congress super set
16) Relative to the total population, the most underrepresented group in Congress is A) African Americans. B) Hispanics. C) women. D) Jews. E) homosexuals.
c
Standing committees
committee to which proposed bills are referred; continues from one Congress to the next. Focuses on a specific subject.
Oversight
congressional review of the activities of an agency, department, or office.
105) The best way constituents can influence congressional voting on legislation is to A) sign petitions. B) write letters or send telegrams. C) fax or call in their opinions. D) elect a representative or senator who agrees with their views. E) demonstrate on the steps of the capitol.
d
20) In most congressional elections, challengers A) outspend an incumbent. B) win. C) are better known than incumbents. D) lose. E) spend roughly as much money as incumbents.
d
27) Which of the following is NOT one of the three primary activities that members of Congress engage in to increase the probability of their reelection? A) advertising B) credit-claiming C) position-taking D) oversight E) None of the above; oversight is a form of position-taking.
d
According to the Constitution, how is the president supposed to be elected?
election through the Electoral College.
Conference committee
special joint committee created to iron out difference between Senate and House versions of a specific piece of legislation.
The boundary lines of congressional districts are drawn by
state legislatures
logrolling
supporting one's bill for support for another
Select (or special) committees
temporary committee approving for specific purpose, such as conducting special investigation or study.
The committee system is more important in the House than in the Senate because
the House is so large that more work can be accomplished in committees than on the floor
Majority leader
the elected leader of the party controlling the most seats in the House of Reps or the Senate; is second in authority to the Speaker of the House and in the Senate is regarded as its most powerful member.
Speaker of the House
the elected presiding officer of the House and the leader of its majority party (John Boehner)
majority leader
the floor leader of the majority party in either house
minority leader
the floor leader of the minority party in either house
committee chairmen
the heads of the standing committees in Congress
28. Nominees to the United States Supreme Court must be confirmed by A) the Senate. B) the House. C) either the House or the Senate. D) both the House and the Senate. E) the president.
A
3. ________ privileges refer to the free use of the mails enjoyed by Congress. A) Franking B) Conmail C) Junket D) Procurement E) E-mail
A
The __________ is where congressional Democrats gather to select their leadership at the beginning of each term. A. conference committee B. electoral college C. leadership conference D. party caucus E. party conference
Party caucus
War Powers Act
Passed by Congress in 1973; limits president's war powers, needs approval from Congress.
How did Americans' attitudes about the role of government change as a result of the Great Depression and Roosevelt's new deal?
People became more accepting of the federal government's role in economic policy.
Constituent
People who live and vote in a representative's home district or state
Describe the opening day of the Senate.
Since only a third of the Senate is elected every two years, newly elected members are simply sworn in and vacancies for officers and committees are filled.
What demonstrates the Founder's desire to insulate the Senate from popular displeasure?
Terms of six years, with ONE third of seats open for election every two years.
In which institutional resource are leaders both appointed by the president and approved by the Senate?
The Cabinet
What is a floor leader?
They are party officers in the House and Senate.
What role does the President of the Senate play? Who does the Constitution declare this officer?
The Constitution declares the Vice President as the President of the Senate. He/she can recognize members, put questions to a vote, etc but cannot take part in debates and votes only to break a tie. The President pro tempore is a member of the Senate's majority party and serves as the Senate leader when the Vice President is not available.
In recent presidential administrations, the principal staff for the President has been made up of members of the
White House Office
13) African Americans constitute ________ of the United States Senate. A) less than 10 percent B) approximately 35 percent C) roughly half D) well over half E) about 20 percent
a
Which is a group of presidential advisers? This group is too large and diverse to serve as a collective board.
The White House Staff.
majority leader
The legislative leader selected by the majority party who helps plan party strategy, confers with other party leaders, and tries to keep members of the party in line.
Filibuster
a formal way of halting action on a bill by means of long speeches or unlimited debate in the Senate.
Bicameral legislature
a legislature divided into two houses; U.S. Congress and state legislatures are bicameral, except Nebraska(unicameral)
Elections for the House of Representatives provide
approximately equal representation for every voter
packing and cracking
gerrymandering
Veto
president rejecting a bill.
The role of a conference committee in Congress is to
reconcile differences in bills passed by the House and Senate
Franking
the privilege of free mail service provided to members of Congress
Redistricting
the redrawing of congressional districts to reflect increase or decreases in seats allotted to the states, as well as population shifts within a state.
Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between Congress and the Judiciary?
Congress must be increasingly mindful of the Supreme Court's reaction when it enacts new laws for the nation.
Which of the following were LEAST likely to have been part of the New Deal electoral coalition? (A) Blue-collar workers (B)Racial minorities (C)Southerners (D)Northern business leaders (E) Farm laborers
D
Name the President Pro Tempore.
Daniel K. Inouye
redistricting
The redrawing of congressional and other legislative district lines following the census to accommodate population shifts and keep districts as equal as possible in population.
Which of the following is an example of checks and balances, as established by the Constitution?
The requirement that presidential appointments to the Supreme Court be approved by the Senate
constituents
The residents of a congressional district or state.
Earmark
Funds in appropriations bill that provide dollars for particular purposes within a state or congressional district.
The advantages of incumbency in congressional elections include which of the following?
I. Incumbents receive more campaign contributions than do challengers II. Incumbents are able to provide important services for individual voters
Which statement about incumbency is most accurate?
Incumbents have a huge advantage in reelection.
How have Americans rated members of Congress in recent years?
Individual members of Congress rate slightly higher than congress as a whole, but approval ratings are at an all time low.
Name the Majority Whip in the Senate.
Richard Durbin
standing committee
A permanent committee established in a legislature, usually focusing on a policy area.
35. Which of the following statements about the majority leader of the House of Representatives is FALSE? A) The majority leader exercises substantial control over which bills get assigned to which committees. B) The majority leader is the main steppingstone to the job of Speaker of the House. C) The majority leader is responsible for scheduling bills in the House. D) The majority leader is responsible for rounding up votes on behalf of the partyʹs position on legislation. E) He or she is the principal ally of the Speaker.
A
37. The most powerful person in the Senate is the A) majority leader. B) vice president of the United States, who serves as president of the Senate. C) chair of the Rules Committee. D) Speaker. E) president of the United States.
A
All of the following are formal or informal sources of presidential power EXCEPT (A) presidential authority to raise revenue (B) presidential access to the media (C) precedents set during previous administrations (D) public support (E) the Constitution
A
Congress has attempted to protect independent regulatory agencies from political influence by requiring that each agency (A) be led by a group of commissioners representing both major political parties (B) plan policy cooperatively with the appropriate congressional committees (C) reapply for funding at the end of each fiscal year (D) submit all planned policy changes to the president for approval (E) seek the advice and cooperation of the industries they regulate
A
In recent presidential administrations, the principal staff for the President has been made up of members of the (A) White House Office (B) cabinet (C) Congress (D) national committee of the President's party (E) civil service
A
override
An action taken by Congress to reverse a presidential veto, requiring a two-thirds majority in each chamber
safe seat
An elected office that is predictably won by one party or the other, so the success of that party's candidate is almost taken for granted.
--- is a good example of Congressional casework.
Assistance to a constituent in obtaining a Social Security check.
10. The most common prior occupation for members of Congress is A) business. B) law. C) education. D) public service. E) state legislator.
B
18. On average, most of the money raised by a candidate for Congress comes from A) political parties. B) individual contributions. C) the candidateʹs own savings. D) Political Action Committees. E) loans.
B
2. Which of the following is NOT one of the perquisites which go with the job of being a member of Congress? A) a salary of over $150,000 B) subsidized housing in the Virginia or Maryland suburbs of D.C. C) free use of the mails to communicate with constituents D) free office space in Washington, D.C., and in the constituency from which elected E) a budget to support office staff
B
32. One of the key differences between the House and Senate is that the Senate A) is more centralized. B) is less dependent on seniority for determining power. C) has a lower turnover rate. D) has stronger leadership. E) has more anarchy.
B
Which of the following statements about Congress is true? (A) Members of Congress only occasionally are interested in and pay attention to constituents (B) The legislative process is frequently lengthy, decentralized, and characterized by compromise and bargaining (C) Lobbyists and political action committees (PAC's) successfully induce most members of Congress to trade with votes for campaign contributions (D) The growth in the size of Congress as an organization is the principal cause of growth in the federal budget deficit (E) Debate in both houses is structured by elaborate rules enacted by leaders of the majority party
B
What role does a president play when celebrating a national holiday?
Chief of state.
attentive public
Citizens who follow public affairs carefully.
17. House incumbents typically receive A) about the same amount of contributions from PACs as challengers. B) less from PACs than challengers. C) much more from PACs as challengers. D) generous support from their party campaign committees. E) none of the above.
D
23. To be sent to the president, a bill must be passed by A) the House. B) the Senate. C) either the House or the Senate. D) both the House and the Senate. E) a majority vote of Congress, regardless of which house the votes come from.
D
One example of the Framer's intent to insulate the Senate from the tyranny of the majority was to...
Have members appointed by their respective state legislatures.
During an election, an incumbent representative might point to local allocations of a federal highway bill as a reason to be re-elected. This is an example of __________. A. credit claiming B. gerrymandering C. passing the buck D. redistricting E. spin control
Credit claiming
Pocket veto
If the Congress adjourns before the ten days are up, and the president chooses not to the sign the bill.
Congressional whips serve what main function? A. act as official spokespersons for their chambers B. help the Speaker schedule proposed legislation for debate C. meet with members of the executive cabinet D. persuade party members to toe the party line E. serve as personal assistants to the majority and minority leaders
Persuade party members to toe the party line
Historically, vice presidential candidates are chosen to
Politically balance the ticket.
What is the main purpose served by government corporations?
Providing services not fully trusted to the private sector.
In the house of representatives, the --- decides who will speak on the floor and rules on points of order.
Speaker.
Name the Minority Whip in the House.
Steny Hoyer
Which is an example of logrolling in Congress?
Supporting a bill in exchange for support of one's own bill.
Legislative veto
The ability of Congress to override a presidential decision.
What is the major purpose of an independent regulatory commission?
To regulate commerce.
Why was the wars powers resolution adopted by congress?
To reinvigorate the role of Congress in the conduct of war.
According to the trustee model of representation, legislators are---
Trusted by their constitutions because they are natives of their home districts.
Which of the following actions can Congress take if the Supreme Court finds a federal law unconstitutional?
Try to amend the Constitution
55) House seats are up for election every A) two years. B) four years. C) six years. D) eight years. E) five years.
a
A "cloture motion" passed in the Senate does which of the following
cuts off debate on a bill
86) The seniority system gave a decisive edge to House members from ________ districts. A) Republican B) suburban C) older D) safe E) competitive
d
standing committee
permanent panels in each house of Congress
earmakrs/pork
taxpayers
Gerrymandering
the drawing of legislative district boundaries to benefit a party, group, or incumbent
Each state has --- senators elected every -- years.
two, six
Name the Speaker of the House.
John Boehner
Name the Minority Whip in the Senate.
Jon Kyl
Name the Majority Whip in the House.
