Legislative Notes 1
They include 1. ______________ 2. _______________ 3. _____________ and 4. _____________ among others.
1)Pass Legislation, 2)Conflict/ Partisanship, 3)Polarization, 4)Breaks and vacation
How many Senate are there total?
100 Senators
Members of the House of Representatives must be at least what age and have been a U.S. citizens for at least for how long?.
25 years old citizen for 7 years
How many House members are there total?
435 Rep
How long are terms for United States Senators? A 2 years B 4 years C 6 years D 8 years
6 years
To stop a cloture how many votes are required?
60 votes
What roles do Congressional Committees play in the lawmaking process? A Committees debate, edit, or kill proposed bills before they are sent to the full membership of the House and Senate for a vote. B Committees sponsor bills. C After a bill has been approved by both Houses of Congress, it is sent to committee for final review. D Committees introduce bills to the floor of the House or Senate.
A Committees debate, edit, or kill proposed bills before they are sent to the full membership of the House and Senate for a vote.
What is Congress's role in the federal budget? A Congress is responsible for both writing and passing the federal budget. B The President and his staff write the federal budget, and Congress votes on it. If it does not pass, the budget is sent back to the President for revisions until a budget passes both Houses of Congress. C Congress advises the executive branch on how to appropriate federal funds. D Congress ensures that budgetary spending is carried out in a timely and efficient manner.
A Congress is responsible for both writing and passing the federal budget.
What is gerrymandering? A Drawing congressional districts to favor a particular party or group. B Spending money to influence the passage of legislation. C Passing laws without the approval of the executive branch. D Hiding the content of bills from the American people.
A Drawing congressional districts to favor a particular party or group.
How are qualifications for a U.S. Senator different from those for a U.S. House of Representatives Member? A Senate candidacy has a higher age and length of citizenship requirement than the U.S. House of Representatives. B Senate candidacy has a lower age and length of citizenship requirement than the U.S. House of Representatives. C Candidacy for the House of Representatives has a lower age requirement and a longer citizenship requirement than the Senate. The requirements are the same.
A Senate candidacy has a higher age and length of citizenship requirement than the U.S. House of Representatives. (Prospective Senators must have been U.S. citizens for at least nine years and be at least 30. Prospective members of the House of Representatives must be at least 25 and have been U.S. citizens for at least seven years. All congressional candidates must live in the state they would represent).
How do lawmaking processes differ between the House and Senate? A The Senate rules allow for a rider to be attached to any bill whether or not the amendment is relevant to the bill. B The House of Representatives has fewer rules limiting debate than the Senate does. C The Senate rarely uses committees to debate and edit bills before floor debates, whereas the House does. D All of the above
A The Senate rules allow for a rider to be attached to any bill whether or not the amendment is relevant to the bill.
Policy making refers to Congress role to find _______________ .
A solutions
What was the main difference between the New Jersey and Virginia colonies' plans for the American legislature? A)The New Jersey plan allocated an equal number of legislators to each state, whereas the Virginia plan allocated a number proportional to each state's population. B)The Virginia plan allocated an equal number of legislators to each state, whereas the New Jersey plan allocated a number proportional to each state's population. C)The New Jersey plan proposed a bicameral legislature, whereas the Virginia plan proposed a three-part legislature. D)The plans proposed by the New Jersey and Virginia colonies were almost identical.
A)The New Jersey plan allocated an equal number of legislators to each state, whereas the Virginia plan allocated a number proportional to each state's population.
Who can propose bills? A. Senators and Representatives, B. The President, C. any citizen.
A. Senators and Representatives,
The speaker is powerful, since he/she decides which legislation is put on the legislative calendar and often decides the rules of the legislative game. So, the speaker often is called an _____________.
Agenda maker
Formal change of language and content of a bill is called?
Amendment
This strategic tool used to change a bill more to the liking a member's own preferences
Amendment
Congress is governed by ____________ of the U.S. Constitution.
Article I
Its specific powers can be found in ___________ of the __________.
