Legislative Branch Flashcards
When are Congressional elections held?
The Tuesday following the first Monday in November of each even-numbered year
How many seats are currently in the House of Representatives?
435
What are the three constitutional qualifications for House members?
- Must be at least 25 years of age.
- Must have been a citizen of the United States for at least seven years.
- Must be an inhabitant of the State from which he or she is elected.
How many seats are in the Senate?
100
What do we call it when district lines are drawn to the advantage of the political party in control of a State legislature?
Gerrymandering
What is the length of a term for a Senator?
6 years
What are the three constitutional requirements for members of the Senate?
- Must be 30 years of age.
- Must have been a citizen for at least nine years.
- Must be an inhabitant of the state from which elected.
Since the adoption of the 17th Amendment in 1913, who chooses senators?
Voters in each state
The two-year period of time in which Congress conducts business is called a?
Term
The privilege that allows members of Congress to mail letters postage-free is called:
Franking privilege
The job of checking to see if the Executive Branch is carrying out the laws as Congress intended:
Oversight
List the five aspects of the job of a member of Congress:
- Legislators
- Representatives of their constituents
- Committee members
- Servants of their constituents
- Politicians
List three benefits members of Congress receive:
- Special tax reduction
- Generous travel allowances
- Generous retirement plan
- Free parking (e.g. at airports)
- Very good health insurance
What do we call the negative reaction of voters that limits increases in salary for Congress?
Backlash
If a member of Congress makes decisions based on their own values, the desires of their party AND the desires of their constituents, they are acting as a?
Politico
Which level of government should be MOST powerful according to strict constructionists?
State government
True or false: a liberal constructionist believes the Constitution must be interpreted broadly with an eye toward change
True
Give two examples of an implied power that comes from the expressed power to regulate interstate commerce.
Minimum wave, protection of rights of the disabled
When Congress grants an exclusive right to manufacture, use, or sell an invention this is called?
Patent
True or false: Congress a has the power to tax exports.
False.
To impeach means?
To bring formal charges against a public official
Who has the sole power to impeach civil officers of the United States?
The House of Representatives
Which group has the responsibility of confirming or rejecting presidential appointees?
Senate
The Constitutionally appointed presiding officer of the Senate:
President of the Senate (Vice president)
The daily presiding officer of the Senate, who is elected by members of his party in the Senate:
President pro tem
The presiding officer of the House of Representatives
The speaker of the house
The position (person) that assists the Majority Leader by “counting votes” is called?
The Majority whip
Does a joint resolution have the force of law?
Yes
Members of Congress currently have a salary of
$174,000 a year
Standing committee
Permanent committee in a legislative body to which bills in a specified subject-matter are referred
Select committee
Legislative committee created for a limited time and for some specific purpose; also known as a special committee
What is the job of the Minority Whip?
To make sure members are represent to vote and count votes
What is the function of the House Rules committee?
They decide which bills will be debated and when
What is a concurrent resolution used for?
A statement of position on an issue used by the House and Senate acting jointly; does not have the force of law and does not require the President’s signature
Define Mark-Up:
Part of the bill-making process when the bill is discussed, debated, & amended in committee
In both the house and the Senate, what is the second step in the Introduction and First Reading process?
Given a number and a short title
What is the committee of the Whole?
- Do not need a quorum
- Preparing for the second meeting
- 100 people present
What is an Enrolled Bill?
The bill printed on parchment & sent to the President?
What is the role of the Conference Committee?
Joint committee that negotiates a final version of the bill from the two engrossed