Kevin McCarthy
In the event of a major scandal, which kind of committee would be convened to conduct a special investigation? A. a conference committee B. an investigative committee C. a joint committee D. a select/special committee E. a standing committee
A joint committee
__________ is a good example of Congressional casework. A. Analysis of an incumbent's policy positions prior to a debate B. Analysis of police force effectiveness C. Analysis of water quality within a district D. Assistance to a constituent in obtaining a Social Security check E. Assistance to a federal agency operating within a member's district
Assistance to a constituent in obtaining a Social Security check
What is a party caucus?
It is a closed meeting of the members of each party in each house. The caucus discusses policy issues and selects the party's floor leader and committee chairs.
Name the President of the Senate.
Joe Biden
Name the Minority Floor Leader in the House.
Nancy Pelosi
How might a bill become law if it has been pocket vetoed? A. Congress may override the pocket veto with a three-fourths vote in each chamber. B. Congress may override the pocket veto with a two-thirds vote in each chamber. C. The bill can never become law. D. The bill must be reintroduced in the next session of Congress. E. The president may sign the bill at his or her discretion.
The bill must be reintroduced in the next session of Congress
What is the purpose of the State of the Union Address?
The president delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress a few weeks after it is organized. In addition to describing the general state of national affairs, the President describes the planned policies of his/her administration to Congress and the nation, requesting that Congress pass specific pieces of legislation.
Each state has __________ senators elected every __________ years. A. two, two B. two, four C. two, six D. four, two E. four, four
Two, six
party caucus
a closed meeting of the members of each party in each house
joint committee
a committee made up of both houses
whip
assistant floor leaders
subcommittee
divisions of standing committees that do most of the committee's work
President of the Senate
the Senate's presiding officer (Joe Biden)
President Pro Tempore
the elected Senate officer who presides in the Vice President's absence (Daniel K).
seniority rule
the unwritten custom that the party members with the longest records of service should hold the most important posts in Congress
floor leaders
unofficial party officers who serve in each house
Bill
a proposed law.
-----Refers to the authority of administrators int he federal bureaucracy to make choices concerning the best way to implement policies.
Discretion.
16. Which of the following statements reflects a pluralist theory of American politics? (A) American politics is dominated by a small elite (B) Public policies emerge from cooperation among elites in business, labor, and government (C) Public policies emerge from compromises reached among competing groups (D) American politics is dominated by cities at the expense of rural areas (E) The American political arena is made up of isolated individuals who have few group affiliations outside the family
E
20. Which of the following statements about Congress is FALSE? A) Congress is a collection of generalists trying to make policy on specialized topics. B) Members of Congress are surrounded by people who know (or claim to know) more than they do. C) Members of Congress are often unsure of what is being voted on when a roll-call vote is called. D) Members frequently ask their colleagues how to vote. E) none of the above
E
Arabic is the language of:
Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Egypt.
In the House of Representatives, the __________ decides who will speak on the floor, and rules on points of order. A. majority leader B. majority whip C. minority leader D. president pro tempore E. Speaker
Speaker
earmarks
Special spending projects that are set aside on behalf of individual members of Congress for their constituents.
Hold
a tactic by chic a senator asks to be informed before a particular bill is brought to the floor. This allows the senator to stop the bill from coming to the floor until the hold is removed.
select committee
a temporary committee set up for a special purpose
conference committee
a temporary joint committee created to settle differences
Cloture
mechanism requiring sixty senators to vote to cut off debate.
The constitutional convention resulted in what form of legislature?
Bicameral.
In general, Congress is most likely to defer to the President
) in the area of foreign policy
Congressional district boundaries are usually redrawn every ten years by the
) state legislatures
On average, each member of the House represents ---- voters.
700,000
. Which of the following accurately describes congressional committees? I. The committee chairpersons always belong to the majority party II. Seats on each committee are divided between the two major parties in exact proportion to the parties' representation in Congress III. They recommend whether Congress should pass various pieces of legislation, and those recommendations are always approved by the full congressional body IV. When a committee vote results in a tie, the vice president casts the tie breaking vote (A) I only (B) II only (C) I and III only (D) II and III only (E) I, II, and IV only
A
10. Of the following groups of eligible voters, which is least likely to vote? (A)The young with low education levels (B) The middle-aged with low education levels (C)Middle-aged and older women (D) Blue-collar workers (E) Middle-class African American citizens
A
12. Incumbents are those A) already holding office. B) running for office for the first time. C) who have been defeated in an election. D) retired members of Congress. E) running for an office.
A
13. The single most important advantage to someone trying to get elected to Congress is A) being an incumbent. B) having more money to spend on campaigning. C) being charismatic and photogenic. D) having a clean record. E) winning the endorsement of the top leaders of their party.
A
15. Which of the following statements about those who challenge incumbent members of the House is TRUE? A) They are usually not well-known. B) They are usually experienced legislators. C) They usually have a well-established organizational backing. D) They tend to be well-financed. E) They usually conduct public opinion polls and only run if they have a good chance of winning.
A
22. Bicameralism means that a legislative body is one A) with two houses, providing checks and balances on policymaking. B) in which each state has two senators, providing equal representation of the states. C) in which incumbents have a better chance of being reelected, providing continuity in policymaking. D) that must share power with a president, providing more efficient policymaking. E) in which there are only two political parties.
A
24. House seats are up for election every A) two years. B) four years. C) six years. D) eight years. E) five years.
A
A member of which of the following demographic groups is most likely to support a Republican presidential candidate? (A) White male (B) White female (C) African American, male or female (D) Youths under the age of 25, male or female (E) Individuals earning below poverty-level wages, male or female
A
Considered as a single group, the Small Business Administration, the Small Business committees in the House and Senate, and small business advocacy groups are an example of (A) an iron triangle (B) a conference committee (C) a regulatory agency (D) dual Federalism (E) a third party
A
In which of the following did Congress move to regain powers previously lost to the executive branch? (A) Budget and Impoundment Control Act (B) Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Act (C) Presidential Disability Act (D) Gulf of Tonkin Resolution (E) Persian Gulf War Resolution
A
Interest groups representing businesspeople and investors are often among the most successful lobbying groups in Washington, DC, for all of the following reasons EXCEPT (A) Such groups have the financial resources to mount sustained campaigns on their own behalf (B) Many such groups have been in existence for several decades or more, allowing them to master the legislative system and to develop close ties with legislators (C) In many districts, these groups' constituents make up the majority of voters (D) These groups' constituents contribute heavily to many legislators' campaigns, and in doing so, gain greater access to legislators (E) Economic lobbyists often campaign for obscure or minute changes to tax law about which the public knows little, and therefore frequently meet little opposition
A
Invocation of the War Powers Act of 1973 would be most important in determining which of the following? (A) The nature of the commitment of United States Marine to a peace-keeping role in Lebanon (B) The amount of financial aid to the Contras of Nicaragua (C) The timing of naval maneuvers off the coast of Libya (D) The appointment of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (E) The legality of extraditing foreign agents responsible for acts of terrorism against United States citizens abroad
A
Of the following groups that have traditionally supported the Democratic Party, which would LEAST likely be cited by someone arguing that the Democrats represented only liberal constituencies? (A) White southerners (B) Labor union members (C) African Americans (D) Northern ethnic minorities (E) Environmentalists
A
The activities of the Federal Reserve Board have the most direct influence on (A) bank interest rates (B) government spending (C) oil prices (D) troop-strength levels of the armed services (E) availability of scarce minerals
A
The power of the Rules Committee in the House of Representatives rests on its authority to (A) Choose the chairs of other standing committees and issues rules for the selection of subcommittee chairs (B) Initiate all spending legislation and hold budget hearings (C) Place a bill on the legislative calendar, limit time for debate, and determine the type of amendments allowed (D) Determine the procedures by which nominations by the President will be approved by the House (E) Choose the President if no candidate wins a majority in the electoral college
A
The request of recent Presidents for the line-item veto is a challenge to which of the following principles? (A) Separation of powers (B) Senatorial courtesy (C) Eminent domain (D) Executive privilege (E) Congressional oversight
A
They opinions of congressional committees often fail to accurately mirror public opinion because (A) the membership of committees often over represents constituencies with the greatest stake in the committee's business (B) most committees are too small to include representatives of all popular opinions (C) the minority party controls nearly half of all committees (D) committee members often lose track of their constituents' priorities because of their frequent contact with special-interest lobbyists (E) committee members rely primarily on their legislative aides to develop their positions on committee business
A
Which of the following is true of Congresses' power of oversight? (A) Congressional oversight activities most often take place at the committee and subcommittee level (B) State challenges to congressional oversight have severely weakened Congress's oversight powers (C) Congressional oversight is primarily directed at the judicial branch (D) Constituent input does not influence congressional oversight (E) Congressional oversight primarily concerns Congress's power to discipline its own members
A
What occurs during the appropriations process? A. Congress grants funds to federal agencies and programs. B. Congress makes laws. C. Congress acquires requested oversight material from the executive. D. Congress instructs the president to eliminate federal agencies. E. Congress creates new federal agencies.
A Congress grands funds to federal agencies and programs
Which of the following trends was evident in presidential elections in the 1980's
A Democratic majority in partisan self-identification
conference committee
A committee appointed by the presiding officers of each chamber to adjust differences on a particular bill passed by each in different form.
joint committee
A committee composed of members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate; such committees oversee the Library of Congress and conduct investigations.
special or select committee
A congressional committee created for a specific purpose, sometimes to conduct an investigation.
pocket veto
A formal decision to reject a bill passed by Congress after it adjourns—if Congress adjourns during the ten days that the president is allowed to sign or veto a law, the president can reject the law by taking no action at all.
seniority rule
A legislative practice that assigns the chair of a committee or subcommittee to the member of the majority party with the longest continuous service on the committee.
Which example best demonstrates a legislator acting as a trustee of his or her constituency?
A legislator considers public opinion, refining it with information and careful thought.
Which of these became an official presidential qualification in 1951?
A maximum of two terms.
party caucus
A meeting of the members of a party in a legislative chamber to select party leaders and to develop party policy.
discharge petition
A petition that, if signed by a majority of the members of the House of Representatives, will pry a bill from committee and bring it to the floor for consideration.
filibuster
A procedural practice in the Senate whereby a senator refuses to relinquish the floor and thereby delays proceedings and prevents a vote on a controversial issue.
open rule
A procedural rule in the House of Representatives that permits floor amendments within the overall time allocated to the bill.
closed rule
A procedural rule in the House of Representatives that prohibits any amendments to bills or provides that only members of the committee reporting the bill may offer amendments.
cloture
A procedure for terminating debate, especially filibusters, in the Senate.
rider
A provision attached to a bill—to which it may or may not be related—in order to secure its passage or defeat.
Why were Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton impeached but not removed from office? A. A simple majority in the House led to charges of wrongdoing, but a Senate trial failed to impeach. B. A simple majority in the Senate led to charges of wrongdoing, but a House trial failed to impeach. C. A supermajority in the House led to charges of wrongdoing, but a Senate trial failed to impeach. D. A supermajority in the Senate led to charges of wrongdoing, but a House trial failed to impeach. E. Neither chamber of Congress secured enough votes for a trial.
A simple majority in the House led to charges of wrongdoing, but a Senate trial failed to impeach.
Which of the following leadership abilities is critical to presidential success?
