The Congress

Question 0

Where is basis for constitutional congressional authority found?

Answer 0

Article I

Question 1

Citizens’ direct link to public policy making branch of government

Answer 1

Congress

Question 2

What caused the congressional reelection rate to increase?

Answer 2

Political parties (because affiliation and incumbency)

Question 3

Reapportionment Act of 1929

Answer 3

Provides per ants size of the House of Representatives
Provides the number of seats, based on census, each state should have
States are left to determine e the makeup of each congressional district

Question 4

The organization of Congress relies on…

Answer 4

A seniority and party system

And a committee system which facilitates day-to-day operations

Question 5

House of Representatives leaders

Answer 5

Speak of the House (holds majority control)

House Majority Leader (unofficially leads with some control)

Question 6

Speaker of the House’s duty

Answer 6

Lead the House of Representatives impartially even though he/she is a member of the majority party
Recognizes speakers 
Refers bills 
Answers procedural questions 
Declares outcome of votes 
Third in line to succeed president

Question 7

Most congressional work is done through…

Answer 7

The committee system

Question 8

Four types of committees that exist in both houses:

Answer 8

1. Standing committees- deal with proposed bills and are permanent
2. Select committees- specially created and conduct special investigations
3. Joint committees- coordinate investigations or specials studies and expedite business between both houses
4. Conference committees- resolve legislative differences between the House of Representatives and Senate

Question 9

House Ways and Means Committee

Answer 9

Is responsible for appropriation measures

Question 10

House Rules Committee

Answer 10

Determines the order in which legislation will reach the floor for a vote

Question 11

Senate Judiciary Committee

Answer 11

Makes a recommendation regarding presidential judicial appointments

Question 12

Whips are responsible for..

Answer 12

Keeping party members in line and having an accurate account of who will be voting for or against a particular bill

Question 13

The party caucus

Answer 13

Aka part conference

Means for each party to develop a strategy or position on a particular issue

Question 14

How a bill becomes a law

First option is from House of Representatives, second is from Senate

Answer 14

1. Bill introduced in House or Senate
2. Bill assigned to committee
3. Amendments offered
4. Bill goes to Rules Committee/is assigned for debate
5. Amendments offered
6. Bill voted on
7. If it fails, no other action until it’s introduced again; if passes I goes to the Senate then president/House of Representatives then president
8. Differences are ironed out
9. Bill goes back for vote
10. Bill goes to president

Question 15

Logrolling coalitions

Answer 15

“Ill vote for your legislation, if you vote for mine”

Question 16

Constituency relationships provide…

Answer 16

Essential info and services and are foundation for reelection

Question 17

Of the three branches of government, which as the lowest public approval ratings?

Answer 17

Congress

*yet the public sends majority of incumbents back to office at each election

Question 18

The House of Representatives aphasia responded to some called to reform itself through its….

Answer 18

Contract with America

Question 19

Promises in the Contract with America

Answer 19

“In the first 100 days,we’re pledging in writing to brig to a vote:”

1. Balanced budget Amendment and line item vest
2. A crime bill that funds prisons and police over social programs
3. Family reinforcement measures and child support
4. Family tax cuts
5. Stronger national defense
6. Rise in Social Security earnings limits
7. Job creation and regulatory reform policies
8. stopping frivolous lawsuits
9. Real welfare reform
10. Term limits for Congress