Article I: Section 8
How does the "elastic clause" of the United States Constitution affect Congress? A It allows for borrowing to pay for the United States' federal budget during economic hardship. B It attributes Congress jurisdiction on issues not explicitly outlined in the Constitution C It allows U.S. Senators to pull votes and support from Members of the House of Representatives and vice versa. D All of the above
B It attributes Congress jurisdiction on issues not explicitly outlined in the Constitution
hat is the Vice President's role in Congress? A The Vice President is the only member of the executive branch who is allowed to speak directly with members of Congress. B The Vice President has the tie-breaking vote in the Senate. C The Vice President represents Washington D.C. in the House of Representatives as a non-voting member. D Should the Speaker of the House be absent or unable to perform his or her duties, the Vice President takes on the position.
B The Vice President has the tie-breaking vote in the Senate.
What happens to a bill that is not brought to a vote in Congress? A The bill automatically becomes a law if not voted upon within 90 days of being brought to the floor. B The bill dies and does not become law. C The bill is sent to the President for approval. D The bill is put to a direct vote by the American people as a referendum.
B The bill dies and does not become law.
What is the role of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO)? A To collect unpaid tax revenue from state governments B To offer unbiased estimates of what a proposed bill or program will cost C To pay out Congressional salaries on a monthly basis D To manage the payment of debts to foreign countrie
B To offer unbiased estimates of what a proposed bill or program will cost
How many legislators make up today's United States Senate? A 50 B 100 C 200 D 435
B) 100 (two per state)
What is the main function of the legislative branch of the United States' government? A)To implement laws B)To create laws C)To enforce laws D)To interpret laws
B)To create laws
What are the Steps to Legislating a Bill
Bill Introduction Referral to committee (s) Referral to subcommittees Referral back to committee (vote yes) Referral to the full chamber or floor If passes in both chambers Conference Committee (if new compromise achieved - Back to the full floor for another vote
The leadership factor is important to getting __________passed.
Bills
What happens to a vast majority of bills introduced in Congress?
Bills Die
The parties move beyond their differences, reelection imperatives and loyalty to party to successfully legislate laws.
Bipartisan
When the two parties work together to pass legislation, it is known as _______________.
Bipartisanship
When two parties try to work together is called?
Bipartisanship
The syndrome of problems identified by Mann and Ornstein is called ______________.
Broken Branch
Which of the following is an example of an implied power of Congress? A Congress establishes new U.S. Post Offices B Congress declares war on another country C Congress allocates federal tax dollars to support an education initiative D Congress allocates funds to strengthen the United States Navy
C Congress allocates federal tax dollars to support an education initiative
What is the name given to projects designed to appropriate government spending to a Member of Congress's home district? A Public works projects B Pet projects C Pork-barrel projects D Lobbying
C Pork-barrel projects
How are American-controlled territories (non-states) represented in Congress? A These territories are not represented B These territories each elect a pair of non-voting representatives to the U.S. Senate C These territories each elect a non-voting representative to the U.S. House of Representatives D These territories each elect a non-voting representative to both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives
C These territories each elect a non-voting representative to the U.S. House of Representatives
What is true of a filibuster? A The filibuster is attention-grabbing stunt that does not affect a bill's passage into law. B The filibuster can be used to dissolve a congressional committee. C Without a vote for cloture, a filibuster can prolong a debate indefinitely and prevent a bill from being voted on. D The filibuster speeds up the lawmaking process in the Senate.
C Without a vote for cloture, a filibuster can prolong a debate indefinitely and prevent a bill from being voted on.
What was the resolution to the dispute between the New Jersey and Virginia Plans for the United States Congress? A)The New Jersey Plan was adopted. Each state was allotted the same number of legislators. B)The Virginia Plan was adopted. A state's population determined the number of legislators allotted. C)Both plans were adopted in a bicameral legislative structure. D)Neither plan was adopted. The New York Plan was adopted instead.