Ability to persuade members of Congress and the American Public.
president pro tempore
An officer of the Senate selected by the majority party to act as chair in the absence of the vice president.
delegate
An official who is expected to represent the views of his or her constituents even when personally holding different views; one interpretation of the role of the legislator.
trustee
An official who is expected to vote independently based on his or her judgment of the circumstances; one interpretation of the role of the legislator.
Which presidential power gives the president the ability to control what happens inside departments and agencies during their terms and to shape the federal judiciary (including Supreme Court) far into the future?
Appointment.
__________ is the process of allotting congressional seats to each state according to its proportion of the population. A. Apportionment B. Appropriations C. Delegation D. Gerrymandering E. Redistricting
Apportionment
The process of allotting congressional seats to each state according to its proportion of the population.
Apportionment.
"Pork barrel" legislation helps the reelection chances of a member of Congress because such legislation (A) gives the member of Congress national standing and coverage on national television news (B) helps earn the member of Congress a reputation for service to his or her district (C) attracts campaign contributions from ideological political action committees (PAC's) (D) prevents other candidates from claiming that the member of Congress is too liberal for his or her district (E) requires the member of Congress to travel extensively
B
10. Which of the following statements about Democrats and Republicans is true? (A) City dwellers are more likely to call themselves Republicans than Democrats (B) Republicans are more likely than Democrats to label themselves "conservatives" (C) African American citizens are more likely to call themselves Republicans than Democrats (D) Republicans are more likely than Democrats to believe that adequate medical care should be guaranteed by the federal government (E) People in working-class occupations are more likely to call themselves Republicans than Democrats
B
The --- is the departments, agencies, and officers within the executive branch that perform the functions of government.
Bureaucracy
How does congress exercise control over agencies and departments in the federal bureaucracy?
By issuing executive orders.
36. Which of the following procedures results in the removal of the President from office? (A) The House and Senate vote for impeachment, and the Supreme Court reaches a guilty verdict (B) The House votes for impeachment, and the Senate conducts a trial and reaches a guilty verdict (C) The House and Senate both vote for a bill of impeachment (D) Only the House votes for a bill of impeachment (E) A criminal court finds the President guilty of "high crimes and misdermeanors"
B
6. The United States Senate has ________ members. A) 50 B) 100 C) 435 D) 438 E) 535
B
7. How many senators are elected from each state? A) one B) two C) four D) it depends on a stateʹs population E) the same number as it has electors in the electoral college
B
8. Which of the following is TRUE about the minimum age requirements for members of Congress set forth in the Constitution? A) One must be at least 21 years of age to serve in the House of Representatives. B) One must be at least 30 years of age to serve in the Senate. C) One must be at least 35 years of age to serve in either the House or the Senate. D) There are no age requirements for members of Congress. E) The age requirements are the same for the House and the Senate.
B
A member of the House of Representatives wishing to influence tax policy would most likely try to serve on which of the following committees? (A) Commerce (B) Ways and Means (C) Education and the Workforce (D) Resources (E) Judiciary
B
Cabinet departments differ from independent regulatory agencies in which of the following ways? (A) The President can use and executive order to create a cabinet department but not to create an independent regulatory agency (B) The President can dismiss cabinet officers, but not commissioners of independent regulatory agencies (C) The president seeks appointees who reflect administration views in making cabinet appointments but not in making appointments to independent regulatory agencies (D) Thought the appropriations process, Congress can exert control over the cabinet departments but not over independent regulatory agencies (E) The courts can overrule regulations issued by cabinet departments, but not those issued by independent regulatory agencies
B
Compared with political parties in countries such as England and Israel, both of which have multiparty systems, American political parties are (A) less interested in influencing the outcome of elections (B) less clearly indentified with consistent political ideologies (C) less effective at raising money from political supporters (D) better able to reflect the goals of their entire constituencies (E) more likely to organize around a single issue or goal
B
Congress would be required to use the "elastic clause" of the Constitution to (A) change citizenship requirements (B) impose workplace safety standards (C) increase tax rates (D) authorize the treasury to print money (E) declare war
B
In the last years, the single most important variable in determining the outcome of an election for a member of the House of Representatives has been (A) Incumbency (B) Personal wealth (C) Previous political offices held in the district (D) Membership in the political party of the President (E) Positions on key social issues
B
One of the formal tools used by Congress for oversight of the bureaucracy is (A) the line-item veto (B) authorization of spending (C) impoundment bills (D) private bills (E) senatorial courtesy
B
People who join a political party other than the one to which their parents belong most often do so because of (A) peer pressure (B) economic issues (C) religious beliefs (D) pressure from their employers (E) issues of international politics
B
To which of the following congressional committees would a proposal to reform the national income-tax system initially be sent? (A) House Appropriations Committee (B) House Ways and Means Committee (C) House Budget Committee (D) Senate Budget Committee (E) Senate Finance Committee
B
Under which of the following conditions are people most likely to vote? (A) When they believe that none of the contested races is close (B) When media coverage of the election is intense (C) When the voter is unfamiliar with the candidates (D) When the voter is unaffiliated with a political party (E) During a midterm election
B
Which of the following best describes the practice of "ticket splitting"? (A) A presidential nominee selects a running mate who can appeal to voter groups whose support of the nominee is weak (B) A voter chooses the presidential nominee of one major party, but chooses congressional nominees of the other major party (C) A mayor orders the local police force to hand out fewer parking violations in the weeks leading up to the general election (D) A delegate to a national party convention supports the front-runner but remains uncommitted on the party platform (E) A member of Congress votes against legislation proposed by his or her party leader
B
Which of the following best describes the relationship between socioeconomic status and participation in politics? (A) The lower one's socioeconomic status the more likely it is that one will run for public office (B) The higher one's socioeconomic status, the greater the probability of active involvement in the political process (C) Adults who are unemployed have a greater personal interest in policy and tend to participate more actively in politics than do employed adults (D) People in the lower middle class are not the most likely to participate in politics (E) There is no relationship between socioeconomic status and political participation
B
Which of the following is an accurate statement about the leadership of the two major political parties? (A) The national party organization controls all facets of party activity throughout the country (B) Party leadership is dispersed among numerous officials at the national, state, and local levels (C) The highest elected official in each national party directs that party's activities and operations all the way down to the state and local levels (D) All major decisions concerning party activities are made during each party's presidential nomination conventions (E) Prominent former officeholders, such as ex-presidents, lead their respective political parties
B
Why does the perception of a mandate matter in presidential politics?
Because modern presidents are more dependent on the people for election and more involved in policy making than early presidents, they are prone to claim the mandate of the people when governing.
1. A first-term member of the House of Representatives from North Dakota who wished to maximize opportunities for constituent service would be opportunities for constituent service would be most likely to seek placement on which of the following? (A) Judiciary (B) Agriculture (C) Rules (D) Foreign affairs Science and technology
C
1. The foremost attraction for the job of serving in Congress is A) a salary four times the income of the typical American family. B) generous retirement benefits. C) the power to make key public policy decisions. D) travel benefits. E) employment opportunities after leaving office.
C
11. Relative to the total population, the most underrepresented group in Congress is A) African Americans. B) Hispanics. C) women. D) Jews. E) homosexuals.
C
14. Reasons that incumbent senators have greater competition than incumbent members of the House include all of the following EXCEPT A) an entire state is more diverse than a congressional district, providing more of a base for opposition. B) senators have less personal contact with their constituencies. C) voters are less likely to know the issue positions of their senators than their representatives. D) senators tend to draw more visible challengers. E) senate challengers are better funded than House challengers.
C
19. After each federal census, A) the office of the Speaker of the House changes hands. B) the size of Congress increases. C) the membership of the House is reapportioned D) the Senate reapportions its membership. E) all of the above
C
21. Nebraskaʹs legislature is the only one in the United States that is NOT A) elected by the voters. B) unicameral. C) bicameral. D) tricameral. E) under term limits.
C
25. A Senate seat is up for election every A) two years. B) four years. C) six years. D) eight years. E) five years.
C
27. According to the Constitution, revenue bills must originate in the A) Internal Revenue Service. B) Federal Reserve System. C) House. D) Senate. E) Treasury Department.
C
30. According to the Constitution, once impeached, federal officials are then tried in the A) Supreme Court. B) House. C) Senate. D) Department of Justice. E) United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
C
31. One of the key differences between the House and Senate is that the House A) has weaker leadership. B) is more influential on foreign affairs. C) has more policy specialization. D) is less centralized. E) is less institutionalized.
C
33. The real differences between the House and the Senate lie in their A) ideology. B) membersʹ characteristics. C) organization and centralization of power. D) role in policy. E) power relative to each other.
C
39. The presidentʹs most common method of attempting to influence Congress is to A) call up wavering members. B) offer to campaign for members. C) hold regular meetings with the partyʹs leaders in Congress. D) invite members of Congress to the White House. E) use the veto power.
C
40. If Congress has increased the scope of government it is because A) members typically suffer from Potomac fever. B) members are by-spending liberals. C) that is what constituencies want. D) that is what Congressional staffers want. E) it is responding to the policy expertise provided by the bureaucracy.
C
5. The United States House of Representatives has ________ members. A) 638 B) 100 C) 435 D) 80 E) 535
C
9. In terms of religion, most members of Congress are A) Catholic. B) Jewish. C) Protestant. D) born-again Christians. E) atheists.
C
A President attempting to influence Congress to pass a legislative program might employ all of the following strategies EXCEPT (A) using the media to draw attention to the legislative program (B) assigning legislative liaisons in the Executive Office of the President to lobby legislators (C) denying campaign reelection funds to legislators who oppose the President's policy stand (D) exploiting a partisan majority for the President's party in both the House and Senate (E) reminding legislators of high popularity ratings for the President in public opinion polls
C
Incumbent members of the House of Representatives win reelection more often than incumbent senators for all of the following reasons EXCEPT (A) representatives' constituents more often belong largely to the representative's party (B) senators have more political power than representatives, and Senate races are accordingly contested more aggressively (C) representatives may use federal funds to publicize their achievements via direct mail to constituents (D) representatives more often run uncontested (E) the fact that Senate races are held statewide generates more media coverage and thus more public awareness
C
Most of the bills introduced in the House and the Senate are then (A) passed by one chamber but not the other (B) passed by both chambers but vetoed by the President (C) referred to committee but never sent to the full Congress (D) voted down during the amendment stage of the floor debate (E) killed in the Rules Committee
C
Of the following, which best predicts the likelihood that citizens will vote? (A) Their race (B) Their religion (C) Their educational level (D) Their gender (E) Their region of residence
C
The President's veto power is accurately described by which of the following statements? I. A President sometimes threatens to veto a bill that is under discussion in order to influence congressional decision-making II. A President typically vetoes about a third of the bills passed through Congress III.. Congress is usually unable to override a President's veto (A) I only (B) III only (C) I and III only (D) II and III only (E) I, II, and III
C
The absence of a political party solely dedicated to labor and working class issues in the United States (A) the membership of committees often over-represents (B) is the result of government restrictions placed on the political activities of labor unions (C) reflects the difficulty of unifying a party around a single issues in a "winner-take-all" f format (D) demonstrates that, in the United States, most political issues regarding workers have been decided in the workers' favor (E) illustrates that race, not class, is the primary political division in the United States
C
The line-item veto was found unconstitutional because (A) it gave executive powers to the legislature (B) it gave legislative powers to the bureaucracy (C) it gave legislative powers to the president (D) it delegated too many powers to the states (E) it permitted the Senate to use judicial review to reverse the House of Representatives
C
When the Democratic Party pursues liberal social policies, it is most likely to alienate which of its traditional bases? (A) People holding advanced academic degrees (B) Northeastern city dwellers (C) Southerners (D) Jewish Americans (E) Urban African Americans
C
Which of the following has decreased in Congress over the past thirty years? (A) the chances of members' reelection (B) the influence of committee chairs (C) the power of subcommittees (D) the total number of congressional staff employees (E) the cost of congressional elections Congress has exerted the greatest influence on the operation of a federal agency by doing which of the following? (A) Requiring the agency to participate in interagency task forces (B) Dismissing and agency head who disagrees with congressional priorities (C) Reviewing the annual budget appropriations for the agency (D) Passing "sunset" legislation that terminates programs after a certain period (E) Asking the Supreme Court for advisory opinions on agency regulations
C
Which of the following is articulated in the War Powers Resolution? (A) the President may declare war (B) the President must finance any war efforts from a special contingency fund (C) the President must bring troops home from hostilities within 60 to 90 days unless Congress extends the time (D) the President may not nationalize state militias without congressional consent (E) the President may not send troops into hostilities without a declaration of war from Congress or a resolution from the United Nations
C
Which of the following would result from the direct election of presidential candidates? (A) A national primary would be established (B) Party nominating conventions would be abolished (C) Each vote would count equally in determining which candidate won the election (D) The electoral college would become more influential in the electoral process (E) Third-Party candidates would have less chance of winning the election
C
__________is the only formal method for ending a filibuster, and requires the approval of __________ senators. A. abrogation, fifty-one B. abrogation, sixty C. censure, sixty D. cloture, fifty-one E. cloture, sixty
Cloture, sixty
Joint committee
Committee that includes members from both houses of Congress to conduct investigations or special studies.
