Chapter 11 reading challenge

You are a new House member. You represent your district by responding directly to the needs of your constituents. This means that you see your job as

a delegate

States legislators

are paid much less than members of Congress.

The Constitution declared that war-making powers

are shared between Congress and the president.

A bill can become law only after

both houses of Congress agree on the bill.

Unofficial groups formed by Congress to pursue particular goals and interests are called

caucuses and coalitions.

In which type of state legislature do members spend about half of their time as lawmakers?

citizen legislatures

Apportionment is the process of

dividing the House seats among the states according to each state's population.

The assistant floor leaders in the House who keep the leadership informed and persuade party members to vote along party lines are called the

majority and minority whips.

Unlike other legislation, tax bills can originate

only in the House

Who helps members of Congress with a variety of tasks, including answering constituents' questions, writing speeches, and drafting bills?

personal staff members

The Constitution assigns a position in Congress to the vice president. That position is

president of the Senate

Which of the following powers can Congress use to check the power of the judicial branch?

proposing an amendment to the Constitution

ne example of a permanent committee in Congress is a

standing committee

Congressional committees get assistance from staff members. What other organizations help them?

support agencies

Which statement about state legislatures is true?

Nebraska is the only state with a unicameral, or one-house, legislature.

Based on informal qualifications lawmakers are expected to meet today, a person with which of the following qualities is most likely to become a lawmaker?

a college degree and a background in business or law

How is Congress different than bicameral legislatures in most countries?

The two houses of Congress are equal in power.

Why do some people advocate term limits for state legislators?

They believe new legislators are closer to their constituents.

What does it mean when lawmakers secure large amounts of pork?

They have won federally-funded projects for their home districts

What do legislators do when they take on casework?

They help their constituents solve problems that involve the federal government.

Which lawmakers must be at least 30 years old and U.S. citizens for at least nine years?

U.S. Senators