

Senate eligibility

Answer 25

30 years old, 9 year citizen, reside in his state

Question 26

President pro tempore

Answer 26

President “for a time” of the senate - longest standing majority member serves in place of VP

Question 27

Congress must assemble how often?

Answer 27

Once a year

Question 28

Who are lobbyists?

Answer 28

Formal representatives of interest groups

Question 29

What happens if a congressman breaks the law during session?

Answer 29

He/she cannot be arrested during the session

Question 30

Where do tax laws begin?

Answer 30

In the House of Representatives

Question 31

What is regressive taxation?

Answer 31

Lower-wage earners pay most of the social security taxes

Question 32

How much are Americans taxed relative to the rest of the world?

Answer 32

Among least taxed

Question 33

What are the key powers of congress?

Answer 33

Collect taxes & import duties, borrow money, & pay national debt

Question 34

When does the fiscal year start?

Answer 34

October 1

Question 35

5 requirements of citizenship

Answer 35

continuous residence, english, american history & gov, commitment to U.S., favorable disposition

Question 36

How is the mint funded?

Answer 36

Self-funded by selling coins etc.

Question 37

Who officially declares war?

Answer 37

Congress

Question 38

How many senators does D.C. have?

Answer 38

none, but they have non-voting members

Question 39

What is habeas corpus?

Answer 39

right to be brought before a judge

Question 40

What is an ex post facto law?

Answer 40

Can’t make something illegal after it has been done