Legislative Branch & Political Philosophy

Question 1

What do Republicans tend to be like?

Answer 1

conservative, maintain Status Quo

Question 2

Who do Republicans appeal to?

Answer 2

Rural/suburban areas
Midwesterners
White Collar
Higher educated
Higher income
Evangelical Christians
Business owners

Question 3

What do Republicans support?

Answer 3

Smaller federal government, more state/local rights
Controlled spending
Strong crime control
Strict interpretation of the constitution
Building/maintaining defense
Lower taxes

Question 4

What do democrats tend to be like?

Answer 4

liberal, promote change

Question 5

Who do Democrats appeal to?

Answer 5

Urban Areas
Blue Collar
Minorities
Lower educated
Intellectuals
Young voters
Catholics
Lower income
Immigrants

Question 6

What do democrats support?

Answer 6

Bigger Federal government
Spending more on programs
Protection of civil liberties
Welfare programs
Government regulation of business
Loose interpretation of Constitution
Higher taxes for the wealthy

Question 7

Bicameral

Answer 7

2 chamber (Senate & House of Representatives)

Question 8

House of Representatives

Answer 8

The “Lower House” or “The People’s Voice” fast paced

Question 9

Term of HoR

Answer 9

2 year term, no limit

Question 10

HoR Leader

Answer 10

Speaker of the House

Question 11

Senate

Answer 11

The “Upper House” or “The world’s greatest deliberative body” slow or deliberate

Question 12

Term of Senate

Answer 12

6 year term, no limit

Question 13

HoR Requirements

Answer 13

25 year old, reside in the state, 7 years a citizen

Question 14

Gerrymandering

Answer 14

manipulating boundaries in favor of one party

Question 15

Senate Requirements

Answer 15

30 years old, reside in the state you represent, 9 years a citizen

Question 16

Filibuster

Answer 16

Senate power to prolong talking to avoid making a decision

Question 17

Senate cloture

Answer 17

Senate vote to end filibuster

Question 18

Committees

Answer 18

Groups of people in the congress that work on bills specific to there area like Environment, Abortion, etc..

Question 19

President Role in Bills

Answer 19

Sign = becomes law
Veto = reject. Congress can override with 2/3 vote of both houses

Question 20

Pocket Veto

Answer 20

indirect way for president to reject bill. Congress takes recess within 10 days of submitting bill and president doesn’t sign it, it dies.

Question 21

Interest Groups

Answer 21

Organizations that share a common political goal and work to influence public policy.

Question 22

Interest Group Duties

Answer 22

They represent the interests of their organization in Congress
They educate both Congress and the public on issues
They monitor how legislation is carried out and whether or not it is effective
They provide a way for citizens to get involved
in the political process

Question 23

PAC

Answer 23

Formed by businesses groups or large companies, or labor Unions in order to sponsor legislation that would benefit them

Question 24

Super Pacs

Answer 24

Unlimited $ for elections, no coordination with campaigns