A special committee created to reconcile differences in bills passed by the House and Senate.
Conference Committee.
A __________ is a special committee created to reconcile differences in bills passed by the House and Senate. A. conference committee B. joint committee C. select committee D. special committee E. standing committee
Conference committee
What occurs during the appropriations process?
Congress grants funds to federal agencies and programs.
How are political parties included in Congress?
Congress is strongly partisan. It is organized along party lines with it's key positions and committees controlled by the majority party in each house.
Which of the following groups would be most likely to have influence over non-idealogical legislation?
Congressional staff and colleagues in Congress.
14. Political parties serve which of the following functions in the United States? I. Informing the public about political issues II. Mobilizing voters and getting them to the polls III. Organizing diverse interests within society IV. Establishing the rules governing financial contributions to political candidates (A) II only (B) I and II only (C) III and IV only (D) I, II, and III only
D
16. In the House races of 2004, the typical incumbent outspent the typical challenger by A) 2 to 1. B) 4 to 1. C) 6to1. D) 15 to 1. E) 20 to 1.
D
26. Which of the following is TRUE about the Senate as compared to the House? A) more centralized with stronger leadership B) seniority more important in determining power C) more influential on the budget D) more influential in foreign affairs E) smaller in number, less powerful and less prestigious
D
29. Articles of impeachment must be passed by A) either the House or the Senate. B) both the House and the Senate. C) the Senate. D) the House. E) the Supreme Court.
D
34. The minority whip A) assists the majority leader in party-line votes. B) becomes the Speaker automatically if the Speaker resigns. C) represents African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans in each chamber of Congress. D) keeps a close head count on key votes, and attempts to keep party members in line. E) is used to punish members who do not vote with the rest of their party.
D
36. The ________ has the job of presiding over the Senate, breaking ties when necessary. A) majority leader B) majority whip C) minority leader D) vice president E) Speaker
D
38. Legislative ________ is the process of monitoring the bureaucracy and its administration of policy. A) franking B) stonewalling C) overview D) oversight E) supremacy
D
4. A myth about members of Congress is that they A) generally are educated and come from high-status occupations. B) tend to develop policy specialties. C) are especially effective in carrying out their constituent service. D) are overpaid, underworked, corrupt, and ineffective. E) are overwhelmingly male.
D
A member of the House of Representatives who wished to be influential in the House itself would most likely seek a place on which of the following committees? (A) Agriculture (B) International Relations (C) Transportation and Infrastructure (D) Rules (E) Veteran's Affairs
D
All of the following contribute to lower voting rates among Americans in the 18-to-25 age bracket EXCEPT (A) college attendance in a state other than one's home state (B) frequent relocation of one's primary residence (C) the remoteness of most political issues to the daily lives of young people (D) the fact that the minimum voting age in some states is 21 (E) military service
D
An advantage that bureaucrats in federal government have over the President in the policymaking process is that bureaucrats (A) control the budget process (B) have an independence from the President that is guaranteed by the Constitution (C) find it easier to marshall public support than does the President (D) usually have a continuity of service in the executive branch that the President lacks (E) have better access to the media than does the President
D
Cabinet members often do not have a dominant influence on presidential decision-making because (A) cabinet members generally maintain close independent ties to Congress (B) cabinet members generally view their position only as a stepping-stone to further their own political ambitions (C) cabinet members are not permitted to disagree publicly with the President (D) presidential goals often conflict with the institutional goals of individual cabinet level agencies (E) only half of all cabinet members can be members of the President's party
D
Congressional standing committees are best described as (A) specially appointed investigative bodies (B) joint committees of the two houses of Congress (C) committees created for each session (D) permanent subject-matter committees (E) advisory staff agencies
D
Debate of a bill in the House of Representatives under a "closed rule" means that (A) the bill can only be amended by section (B) debate on the bill will consist of five-minute speeches, pro and con (C) only senior members are allowed to participate (D) amendments to the bill cannot be offered (E) the bill must be approved by two-thirds of the House
D
Filibusters are less likely to occur in the House of Representatives than in the Senate because (A) Senate decorum forbids one senator from attempting to stop another's speech (B) the House meets for substantially fewer hours per day than does the Senate (C) Senate sessions, unlike House sessions, are open to the public (D) debate in the House is in most instances strictly regulated by the rules (E) all speeches in the House are delivered by the House Speaker
D
In United States v. Nixon the Supreme Court rule that (A) the judicial branch should not intervene in political disputes between the President and Congress (B) presidential power is not automatically extended during times of national emergency (C) Presidents must account to the Court for the way in which they implement policy (D) there is no constitutional guaranteed of unqualified executive exchange (E) the President does not have the power of and item veto over congressional legislation
D
In general, independent regulatory commissions are created primary for the purpose of (A) supporting and helping cabinet-level departments (B) proposing policy alternatives during period of crises (C) regulating the activities of other bureaucratic agencies to ensure that they act in a fair an objective manner (D) regulating certain industries to protect the public interest (E) increasing the President's patronage powers
D
Political socialization is the process by which (A) the use of private property is regulated by the government (B) governments communicate with each other (C) public attitudes toward government are measured and reported (D) political values are passed to the next generation (E) children are trained for successful occupations
D
Presidents have had the most success in changing the direction of decisions of the federal judiciary by (A) threatening to ask Congress to impeach specific judges (B) using the media to build consensus for the President's position (C) requesting that Congress reduce the term of office that judges may serve (D) using the appointment process to select judges with judicial philosophies similar to those of the President (E) pressuring Congress to pass the appropriate legislation to override judicial opinions
D
Since 1960 the presidential election process has been affected by and increase in all of the following EXCEPT the (A) proportion of independents in the electorate (B) influence of political consultants (C) number of primaries (D) turnout of voters (E) role of television
D
Successful candidates for the Republican presidential nomination tend to be more conservative than rank-and-file Republicans because (A) moderate Republicans are less likely than conservative Republicans to gain widespread support in the general election (B) most moderate Republicans have approved of the Democratic presidential candidate (C) most rank-and-file Republicans do not care whether their party's nominee shares their political views (D) party activists, whose political participation is disproportionate to their numbers, tend to be very conservative (E) the Republican Party does not allow rank-and-file member to participate in the selection of the party's nominee
D
The Rules Committee is considered among the most powerful in the House of Representatives because it has great power over the (A) ethical conduct of House members (B) selection of federal judges (C) number of subcommittees that a standing committee may establish at any given time (D) scheduling of votes and the conditions under which bills are debated and amended (E) regulations governing federal elections
D
The committee system is more important in the House than in the Senate because (A) the seniority system plays no role in the House and therefore committees must play a larger role (B) the Constitution mandates the type of committee structure in the House (C) committee members are appointed by the President (D) the House is so large that more work can be accomplished in committees than on the floor (E) the majority party in the House prefers to give priority to the work of committees
D
The largest portion of the federal budget covers the costs of (A) national defense (B) social welfare programs (C) interest on the national debt (D) entitlement programs (E) tax collection
D
The legislative successes of the National Rifle Association, antiabortion activists, and other powerful interest groups demonstrate that (A) United States domestic policy has grown more conservative in the 1990's (B) the influence of political action committees has weakened in recent years (C) the power of interest groups depends on the degree of support for their positions in the White House (D) majority opinion on an issue can sometimes be overridden by the intensity of a minority's commitment of activism (E) the most powerful interest groups in the United States are generally those that support uncontroversial positions
D
The usefulness to the President of having cabinet members as political advisors is undermined by the fact that (A) the President has little latitude in choosing cabinet members (B) cabinet member have no political support independent of the President (C) cabinet members are usually drawn from Congress and retain loyalties from Congress (D) the loyalties of cabinet members are often divided between loyalty to the President and loyalty to their own executive departments (E) the cabinet operates as a collective unit and individual members have no access to the President
D
The voting patterns of members of Congress correlate most strongly with (A) the population density of their districts (B) their economic background (C) their educational level (D) their political party affiliation (E) the location of their districts
D
Which committee in the House of Representatives determines the procedure by which bills are debated and amended? (A) Ways and Means (B) Judiciary (C) Ethics (D) Rules (E) Government Reform
D
Which of the following actions can Congress take if the Supreme Court finds a federal law unconstitutional? (A) Appeal the Court's decision to the District of Columbia's Court of Appeals (B) Formally request the President to veto the Court's decision (C) Remove certain members of the Court and replace them with new members (D) Try to amend the Constitution (E) Reenact the same law
D
Which of the following committees of the House of Representatives sets the conditions for debate and amendment of most legislation? (A) Ways and Means (B) Appropriation (C) Judiciary (D) Rules (E) Government Operations
D
Which of the following is an accurate statement about committees in Congress? (A) The work of a committee ends when it submits a bill to the full House or Senate for consideration (B) An individual representative or senator can serve on only one committed and one subcommittee (C) Membership on key committees such as House Rules and Senate Finance is limited to fixed terms (D) Standing committees oversee the bureaucracy's implementation of legislation (E) Committee recommendations tend to have little influence on floor voting
D
Which of the following is an accurate statement about political participation in the United States today? (A) A majority of Americans campaign for a candidate in each presidential election (B) Over 75% of Americans vote in presidential elections (C) People who participate in the political process are usually angry at the government (D) Similar proportions of eligible men and women vote in presidential elections (E) People in their thirties or forties are less likely to be active in politics than are those aged 18 to 21
D
Which of the following is true of most third parties in U.S. history? (A) They arose and succeeded during times of prosperity (B) They were created to protest wars (C) At some point they won a majority of seats in Congress (D) They flourished during periods of widespread dissatisfaction (E) They arose in response to increased government regulation
D
Which of the following statements about voting patterns is NOT true? (A) Non-whites are more likely to vote Democratic than are whites (B) Women are more likely to vote Democratic than are men (C) Low-income Americans are more likely to vote Democratic than are upper- income Americans (D) Fundamentalists are more likely to vote Democratic than are non-religious Americans (E) Homosexuals are more likely to vote Democratic than are heterosexuals
D
A President may persuade recalcitrant members of Congress to vote for a particular bill by (A) having members who oppose the bill transferred to unpopular committees (B) denying campaign funds to members who oppose the bill (C) threatening to deny re-nomination to members who oppose the bill (D) regulating certain industries to protect the public interest (E) increasing the President's patronage powers
E