C)Both plans were adopted in a bicameral legislative structure.
These members of Congress who share interests often form these, and they often vote together
Caucuses
Who is the minority leader of the Senate?
Chuck Schumer (D)
A motion that requires 60 senators to cut off filibuster is called ?
Cloture
Where does much of Congressional work takes place in?
Committee (System)
Who are the driving force behind the law-making process?
Committees
A committee of House and Senate members who's goal is to iron out the differences between the Senate and House versions of a bill
Conference Committee
This committee is important at the end of legislative process take different versions of bills passed in the House and Senate and create one compromise bill
Conference Committee
This committee made up of members of both houses and reconciles into one bill the different drafts adopted bne bill the different drafts adopted by the House and Senate
Conference Committee
Why is Congress called the "Broken Branch?"
Congress is so ineffective: Congress is unable to function.
The next tier of organization in Congress is what?
Congressional Committees.
The people that a member of Congress represents.
Constituents
How many legislators make up today's United States House of Representatives? A 50 B 100 C 365 D 435
D 435 ( by population)
What is the Speaker of the House's role? A He or she steers legislation as the ranking member of the majority party in the House of Representatives B He or she is third in the line of presidential succession C He or she orchestrates the debates on the House of Representatives' floor D All of the above
D All of the above
What is a limit placed on Congress's law-making power by the Constitution? A Congress cannot pass laws that tax trade between states. B Congress cannot pass laws that interfere with the Bill of Rights. C Congress cannot pass legislation to deliberately privilege one state's interests over another. D All of the above.
D All of the above.
What happens when a bill is approved by one House of Congress but not the other? A The bill is sent to the President to break the tie. B The bill is sent to the Vice President to break the tie. C The bill is sent back to the house that voted it down for a second round of voting. D The bill is dead.
D The bill is dead.
Members of Congress are primarily accountable to __________. A The President of the United States B The United States Supreme Court C The Speaker of the House and Senate Majority Leader D Their constituents in their home states and districts
D Their constituents in their home states and districts
How many times can Members of Congress seek reelection for their positions? A Once B Twice C Thrice D There is no limit
D There is no limit
How does the legislative branch provide a check to the power of the executive branch? A Congress can impeach executive officials, including the President, for treason, bribery, and other crimes. B Congress can override a presidential veto with a 2/3 majority vote. C Cabinet officials, judges, and other high offices of the government appointed by the President must be confirmed by Congress. D. All of the above
D. All of the above
These members suppress their own view to vote the way their constituents want.
Delegate
_____________ party controls the House.
Democrats
Most bills originate in the what branch of government?
Executive branch
Consequently, this action to kill a bill many important pieces of legislation are never considered, debated, or have an up and down vote
Filibuster
Endless debate and tactics in the Senate to end action on a bill.
Filibuster
Previously, in the Senate this action would only take place at the end of the legislative process.
Filibuster
Today, this action is used to kill a bill or end action on a bill following the "introduction phase.
Filibuster
These are a few tools members use strategically to try to turn the outcome their way!
Filibuster Cloture Logroll Amendment
Drawing the lines of a district within a state to benefit a party is called?
Gerrymandering
If both sides filibustered on a regular basis, the Senate would truly be
Gridlock
What stops a bill from coming before the Senate?
Hold(until removes)
List two important differences between the House and Senate.
House (435 rep) By District, 2year term Senate (100 Senators) By State, 6year term
Like the separation of powers in the U.S. Constitution, Congress is divided into a _____________ and ___________. In other words the structure is ______________.
House and Senate Bicmeral
Who has the sole power to initiate revenue bills?
House of Representatives
Only a member of what part of government may introduce a bill but anyone can write a bill.
House or Senate
A current office holder is called?
Incumbent
An organization of people who share a common interest and work together to protect and promote that interest by influencing the government.
Interest Groups
Two Congress committees that are temporary are called?
