Congress: The Senate and the House - AP US Government and Politics

1. What is a pocket veto?

   When the President takes no action on a bill for 10 days while Congress is adjourned. Bill dies without presidential action or signature.

2. What is the main function of Congress?

   To make federal laws. Legislative branch's primary constitutional role.

3. Which chamber of Congress conducts impeachment trials?

   The Senate. Tries impeachment cases from the House.

4. Which chamber of Congress has the sole power to impeach the President?

   The House of Representatives. Sole power granted by Constitution Article I.

5. What is the minimum age requirement for a U.S. Senator?

   30 years old. Constitutional requirement for Senate eligibility.

6. Which chamber can ratify treaties with foreign nations?

   The Senate. Exclusive Senate foreign policy power.

7. What is the difference between a bill and a law?

   A bill is a proposed law; a law is enacted legislation. Bills become laws after presidential signature.

8. How many Senators does each state have?

   Each state has 2 Senators. Equal representation regardless of state population.

9. How can Congress override a presidential veto?

   By a two-thirds vote in both the Senate and House. Supermajority required to overturn presidential rejection.

10. Who is the Speaker of the House?

    The leader of the House of Representatives. Elected by House majority party members.

11. What is the role of the Appropriations Committee?

    To allocate funding for government programs. Controls federal government spending decisions.

12. Which chamber of Congress confirms presidential appointments?

    The Senate. Advice and consent power in Article II.

13. What is a joint session of Congress?

    A session where both the Senate and House meet together. Used for ceremonial occasions and addresses.

14. What is the term length for a U.S. Senator?

    6 years. Longer terms provide stability and continuity.

15. What is the term length for a U.S. Representative?

    2 years. Shorter terms ensure frequent accountability.

16. What is the function of a select committee?

    A temporary committee for a specific purpose. Created for investigations or special issues.

17. What is the bicameral legislature?

    A two-chamber system: Senate and House of Representatives. Balances representation and equal state power.

18. What is the role of the House Majority Leader?

    To lead the majority party in the House. Coordinates party strategy under the Speaker.

19. Which chamber of Congress has the power to initiate revenue bills?

    The House of Representatives. Origination Clause in Article I, Section 7.

20. What is the minimum age requirement for a U.S. Representative?

    25 years old. Constitutional requirement for House eligibility.

21. What is the total number of voting members in the House of Representatives?

    435 voting members. Fixed by law since 1929 Reapportionment Act.

22. What is the purpose of a conference committee?

    To reconcile House and Senate bill differences. Resolves bicameral legislative differences.

23. What is the role of the Congressional Budget Office?

    To provide economic data and budgetary analysis to Congress. Nonpartisan fiscal analysis for legislative decisions.

24. Who presides over the Senate in the Vice President's absence?

    The President pro tempore. Usually the most senior majority party senator.

25. Define 'cloture'.

    A procedure to end a filibuster in the Senate. Requires 60 votes to invoke in Senate.

26. What is the significance of a standing committee?

    A permanent committee that oversees bills related to specific issues. Handles most legislative work and expertise.

27. What is the required citizenship duration to be a U.S. Senator?

    9 years. Constitutional citizenship requirement for senators.

28. What is the role of the Senate Majority Leader?

    To lead the majority party in the Senate. Coordinates party strategy and floor management.

29. What is a filibuster?

    A prolonged speech to delay legislative action. Used primarily in the Senate.

30. What is the role of the Minority Leader?

    To lead the minority party in their respective chamber. Represents opposition party interests and strategy.

31. How are Senators elected?

    By popular vote. Direct election established by 17th Amendment.

32. What is the difference between a resolution and a bill?

    A resolution addresses internal matters; a bill proposes new laws. Resolutions don't require presidential approval.

33. What is the role of the Whip in Congress?

    To ensure party discipline and manage votes. Counts votes and enforces party unity.

34. What is the elastic clause?

    Grants Congress the power to pass all necessary and proper laws. Article I, Section 8 implied powers.

35. How are Representatives apportioned among the states?

    Based on population. Census data determines seat allocation.

36. What is the power of the purse?

    Congress's power to tax and spend public money. Constitutional power over federal finances.

37. What is the required citizenship duration to be a U.S. Representative?

    7 years. Constitutional citizenship requirement for representatives.

38. What is the role of the Rules Committee?

    To determine the rules for debate of a bill in the House. Controls House floor debate procedures.

39. What are the two houses of the United States Congress?

    The Senate and the House of Representatives. Bicameral structure established by the Constitution.

40. What is a quorum in Congress?

    The minimum number of members needed to conduct business. Usually majority of total membership.

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