A President may persuade recalcitrant members of Congress to vote for a particular bill by (A) having members who oppose the bill transferred to unpopular committees (E) denying camping funds to members who oppose the bill (C) threatening to deny re-nomination to members who oppose the bill (D) threatening to item veto part of a different bill that enjoys bipartisan support in Congress (E) making a direct appeal to the public through the mass media
E
A fundamental source of power for the federal bureaucracy lies in its (A) role in moving legislation out of subcommittees (B) role of mediating interstate conflicts (C) ability to convince Congress to fund most projects it supports (D) ability to mobilize public opinion in support of legislative initiatives (E) ability to set specific guidelines after receiving a general mandate from Congress
E
A major difference between the House of Representatives and the Senate is that (A) filibusters are possible only in the House (B) revenue bills must originate in the Senate (C) judicial nominations originate in a House committee (D) each state has equal representation in the House but not in the Senate (E) there is unlimited debate in the Senate but not in the House
E
All of the following have contributed to an increase in presidential power in the post-1945 era EXCEPT (A) tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War period (B) an increase in public expectations for services from the federal government (C) economic and domestic problems such as inflation, unemployment, and civil rights issues (D) increasing United States involvement in international affairs (E) legislation granting the President the power to impound funds appropriated by Congress
E
All of the following powers are granted to the President by the Constitution EXCEPT (A) commissioning officers in the armed forces (B) addressing the Congress on the state of the union (C) receiving ambassadors (D) granting pardons for federal offenses (E) forming new cabinet-level departments
E
American political culture is characterized by strong popular support for all of the following EXCEPT (A) the rule of law (B) limited government (C) individual liberty (D) equality of opportunity (E) economic equality
E
Before serving in the House of Representatives or Senate, the greatest number of federal legislators (A) own and operate small businesses (B) are professional athletes (C) teach political science at the college level (D) work as journalists (E) earn law degrees
E
House members are more concerned about their committee assignments than are senators because (A) House members may serve on only one committee at a time (B) Senate committees have relatively little power to alter legislation (C) bills in the Senate must pass through all committees before reaching the floor (D) senators may change their committee assignments whenever they wish (E) the rules make it extremely difficult for representatives to influence legislation on the House floor
E
In the 1992 election, the membership of Congress was altered significantly by an increase in the number of (A) conservative Democrats (B) liberal Republicans (C) third-party representatives (D) political independents (E) minorities and women
E
In which of the following scenarios would a presidential veto most likely be upheld? (A) the President has the support of the Supreme Court (B) the President is in a second term, removed from partisan politics (C) the proposed legislation enjoys widespread bipartisan support (D) the proposed legislation was originally adopted by a large majority in both houses of Congress (E) two-thirds of the representatives and senators are members of the same party as the President
E
The congressional power that has been contested most frequently in the federal courts is the power to (A) establish post offices (B) coin money (C) levy taxes (D) regulate commerce with foreign nations (E) regulate interstate commerce
E
The details of legislation are usually worked out in which of the following settings? (A) A party caucus (B) the majority leader's house (C) The floor of the House (D) Legislative hearings (E) A subcommittee
E
The franking privilege refers to the (A) Federal Reserve Board's control over interest rates (B) practice of permitting senators to preview lists of judicial nominees (C) practice whereby legislators with the most seniority select the committees on which they want to serve (D) right of the chair to control the schedule of his or her congressional committee (E) right of members of Congress to send mail to their constituents at the government's expense
E
The greatest number of American voters identify themselves as (A) liberal (B) conservative (C) progressive (D) reactionary (E) moderate
E
Those who argue that the House of Representatives is the government institution most responsive to the will of the public are most likely to cite as evidence the fact that (A) congressional reelection campaigns are extremely costly (B) term limits may soon restrict the number of years a congressperson may serve (C) Congress has oversight power over many executive agencies (D) average citizens may, on occasion, be called to testify before a congressional committee (E) representatives must run for reelection every two years
E
Which group most frequently benefits from political action committee (PAC) donations? (A) Charitable organizations (B) Federal judges (C) Political interest groups (D) Research institutes (E) Incumbents running for reelection
E
Which of the following best describes the fate of most popular third-party movements? (A) They displace one of the two major parties and become major parties themselves (B) The are ultimately abandoned by the public because their politics are perceived as too radical (C) Their supporters become frustrated and withdraw from the political process (D) They remain active participants in the American political system indefinitely (E) They disintegrate when one or both of the major parties adopt the third party's goals
E
Which of the following defines salience of a political issue? (A) The amount of coverage the issue receives in the major news media (B) The degree to which public opinion on the issue is likely to shift quickly (C) The number of people affected by the issue (D) The degree to which the issue can be addressed through government action (E) The importance of the issue to a particular individual or group
E
Which of the following for an "iron triangle"? (A) President, Congress, Supreme Court (B) President, House majority leader, Senate majority leader (C) Interest group, Senate majority leader, House majority leader (D) Executive department, House majority leader, President (E) Executive department, Congressional committee, interest group 2002
E
Which of the following generally results when the Senate and House of Representatives pass different versions of the same bill? (A) The president signs the version he prefers (B) The bill goes back to each house's committee and restarts the legislative process (C) All amendments to the bill are invalidated, and the original version of the bill is sent to the president to sign (D) The Senate's version of the bill is sent to the president because the Senate is the higher legislative body (E) The two legislative bodies form a conference committee
E
Which of the following is responsible for the preparation of executive spending proposals submitted to Congress? (A) Treasury Departments (B) Council of Economic Advisors (C) Federal Trade Commission (D) Department of Commerce (E) Office of Management and Budget
E
Which of the following people would most likely be accused of influence peddling? (A) A congressperson who retires to take a position teaching political science at a university (B) A former president who advises a current president on a particular foreign policy issue (C) A voter who researches the positions of all candidates in a race before choosing whom to support (D) A judge who consistently hands down the maximum sentence to convicted felons (E) An official who leaves the State Department to work as a paid consultant to foreign governments
E
Which of the following statements about rules of procedure in the House and Senate is correct? (A) Debate by a determined minority in either chamber cannot be halted (B) The rules in each chamber are determined by the majority whip (C) The rules are specified in Article I of the Constitution (D) The rules can be changed by the President during a national emergency (E) The House operates more by formal rules, while the Senate operates more on informal understandings
E
Which of the following statements best describes the organization of the two major political parties in the United States? (A) Parties have no organizations except at the traditional level (B) Parties are centrally organized to provide a smooth transition from one national campaign to the next (C) Parties are organized much like a large corporation, in that decisions flow from national to state and local levels (D) Local and state parties have virtually no power in the party system (E) Separate and largely independent party organizations exist at the national, state and local levels
E
The role of a conference committee in Congress is to (A) hold hearings on proposed legislation (B) oversee the actions of the executive branch of the government (C) decide which bills should be considered by the full Senate (D) conduct hearings that make information available to the public (E) reconcile differences in bills passed by the House and Senate
EA
Which of the following statements most accurately compares election s in the Untied States with those in most other Western democracies? (A) United States citizens have fewer opportunities to vote in elections (B) Political parties exert a stronger influence over voting in the United States (C) There are fewer obstacles to voting the in the United States (D) There are more political parties in the United States (E) The voter turnout in the United States is usually lowers
EA
Name the Majority Floor Leader in the House.
Eric Cantor
When does Congress begin new terms?
Every two years on January 3rd of odd years.
The use of --- in foreign matters is an example of the president acting as a global leader.
Executive agreements.
Packing and cracking both draw district lines to the favor of the majority party, and thus, are two types of __________. A. gerrymandering B. lawmaking C. oversight D. reapportionment E. redistricting
Gerrymandering
How do government corporations differ from private companies?
Government corporations cannot sell stock, whereas private companies can.
Charged with the responsibility to __________, the __________ is almost certainly the most powerful committee in either chamber of Congress. A. grant and set procedural rules, House Committee on Rules B. investigate the performance of government, House Oversight and Government Reform Committee C. make decisions about money for authorized programs, the Senate Appropriations Committee D. set targets for spending and taxes, the House Budget Committee E. oversee nominations and the Department of Justice, Senate Judiciary Committee
Grant and set procedural rules, House Committee on Rules
Name the Majority Floor Leader of the Senate.
Harry Reid
The role of Senate minority leader is important because __________. A. he or she represents the opposition in negotiations with the majority leader B. he or she serves as chief assistant to the majority leader C. he or she serves as the national spokesperson for the party D. the House does not have this position E. the Senate is more hierarchically driven than the House
He or she represents the opposition in negotiations with the majority leader
A --- is one tactic to signal the leadership that a Senate member may have objections to a bill.
Hold
A __________ is one tactic to signal the leadership that a Senate member may have objections to a bill. A. cloture B. hold C. markup D. pocket veto E. referral
Hold
The use of direct primaries instead of the convention system in selecting presidential candidates results in which of the following
I. A weakening of party control over nominations III. An increase in the number of people involved in the choice of candidates
Congress can remove a president through
Impeachment
Which of the following is a function of departments and agencies within the federal bureaucracy?
Implementing public policies.
How might presidents use their powers of persuasion in the legislative process?
In leading public opinion to support their policy agendas.
Over the past century, partisan polarization has --- along with ---.
Increased; income inequality
Pork legislation may aid the district of a member of congress by...
Increasing jobs and revenue with federally funded projects.
What is the typical trajectory of a bill in the House of Representatives?
Introduction, committee referral, subcommittee, full committee report, rules committee, full House vote, conference committee, send do President.
Persian/Farsi Language:
Iran
The president pro tempore __________. A. has the power to nullify legislation with a pocket veto B. has the power to select the majority leader C. is an honorific office awarded to the senior senator of the majority party D. is a role bequeathed to the vice president by the Constitution E. personally presides over the Senate floor when it is in session
Is an honorific office awarded to the senior senator of the majority party
Smallest land area:
Israel.
What is the "Seniority Rule"?
It is an unwritten custom granting the most important posts in Congress to party members with the longest service.
A rise in party unity is indicative of
Low bipartisanship levels.
This individual keeps close contact with all members of his or her party, counts votes for key legislation, prepares summaries of bills, and acts as a communications link within the party.
MAJORITY WSSSSHHH WHIP
In the House of Representatives, who is second in authority to the Speaker of the House? A. majority leader B. majority whip C. minority leader D. minority whip E. president pro tempore (or pro tem)
Majority leader
True true leader of the Senate is the ---, elected by majority party.