Joint and Select
A temporary and consists of members of both House and Senate
Joint committees
This includes members from the House and Senate (taxation)
Joint committees
Who is Minority Leader of the House
Kevin McCarthy (R)
Given the charts we use to outline the steps of the legislative process, legislating in Congress appears to be a linear process. Actually it resembles a ____________.
Labryinthe
What is the power of Congress or the Legislative Branch do within government?
Law-making
When a party wins the majority of seats in Congress, it assumes the __________ of the House and Senate.
Leadership
Of the three branches, Congress holds _____________ power.
Legislative Power
This process is not designed to move quickly or efficiently is called?
Legislative Process
This process is of law making is slow, cumbersome - some say outdated is called?
Legislative Process
This process tends to be incremental or piecemeal not comprehensive or radical change.
Legislative Process
Because committees do the actual work or reading, debating, amending, and voting on bills they are often called
Little legislative
Individuals who are employed by interest groups, trade associations, or corporations
Lobbies
What is trading votes ("if you vote for this, i'll vote for that)
Logrolling
This practice is common in Congress. Which deals are cut between members is called.
Logrolls
Voting trading is each member agrees to support the other's bill.
Logrolls
Who Forces members to vote with party/has means to punish those who do not.
Majority and Minority Leaders
Information gathers(provide the Speaker and Majority leaders with information regarding how many votes they have and whether pressure has to be applied or deals struck if there are not enough votes for passage of to block a bill.)
Majority and Minority Whips
The political party in each house of Congress with the most members is called?
Majority leader
Legislative power means that Congress _____________.
Makes Laws
The political party with the second most members is called?
Minority
Who is Majority Leader of the House
Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
Who is Speaker of the House
Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
Senators must have been U.S. citizens for at least _______years and be what age?
Nine years least 30 years of age
Loyalty to party and reelection is more important than resolving differences between the parties necessary to legislate laws.
Partisanship
These members votes along party line.
Partisanship
When the two parties refuse to work with each other to negotiate a comprise solution to an issue such as healthcare and the members act instead upon the basis of loyalty to party, it is known as _________________.
Partisanship
________________ ___________ is enforced when most members of the party are forced to vote along party lines.
Party Disapline
This occurs when opinion has two extremes, and there is no real middle ground or moderates.
Polarization
When the parties take extreme positions on the issues and there is no ideological center necessary to make compromises it is known as ___________________.
Polarization
______________ party controls the Senate.
Republicans
What bills that are passed for Congress to raise money
Revenue bills
A temporary and deals with issues not normally considered by Congress
Select/Specific Committee
A temporary committees appointed for specific purposes
Select/Specific Committee
Who conducts impeachment trials?
Senate
Who has the sole power to approve major presidential appointments
Senate
Who is the majority leader of the Senate?
Senator Mitch McConnell (R)
Highest position in Congress
Speaker
___________ is the top power holder in the House. This position is held by ________________.
Speaker of The House: Majority Leader
What position does the major party member hold?
Speaker of the House
Who decides which bills will be considered?
Speaker of the House(Describe Position )
The Four Committees in Congress are?
Standing Select Joint Conference
These are permanent and programmatic.
Standing Committee
What committee is the most important at beginning of the legislative process permanent policy committees
Standing Committee
Where does most of the work in Congress get done?
Standing Committee
Committees that continue from one Congress to the next (armed services, budget committee, judiciary committee) is called?
Standing Committees
Agriculture, foreign affairs, energy, education are known as __________ committees.
Standy Committees
Party leaders who work with the majority leader or minority leader to count votes beforehand and lean on waverers whose votes are crucial to a bill favored by the party.
Whips
A approval of government spending is called?
appropriation
A proposed law to authorize spending money
appropriations bill
A term that describes legislative branch that is divided into; a two-chamber legislature
bicameral
A proposed law is called
bill
A law that establishes guilt and punishes people without a trial
bill of attainder
What will the Vice President do if there is a tie?
cast a tie-breaking vote
A private meeting of party leaders to choose candidates for office
caucus
A vote of formal disapproval of a members actions is called
censure
A population count taken every 10 years is called?
census
A procedure that allows each senator to speak only 1 hour on a bill under debate
cloture
A procedure used to end a filibuster.
cloture
What does the majority party control?
committees
A bill must survive all stages to become a law: A bill can die at any stage.
committees, the floor, and the conference committee.
