Legislative Branch

Question 1

Define resolution

Answer 1

The official expression of the opinion or will of a legislative body.

Question 2

Define concurrent resolution

Answer 2

• statement of position on an issue adopted by the House and the Senate acting jointly
• does not have the force of law

Question 3

Define joint resolution

Answer 3

• proposal for some action that has the force of law

- usually deals with special circumstances or temporary matters

Question 4

Define session

Answer 4

period of time in which Congress conducts its business

Question 5

Define term

Answer 5

Period of time in which an elected government official is in office.

Question 6

Define rider

Answer 6

-unpopular provision added to an important bill certain to pass

Question 7

Where in the Constitution is the House of Representatives described?

Answer 7

Article 1, Section 2, Clause 2

Question 8

Where in the Constitution is the Senate described?

Answer 8

Article 1, section 3

Question 9

What are the qualifications for a Representative?

Answer 9

• at least 25 years old
• citizen of US for at least 7 years
• must live in state an district they represent

Question 10

What are the qualifications for a Senate?

Answer 10

• at least 30 years old
• citizen of US for at least 9 years
• must live in state they represent

Question 11

How many members per state are in the House? How is this # determined?

Answer 11

based by population in each states; AR has 4

Question 12

How many members per state are in the Senate? How is this # determined?

Answer 12

2; each state has 2

Question 13

Describe the leadership of the House and Senate

Answer 13

Speaker of the House, and President of the Senate(Vice President)

Question 14

Describe the implied powers of Congress. Where are they found in the constitution?

Answer 14

• powers reasonably suggested

- ex: necessary and proper clause

Question 15

Describe the expressed powers of Congress. Where are they found in the constitution?

Answer 15

• article 1, section 8, clause 18

- the constitution specifically grants 27 powers to congress

Question 16

Describe the investigatory powers of Congress.

Answer 16

• power to investigate any matter that falls into is legislative powers
• cover a variety of subjects: gathering info, focusing public attention to particular subjects, exposing questionable activities of individuals

Question 17

Describe the electoral powers of Congress.

Answer 17

-house chooses the President of Electoral College does not grant the majority of votes to one candidate

Question 18

What are the 4 types of Congressional committees?

Answer 18

• Standing
• Select
• Joint
• Conference

Question 19

What is impeachment? Who has what responsibilities in an impeachment?

Answer 19

• house has the sole power to try a public official impeachment cases
• senate has the sole power to try a public official in impeachment cases
• if found guilty, a 2nd trial must determine if they must be removed

Question 20

How can a bill become a law without the President’s signature?

Answer 20

if 2/3 of Congress vote to pass the bill

Question 21

Describe a standing committee

Answer 21

Permanent committee to which bills in a specified subject matter are referred

Question 22

Describe a select committee

Answer 22

Created for a limited time and for specific investigative purposes

Question 23

Describe a joint committee

Answer 23

Composed of members of both houses of Congress

Question 24

Describe a conference committee

Answer 24

Temporary joint committee created to reconcile differences between the two houses’ versions of a bill that both houses would accept.