Majority leader.
Which one of the powers listed below is a constitutional power that the president shares with the Senate?
Making treaties.
Which statement is true of the House of Representatives?
Members are elected every two years and apportioned to states based on population.
Name the Minority Floor Leader in the Senate.
Mitch McConnell
In which way do modern presidents differ from the original intentions of the Framers of the Constitution?
Modern presidents are much more influential in the legislative process than the Framers originally intended?
Which statement best characterizes the hearing process of a formal bill?
Most formal bills receive a hearing, but few are marked up and sent to the floor.
Which statement best characterizes the hearing process of a formal bill? A. A formal bill receives a hearing and goes to the floor when the vice president requests it. B. A formal bill receives a hearing or floor time only when extensively marked up. C. A formal bill receives a hearing when pocket vetoed, but seldom goes to the floor. D. Few formal bills receive a hearing, but many are marked up and sent to the floor. E. Most formal bills receive a hearing, but few are marked up and sent to the floor.
Most formal bills receive a hearing, but few are marked up and sent to the floor.
Which of the following is an example of an independent executive agency?
NASA.
Politico
Role played by elected representatives who act as trustees or as delegates, depending on the issue.
Which of the following committees of the House of Representatives sets the conditions for debate and amendment of most legislation
Rules
What best explains the overwhelming advantage incumbents possess in seeking reelection over opposition candidates? A. additional financial support from constituent taxes B. additional financial support from the federal government campaign fund C. demonstrated ability to lead and public record of votes D. name recognition, access to media, and franking privilege E. name recognition and access to district taxes
Name recognition, access to the media and franking privilege
Cabinet secretaries are appointed by --- and confirmed by----
President, senate,
Presidents with high levels of--- have an easier time influencing Congress, while those with low levels find influencing Congress more difficult.
Public approval
While the president has the authority to appoint and remove agency heads and other top bureaucrats, Congress as the authority to...
Refuse the appropriate funds for certain programs.
What role is the Environmental Protection Agency taking when it sets limits on air pollution from power plants?
Regulation
---- are rules created by government agencies that determine how laws are implemented.
Regulations
Which is an example of logrolling in Congress? A. awarding a government contract to a campaign supporter B. introducing and sponsoring a bill C. sponsoring a bill in exchange for federal monies D. supporting a bill in exchange for support of one's own bill E. working to get federal monies for an interstate highway
Supporting a bill in exchange for support of one's own bill
What demonstrates the Founders' desire to insulate the Senate from popular displeasure? A. terms of two years, with all seats open for each election B. terms of four years, with one-third of seats open for election every two years C. terms of four years, with two-thirds of seats open for election every two years D. terms of six years, with one-third of seats open for election every two years E. terms of six years, with two-thirds of seats open for election every two years
Terms of six years, with one-third of seats open for election every two years
What has to happen in Congress before the president can be impeached?
The House and Senate must both have a two-thirds majority.
What role does the Speaker of the House play?
The Speaker is the presiding officer of the House and the leader of its majority party. He/she keeps order and chairs most sessions. No member can speak without being recognized by the Speaker. He/she interprets and applies rules and procedures, refers bills to committees and puts motions to a vote. He/she also names the members of all select and conference committees.
How do constitutional and party officers keep Congress organized?
The Speaker of the House and the presiding officer of the Senate settle rules, issues and directs the flow of floor debate. The majority and minority leaders and whips organize party policy and voting on issues. The committee chairs guide the passage of bills through each house.
Congressional oversight
The United States Congress has the authority to conduct hearings, investigations, and budget reviews of the actions by the executive branch.
Which is one of the reasons that power and responsibility of the presidency has grown?
The United States became a world power.
reapportionment
The assigning by Congress of congressional seats after each census. State legislatures reapportion state legislative districts.
Line-item veto
The authority of a chief executive to delete part of a bill passed by the legislature that involves taxing or spending. The legislature may override a veto, usually with a two-thirds majority of each chamber.
Which of the following statements best characterizes the nature of the conflict between presidents and Congress?
The conflict is integral to the design of the Constitution, deliberately intended by the authors.
incumbent
The current holder of elected office.
gerrymandering
The drawing of legislative district boundaries to benefit a party, group, or incumbent. There are two types of gerrymandering— cracking, which the majority party uses to break a strong minority party district into pieces to be merged with other districts, thereby reducing the minority party's strength in that one district, and packing, which merges pieces of the majority party in its weak districts into a single, strong district.
What was the turning point that gave rise to the modern institutional presidency?
The economic and social turmoil of the Great Depression.
Minority leader
The elected leader of the party with the second highest number of elected representative in the House of Reps or the Senate.
polarization
The extent to which liberals and conservatives occupy the more extreme positions on the liberal-conservative ideological spectrum.
Incumbency
The fact that being in office helps a person stay in office b/c of a variety of benefits that goes with the position.
minority leader
The legislative leader selected by the minority party as spokesperson for the opposition.
Describe the opening day of the House of Representatives.
The members elect a Speaker who takes the oath and swears in other members. Members then elect various officers. They then adopt rules for the current term (which are occasionally amended or expanded). They appoint members of the 20 committees.
Speaker of the House
The only officer of the House of Reps specifically mentioned in the Constitution; elected at the beginning of each new Congress by the entire House; traditionally a member of the majority party.
whip
The party leader who is the liaison between the leadership and the rank-and-file in the legislature.
Minority party
The political party in each house of Congress with the second most members.
Which executive power was intended as a "qualified negative" by the Framers?
The power to veto.
enumerated powers
The powers explicitly given to Congress in the Constitution.
How is a vice presidential vacancy filled?
The president appoints a new vice president, to be approved by Congress.
Which best describes the president's constitutional duty to Congress?
The president must give Congress an occasional update on the state of the union.
Speaker
The presiding officer in the House of Representatives, formally elected by the House but selected by the majority party.
bicameralism
The principle of a two-house legislature.
What is implementation?
The process by which a law or policy is put into practice.
The Administrative Procedures Act states that agencies must take what step before issuing new rules and reuglations?
They most solicit public comments.
Under the spoils system, who was awarded jobs in the federal bureaucracy?
Those who helped candidates win election.
Seniority
Time of continuous service on a committee.
What is the purpose of a discharge petition? A. to force a vote on a House bill within an opposing committee B. to force a vote on a Senate bill within an opposing committee C. to force a vote on a Senate or House bill within an opposing committee D. to force the end of a filibuster in the House E. to force the end of a filibuster in the Senate
To force a vote on a House bill within an opposing committee
In which of the following scenarios would a presidential veto most likely be upheld
Two-thirds of the representatives and senators are members of the same party as the president
Logrolling
Vote trading; voting to support a colleague's bill in return for a promise of future support.
In which event was there congressional oversight?
Watergate
Under what circumstances are bureaucrats most likely to exercise discretion?
When an agency is implementing a law that contains ambiguity.
When mighty citizens be particularly concerned about an expansion of presidential power?
When they oppose the president's agenda.
Which institutional resource is closest to the president?
White House staff
Members of Congress differ from the larger American population in that they are disproportionately...
White, upper middle class, middle aged, and male.
A lobbyist for the NRA would be most effective when targeting a legislator...
Whose voting behavior SUPPORTS gun control.
107) Legislators who use their best judgment to make policy in the interests of the people are called A) trustees. B) instructed delegates. C) politicos. D) attentive leaders. E) opinion leaders.
a
109) Constituencies influence policy mostly by A) the initial choice of the representative. B) influencing congressional leaders. C) empowering the president in his negotiations with Congress. D) buying votes through election contributions. E) lobbying Senators.
a
111) In the relationship between lobbyists and members of Congress, A) members of Congress can ignore and embarrass lobbyists. B) lobbyists hold the greater power. C) members of Congress depend on lobbyists for reelection. D) lobbyists pay members of Congress to pass or defeat bills. E) lobbyists spend most of their efforts on converting opponents to their cause.
a
17) Overall, members of Congress can ________ of the American people. A) possibly claim substantive representation, but not descriptive representation B) possibly claim descriptive representation, but not substantive representation C) claim both substantive and descriptive representation D) claim neither substantive nor descriptive representation E) possibly claim both substantive and descriptive representation
a
19) Incumbents are those A) already holding office. B) running for office for the first time. C) who have been defeated in an election. D) retired members of Congress. E) running for an office.
a
21) The single most important advantage to someone trying to get elected to Congress is A) being an incumbent. B) having more money to spend on campaigning. C) being charismatic and photogenic. D) having a clean record. E) winning the endorsement of the top leaders of their party.
a
24) Which of these candidates would most likely get elected? A) a representative running for reelection B) a senator running for reelection C) an incumbent representative challenging a senator D) a challenger E) an incumbent
a
26) Studies have shown that presidential ________ in an election have little effect on the success of the party's candidates for the House and Senate. A) coattails B) junkets C) vetoes D) headwinds E) scandals
a
29) The pork barrel and casework are examples of A) opportunities for credit-claiming by members of Congress. B) advertising techniques. C) descriptive representation. D) position-taking. E) congressional continuity.
a
30) An especially important asset for incumbents running for reelection is their A) service to constituents. B) voting records. C) support by party leaders in Congress. D) presidential support. E) invisibility.
a
32) Federal grants and contracts that members of Congress try to obtain for their constituents are collectively referred to as A) the pork barrel. B) casework. C) public service. D) perquisites. E) affirmative action.
a
Congressional review
a process whereby Congress can nullify agency regulations by a joint resolution of legislative disapproval.