A temporary joint committee set up when the House and Senate have passed different versions of the same bill
conference committee
A person whom a member of Congress has been elected to represent them is called?
constituents
What does the 17th amendment require?
direct election of Senators
This clause in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution that gives Congress the right to make all laws "necessary and proper" to carry out the powers expressed in the other clauses of Article I
elastic clause
A required government expenditure that continues from one year to the next
entitlement
The expressed powers of Congress that are itemized and numbered 1-18 in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution
enumerated powers
A law that makes a crime of an act that was legal when it was committed
ex post facto law
The right of Congress to refuse to seat an elected member by a majority vote is called?
exclusion
These powers directly stated in the constitution is called?
expressed powers
A method of defeating a bill in the Senate by stalling the legislative process and preventing a vote
filibuster
This process is to draw a district's boundaries to gain an advantage in elections
gerrymander
Minority Leader
highest position of minority party
When a bill is referred to committee then subcommittee, what actions are taken?
hold hearings
A formal accusation of misconduct in office against a public official
impeachment
Powers that the government requires to carry out the expressed constitutional powers
implied powers
The president's refusal to spend money Congress has voted to fund a program
impoundment
A elected official that is already in office is called?
incumbent
Trade among the states is known as
interstate commerce
A committee of the House and the Senate that usually acts as a study group and reports its findings back to the House and the Senate
joint committee
A continuing review by Congress of how effectively the executive branch carries out the laws Congress passes
legislative oversight
A provisions Congress wrote into some laws that allowed it to review and cancel actions of executive agencies
legislative veto
A interest group representative
lobbyist
These influence law-makers to vote in certain ways are called?
lobbyists
An agreement by two or more lawmakers to support each other's bills
logrolling
The Speaker's top assistant who helps plan the majority party's legislative program and steers important bills through the House
majority leader
To amend a bill what vote is needed?
majority vote
An important feature of political polarization is that there is the loss of the ________________ or members who were moderate lost their elections.
middle (center)
In the House, what did the larger states get?
more representatives
The total amount of money the government owes at any given time
national debt
The legal process by which a person is granted citizenship
naturalization
What can you not do in different districts?
participate in other districts elections
A laws passed by Congress that appropriate money for local federal projects
pork-barrel
This term of pro tempore; the Senate member who stands in as president of the Senate in the absence of the vice president
president
A proposed piece of legislation before it becomes law is known as a ____________.
propose bill
A minimum number of members who must be present to permit a legislative body to take official action
quorum
The process of reassigning representation based on population after every census
reapportionment
This process is to set up new district lines after reapportionment is complete
redistrict
A law proposed to raise money, *originated in the house*, it is limited because it must be approved by both house and senate
revenue bill
A provision included in a bill on a subject other than the one covered in the bill
rider
Majority leader
second highest position
A temporary committee formed to study one specific issue and report its findings to the Senate of the House
select committee
A period of time during which a legislature meets to conduct business.
session
A permanent committee in Congress that oversees bills that deal with certain kinds of issues
standing committee
A group within a standing committee that specializes in a subcategory of its standing committee's responsibility
subcommittee
Passing a bill in the Senate requires a (60 votes) rather than a majority.
super-majority
Who was equally represented in the Senate?
the states
How does the Constitution define impeachable offenses?
treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors
What does the Senate have that the president does not have?
unlimited number of terms
The rejection of a bill by the head of the executive branch is called what?
veto
Who select their own representatives?
voters of each district
An assistant to the party floor leader in the legislature that gathers information?
whip
The ___________ leader enforces party discipline and is called an ________________
whip
The _____________ are known as information gathers,
whips