36) Which of the following statements about those who challenge incumbent members of the House is TRUE? A) They are usually not well-known. B) They are usually experienced legislators. C) They usually have a well-established organizational backing. D) They tend to be well-financed. E) They usually conduct public opinion polls and only run if they have a good chance of winning.
a
38) Which of the following statements about money in Congressional elections is FALSE? A) It costs more money to elect a president than to elect a member of Congress. B) Most of the money spent in congressional elections comes from individuals. C) About a quarter of the funds raised in general election contests come from PACs. D) Political Action Committees often make contributions after the election. E) PACs often switch sides and give money to the candidate they originally opposed.
a
4) ________ privileges refer to the free use of the mails enjoyed by Congress. A) Franking B) Conmail C) Junket D) Procurement E) E-mail
a
44) When Political Action Committees contribute money to members of Congress they are usually seeking A) access to policymakers. B) votes on specific legislation. C) to install a preferred challenger in office. D) to create a more pluralistic Congress. E) to literally buy opposing legislatorsʹ votes.
a
48) Occasionally, a major political tidal wave rolls across the country and throws large numbers of incumbents of a given party out of office. When did this last occur? A) 1994 B) 1980 C) 1974 D) 1964 E) 1954
a
51) Bicameralism means that a legislative body is one A) with two houses, providing checks and balances on policymaking. B) in which each state has two senators, providing equal representation of the states. C) in which incumbents have a better chance of being reelected, providing continuity in policymaking. D) that must share power with a president, providing more efficient policymaking. E) in which there are only two political parties.
a
59) Nominees to the United States Supreme Court must be confirmed by A) the Senate. B) the House. C) either the House or the Senate. D) both the House and the Senate. E) the president.
a
62) The Constitution gives the House of Representatives the power to A) initiate all revenue bills. B) ratify all treaties. C) confirm presidential nominations. D) try impeached officials. E) all of the above
a
66) The filibuster A) is unique to the Senate. B) is unique to the House. C) is allowed in both the House and the Senate. D) has been ruled unconstitutional. E) has been prohibited in both the House and Senate.
a
67) ________ members present and voting can halt a filibuster by voting for cloture. A) Sixty B) Seventy C) Eighty D) Fifty-one E) Seventy-five
a
71) Which of the following congressional offices is mandated by the Constitution? A) Speaker of the House B) House and Senate Majority Leader C) President of the House D) President of the United States E) all of the above
a
75) Which of the following statements about the majority leader of the House of Representatives is FALSE? A) The majority leader exercises substantial control over which bills get assigned to which committees. B) The majority leader is the main steppingstone to the job of Speaker of the House. C) The majority leader is responsible for scheduling bills in the House. D) The majority leader is responsible for rounding up votes on behalf of the partyʹs position on legislation. E) He or she is the principal ally of the Speaker.
a
77) The most powerful person in the Senate is the A) majority leader. B) vice president of the United States, who serves as president of the Senate. C) chair of the Rules Committee. D) Speaker. E) president of the United States.
a
81) Appropriations, Judiciary, and Armed Forces are all examples of ________ committees. A) standing B) select C) conference D) joint E) rule
a
89) Traditionally, Congressional committee chairpersons have been chosen through A) the seniority system. B) party rank. C) popularity with majority leaders. D) a majority vote by committee members. E) the merit system.
a
94) Which of the following is responsible for responding to congressional requests for information and providing non-partisan studies? A) Congressional Research Service B) Congressional Budget Office C) General Accounting Office D) Ways and Means Committee E) Office of the Majority Leader
a
95) Committee staff is responsible for all of the following EXCEPT A) providing services to constituents. B) organizing hearings. C) writing legislation. D) monitoring the executive branch. E) coordinating with congressional offices.
a
99) Basically, Congress is a(n) ________ decision-making body. A) reactive and cumbersome B) active and smooth C) unified and consistent D) radical and hasty E) retroactive
a
Which of the following has the most influence on the outcome of a congressional election?
a candidate's incumbency status
Impeachment
a formal charge of misconduct against the president by the House of Representatives.
Party caucus or conference
a formal gathering of all party members.
A committee chair in the House of Representatives is always
a member of the majority party in the chamber
Senatorial courtesy
a process by which presidents, when selecting district court judges, defer to the senator in whose state the vacancy occurs.
Markup
a process in which committee members offer changes to a bill before it goes to the floor in either house for a vote.
When selecting a vice-presidential candidate, a presidential nominee is usually concerned primarily with choosing a running mate who
adds balance and appeal to the national ticket
In selecting members of the White House staff, Presidents primarily seek people who
are personally loyal to the President
The War Powers Resolution (1973) was designed to
assure congressional involvement in decisions committing military forces in hostile situations overseas
Supporters of granting the President a line-item veto would most likely argue that this power would increase a President's ability to
avoid costly disputes with the judiciary
10) Which of the following is TRUE about the minimum age requirements for members of Congress set forth in the Constitution? A) One must be at least 21 years of age to serve in the House of Representatives. B) One must be at least 30 years of age to serve in the Senate. C) One must be at least 35 years of age to serve in either the House or the Senate. D) There are no age requirements for members of Congress. E) The age requirements are the same for the House and the Senate.
b
102) The parties in Congress are most cohesive A) on foreign policy issues. B) when electing their official leaders. C) on economic policy. D) military matters. E) during floor votes.
b
103) The English politician and philosopher Edmund Burke favored the concept of legislators as ________, using their best judgment to make policy in the interests of the people. A) constituent robots B) trustees C) instructed delegates D) politicos E) judges
b
110) Which of the following statements about constituency influence is FALSE? A) It is difficult even for well-intentioned legislators to know what people want. B) Legislators whose votes on routine issues are out of step with their constituents are rarely reelected. C) On some controversial issues, legislators ignore constituent opinion at great peril. D) On obscure issues legislators can safely ignore constituency opinion. E) Letters received by legislators are more likely to convey extremist rather than moderate opinions.
b
15) The most common prior occupation for members of Congress is A) business. B) law. C) education. D) public service. E) state legislator.
b
18) Millionaire Senator Edward Kennedy sponsoring a bill to help the poor and disadvantaged would be an example of A) descriptive representation. B) substantive representation. C) elite representation. D) constituent representation. E) franking privileges.
b
22) Comparison between members of the House and Senate concerning the impact of incumbency on their reelection chances shows that one of the reasons that senators have a smaller advantage is because they A) have become over-specialized as policymakers. B) are more likely to be held accountable on controversial issues. C) are less visible. D) have longer terms that increase the chance of scandal. E) represent more homogenous constituencies.
b
25) Compared to members of the House, senators are A) more likely to have personal contact with their constituents. B) more likely to face difficult reelection opponents. C) less likely to face difficult reelection opponents. D) less likely to use television in their reelection campaigns. E) none of the above
b
28) An example of casework by a member of Congress is A) writing a newsletter to send out to constituents. B) helping a constituent gain citizenship. C) voting for a bill desired by constituents. D) working with a caucus on a public policy that affects his or her constituents. E) all of the above
b
3) Which of the following is NOT one of the perquisites which go with the job of being a member of Congress? A) a salary of over $150,000 B) subsidized housing in the Virginia or Maryland suburbs of D.C. C) free use of the mails to communicate with constituents D) free office space in Washington, D.C., and in the constituency from which elected E) a budget to support office staff
b
31) The ________ is the list of federal projects, grants, and contracts available to cities, businesses, colleges, and institutions which members of Congress seek to locate in their district to promote the interests of their constituency. A) casework B) pork barrel C) frank D) junket E) Treasurerʹs register
b
33) Members of Congress engage in each of the following activities that increase the probability of their reelections EXCEPT A) advertising. B) party voting. C) credit-claiming. D) position taking. E) spend much of their time away from Congress and in their home districts.
b
39) The role of party identification in votersʹ choices in congressional campaigns is A) extremely important, and increasingly so. B) moderately important, even though party identification is not as strong as it used to be. C) slightly important in a few districts, not important in most others. D) not important at all, and never really has been. E) much less significant than in presidential campaigns.
b
42) On average, most of the money raised by a candidate for Congress comes from A) political parties. B) individual contributions. C) the candidateʹs own savings. D) Political Action Committees. E) loans.
b
43) A single Political Action Committee A) has no limit on the amount of money it can spend on a candidate. B) can at most account for only a small percentage of a winnerʹs total spending. C) usually puts all its efforts into one candidate. D) can gain the most influence by giving money to candidates who disagree with them. E) can make or break a candidate in a particularly close congressional election.
b
5) The most prominent characteristic of a Congresspersonʹs job is A) prestige. B) hard work. C) high pay. D) travel. E) the 30-hour work week.
b
64) One of the key differences between the House and Senate is that the Senate A) is more centralized. B) is less dependent on seniority for determining power. C) has a lower turnover rate. D) has stronger leadership. E) has more anarchy.
b
68) The filibuster is a technique used in the A) House to delay legislation until a full House can convene. B) Senate to prolong debate in order to kill a bill. C) Senate to bypass committees in voting on controversial issues. D) House to allow more time to debate controversial policies. E) House and Senate to prevent a vote on a bill.
b
70) To end a filibuster requires ________ members present and voting to cut off debate. A) 50 B) 60 C) 75 D) 99 E) 218
b
78) Most important congressional activity is done A) on legislatorsʹ visits to their home districts. B) in meetings of standing committees and their subcommittees. C) on the House floor. D) on the Senate floor. E) in the White House.
b
8) The United States Senate has ________ members. A) 50 B) 100 C) 435 D) 438 E) 535
b
80) A ________ committee is one appointed for a limited, specific purpose, such as that set up to investigate the Watergate scandal. A) standing B) select C) conference D) joint E) special
b
87) House and Senate committees A) all have an equal number of Republicans and Democrats. B) all have a majority of members from the majority party in that chamber. C) must have their membership approved by the president. D) are non-partisan, and thus some committees are nearly all Democrats and others nearly all Republicans. E) are populated by the hired staff members of Congress, freeing the elected members for more important work.
b
9) How many senators are elected from each state? A) one B) two C) four D) it depends on a stateʹs population E) the same number as it has electors in the electoral college
b
92) Congressional reforms of the 1970s A) professionalized the operation of Congress and made it much more efficient. B) decentralized power and democratized Congress. C) were aimed at rooting out scandal and corruption. D) ended the two-party monopoly of Congress and brought new parties into Congress. E) all of the above
b
96) Which of the following offices is responsible for making economic projections about the performance of the economy, the costs of proposed policies, and the economic effects of taxing and spending alternatives? A) Congressional Research Service B) Congressional Budget Office C) General Accounting Office D) Ways and Means Committee E) Federal Reserve
b
A committee report is written __________.
before going to the Committee on Rules, but after a measure is marked up
All of the following statements pertaining to the presidential veto are true EXCEPT
bill
1) Which of the following did the framers of the Constitution conceive of as the center of policymaking in America?
c
100) The presidentʹs most common method of attempting to influence Congress is to A) call up wavering members. B) offer to campaign for members. C) hold regular meetings with the partyʹs leaders in Congress. D) invite members of Congress to the White House. E) use the veto power.
c
101) Presidential leadership of Congress in promoting the chief executiveʹs programs is A) dominant, with a heavy hand usually convincing wavering members. B) a smooth, generally successful enterprise. C) at the margins, as a facilitator. D) nonexistent. E) proactive, substantive, and adversarial.
c
104) Some prefer the concept of legislators as ________, mirroring the preferences of their constituents. A) trustees B) politicos C) instructed delegates D) uninstructed delegates E) pollsters
c
106) On a typical issue, the primary determinant of a congressional memberʹs vote is A) constituent preferences as indicated by extensive polling. B) the position of the president. C) personal ideology. D) the toss of a coin. E) the position of their party leaders.
c
108) Most members of Congress would be considered A) trustees. B) instructed delegates. C) politicos. D) ambassadors. E) attentive leaders.
c
112) If Congress has increased the scope of government it is because A) members typically suffer from Potomac fever. B) members are by-spending liberals. C) that is what constituencies want. D) that is what Congressional staffers want. E) it is responding to the policy expertise provided by the bureaucracy.
c
12) The income and occupations of members of Congress A) typically reflect the pluralistic nature of American society. B) are very close to the average found among their constituency. C) would, for the most part, make them members of the elite in American society. D) have no real impact on public policymaking. E) places over 90 percent of them in the millionaire businessperson class.
c
14) In terms of religion, most members of Congress are A) Catholic. B) Jewish. C) Protestant. D) born-again Christians. E) atheists.
c
2) The foremost attraction for the job of serving in Congress is A) a salary four times the income of the typical American family. B) generous retirement benefits. C) the power to make key public policy decisions. D) travel benefits. E) employment opportunities after leaving office.
c
23) Reasons that incumbent senators have greater competition than incumbent members of the House include all of the following EXCEPT A) an entire state is more diverse than a congressional district, providing more of a base for opposition. B) senators have less personal contact with their constituencies. C) voters are less likely to know the issue positions of their senators than their representatives. D) senators tend to draw more visible challengers. E) senate challengers are better funded than House challengers.
c
40) Party loyalty at the voting booth is A) stronger than it was a generation ago. B) no longer a good indication of voting behavior. C) still a good predictor of voting behavior. D) almost nonexistent today. E) greater among Democrats than among Republicans.
c
45) Which of the following statements about the role of money in congressional elections is FALSE? A) Outspending your opponent by a large margin is no guarantee of success. B) The more challengers spend, the more votes they receive. C) Challengers usually outspend incumbents. D) In open seats, the candidate who spends the most usually wins. E) Incumbents benefit less from campaign spending than challengers.
c
46) All of the following may increase the likelihood that an incumbent is defeated EXCEPT A) national political ʺtidal waves.ʺ B) redistricting. C) campaign funding. D) scandals. E) a strong challenger.
c
47) After each federal census, A) the office of the Speaker of the House changes hands. B) the size of Congress increases. C) the membership of the House is reapportioned D) the Senate reapportions its membership. E) all of the above
c
50) Nebraskaʹs legislature is the only one in the United States that is NOT A) elected by the voters. B) unicameral. C) bicameral. D) tricameral. E) under term limits.
c
53) The House ________ Committee reviews most bills coming from other committees before they go on to the full House, thus performing a traffic cop function. A) Appropriations B) Ways and Means C) Rules D) Authorization E) Review
c
56) A Senate seat is up for election every A) two years. B) four years. C) six years. D) eight years. E) five years.
c
58) According to the Constitution, revenue bills must originate in the A) Internal Revenue Service. B) Federal Reserve System. C) House. D) Senate. E) Treasury Department.
c
60) According to the Constitution, once impeached, federal officials are then tried in the A) Supreme Court. B) House. C) Senate. D) Department of Justice. E) United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
c
63) One of the key differences between the House and Senate is that the House A) has weaker leadership. B) is more influential on foreign affairs. C) has more policy specialization. D) is less centralized. E) is less institutionalized.
c
65) The real differences between the House and the Senate lie in their A) ideology. B) membersʹ characteristics. C) organization and centralization of power. D) role in policy. E) power relative to each other.
c
69) To cut off debate and end a filibuster is known as A) franking. B) coattails. C) cloture. D) overriding. E) hushing.
c
7) The United States House of Representatives has ________ members. A) 638 B) 100 C) 435 D) 80 E) 535
c
72) Which of the following does the Speaker NOT play a role in? A) making committee assignments B) presiding over the House when it is in session C) recommending which members should be expelled from the House for failure to support the partyʹs positions on bills D) assigning most bills to committees E) appointing the partyʹs legislative leaders
c
79) Most of the business of Congress takes place A) in congressional districts. B) on the floor of the House and Senate. C) in committees and subcommittees. D) during evening social functions. E) in the Rules committees.
c
82) When the House and the Senate pass different versions of the same bill A) the House bill is changed to conform with the Senate bill. B) the Senate bill is changed to conform with the House bill. C) a conference committee is appointed to resolve differences. D) a joint committee is appointed to resolve differences. E) the president may select which bill to enact into law.
c
84) When members of Congress hold a hearing to question a cabinet member on how a law is being carried out, they are engaging in A) agenda-setting. B) filibustering. C) legislative oversight. D) casework. E) congressional administration.
c
88) Members of Congress seek committees that will help them achieve each of the following goals EXCEPT A) reelection. B) influence in Congress. C) a salary increase. D) opportunity to make policy in areas they think are important. E) opportunity to make policy in areas important to their constituents.
c
90) Members of Congress who informally band together in groups to promote and protect mutual interests (e.g., mushroom growers) form what are called A) subcommittees. B) committees. C) caucuses. D) junkets. E) interest groups.
c
97) Only ________ can formally submit a bill for congressional consideration. A) members of the House B) senators C) members of the House or senators D) the president E) the Speaker of the House
c
The only way to stop a Senate filibuster is with __________
cloture vote
The only formal method for ending a filibuster, and requires the approval of ----- senators.
cloture, sixty.
34) What accounts for the success of congressional candidates? A) their highly representative policy positions B) presidential coattails C) economic forces D) advertising, credit-claiming, and position-taking. E) good looks
d
35) Which of the following is NOT true about incumbents? A) They usually win elections. B) They usually have more money than their challengers. C) They usually have higher name recognition and visibility than their opponents. D) They usually face very tough challengers, especially in races for the House. E) They usually have their partyʹs endorsement.
d
37) In the House races of 2004, the typical incumbent outspent the typical challenger by A) 2 to 1. B) 4 to 1. C) 6 to 1. D) 15 to 1. E) 20 to 1.
d
41) House incumbents typically receive A) about the same amount of contributions from PACs as challengers. B) less from PACs than challengers. C) much more from PACs as challengers. D) generous support from their party campaign committees. E) none of the above.
d
52) To be sent to the president, a bill must be passed by A) the House. B) the Senate. C) either the House or the Senate. D) both the House and the Senate. E) a majority vote of Congress, regardless of which house the votes come from.
d
54) Articles of impeachment must be passed by A) either the House or the Senate. B) both the House and the Senate. C) the Senate. D) the House. E) the Supreme Court.
d
57) Which of the following is TRUE about the Senate as compared to the House? A) more centralized with stronger leadership B) seniority more important in determining power C) more influential on the budget D) more influential in foreign affairs E) smaller in number, less powerful and less prestigious
d
6) A myth about members of Congress is that they A) generally are educated and come from high-status occupations. B) tend to develop policy specialties. C) are especially effective in carrying out their constituent service. D) are overpaid, underworked, corrupt, and ineffective. E) are overwhelmingly male.
d
61) The House Rules Committee A) has its members appointed by the House majority leader. B) is similar to the Senate Rules Committee. C) usually retains independence from the House leadership. D) reviews most bills coming from committee before they go to the full House. E) all of the above
d
73) The ________ is next in line after the vice president to succeed a president who resigns, dies in office, or is impeached. A) Senate majority leader B) Senate minority leader C) House majority leader D) Speaker of the House E) Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
d
74) The minority whip A) assists the majority leader in party-line votes. B) becomes the Speaker automatically if the Speaker resigns. C) represents African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans in each chamber of Congress. D) keeps a close head count on key votes, and attempts to keep party members in line. E) is used to punish members who do not vote with the rest of their party.
d
76) The ________ has the job of presiding over the Senate, breaking ties when necessary. A) majority leader B) majority whip C) minority leader D) vice president E) Speaker
d
83) Legislative ________ is the process of monitoring the bureaucracy and its administration of policy. A) franking B) stonewalling C) overview D) oversight E) supremacy
d
91) Caucuses in Congress A) press committees to hold hearings. B) push their preferred legislation. C) mobilize votes for favored legislation. D) all of the above E) none of the above
d
93) Republican congressional reforms in the 1990s included all of the following EXCEPT A) committee chairs were allowed to choose the chairs of subcommittees on their committees. B) both committee and subcommittee chairs were limited to three consecutive two-year terms as chair. C) some subcommittees were eliminated. D) committee chairs were given complete control over the timing of bills under consideration. E) none of the above
d
98) Most bills formally submitted for consideration in Congress A) are passed and signed into law. B) are passed, but vetoed by the president. C) are defeated in close final votes on the floors of one chamber. D) are quietly killed off early in the process. E) pass one house, but are killed in the other house.
d
Successful members of congress share the same policy interests as voters, according to the...
delegate model of representation.
11) The members of the Senate closely reflect the nation in terms of A) race. B) gender. C) economic status. D) prior occupation. E) none of the above
e
49) Which of the following statements about Congress is FALSE? A) Congress is a collection of generalists trying to make policy on specialized topics. B) Members of Congress are surrounded by people who know (or claim to know) more than they do. C) Members of Congress are often unsure of what is being voted on when a roll-call vote is called. D) Members frequently ask their colleagues how to vote. E) none of the above
e
85) Which of the following statements about congressional committees is FALSE? A) Unless a committee gives a bill a favorable report it almost never can be considered by the full House or Senate. B) The most important output of the committee is the marked up bill. C) Members of the committee usually serve as floor managers of the bill. D) Members of the committee act as cue-givers to whom other members turn for advice. E) none of the above
e
The congressional system of standing committees is significant because it
fosters the development of expertise by members
Charged with the responsibility to ---- the --- is almost certainly the most powerful committee in either chamber of Congress.
grant and set procedural rules, House Committee on Rules
One example of the Framers' intent to insulate the Senate from the tyranny of the majority was to _________
have members appointed by their respective state legislatures
What was the origin of the dispute resulting in the 2012 Super Committee?
inability to balance the budget
What is the typical trajectory of a bill in the House of Representatives? A. introduction, committee referral, subcommittee, full committee report, rules committee, conference committee, send to president, full House vote B. introduction, committee referral, subcommittee, full committee report, rules committee, full House vote, conference committee, send to president C. introduction, committee referral, subcommittee, rules committee, full committee report, conference committee, full House vote, send to president D. introduction, committee referral, rules committee, subcommittee, full committee report, full House vote, conference committee, send to president E. introduction, subcommittee, committee referral, full committee report, rules committee, full House vote, conference committee, send to president
introduction, committee referral, subcommittee, full committee report, rules committee, full House vote, conference committee, send to president
Which of the following is true of an executive agreement made between a U.S. President and another head of state
it does not require Senate approval, but may require congressional allocation of funds for implementation
Whip
key member who deeps close contact with all member of his or her party and takes nose counts on key votes, prepares summaries of bills, and in general acts as communicative link within a party.
Pork
legislation that allows representatives to bring how the bacon to their districts in the form of public works programs, military bases, or other programs designed to benefit their districts directly.
What best explains the overwhelming advantage incumbents possess in seeking relection over opposition candidates?
name recognition, access to media, and franking privilege.
The most common criterion that people use when voting for a presidential candidate is the candidate's
party identification
The Framers designed the leadership systems in the House and the Senate so that __________.
passing a bill would be more difficult in the HOUSE than the SENATE
Congressional standing committees are best described as
permanent subject-matter committees
Casework
personal work done by a member of congress for his constituents
Discharge petition
petition that gives a majority of the House of Reps the authority to bring an issue to the floor in the face of committee inaction.
The Office of Management and Budget has the primary responsibility for doing which of the following?
preparing the budge
Congressional Member Organizations, or member caucuses, are __________.
promoters of shared legislative interests
Term limits
restrictions that exist in some states about how long an individual may serve in state or local elected offices.
Trustee
role played by elected representatives who listen to constituents' opinions and then use their best judgment to make final decisions.
Delegate
role played by elected representatives who vote the way their constituents would want them to, regardless of their own opinions.
President pro tempore
the official chair of the Senate; usually the most senior member of the majority party.
Communication between congressional representatives and constituents occurs mainly through
the personal staffs of representatives
Divided government
the political condition in which different political parties control the White House and Congress.
Majority party
the political party in each house of Congress with the most members.
Apportionment
the process of allotting congressional seats to each state following the decennial census according to their proportion of the population.
In trying to influence legislation, the President is generally more successful than congressional leaders in
using the media to set the policy agenda