Congressional Behavior - AP US Government and Politics
- What is the purpose of congressional oversight?
- To monitor and supervise federal agencies and programs. Congress ensures executive agencies follow laws and use funds properly.
- Identify one check Congress has on the executive branch.
- Override a presidential veto. Requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers to succeed.
- What does it mean to table a bill?
- To postpone or suspend consideration of a bill. Effectively kills a bill by removing it from active consideration.
- What is logrolling in Congress?
- Exchanging favors, usually vote trading. Members support each other's projects to build coalitions.
- What is a discharge petition?
- A motion to bring a bill out of committee for a vote. Bypasses committee chairs who block popular legislation.
- What is the term length for a U.S. Senator?
- 6 years. Senators serve staggered terms to provide continuity in the Senate.
- What is a filibuster?
- A prolonged speech to delay legislative action. A Senate tradition used to block or delay unwanted legislation.
- What is a cloture vote?
- A procedure to end a filibuster with 60 votes. Cloture limits debate and forces a final vote on legislation.
- What is the primary function of Congress?
- To make laws. Congress has legislative power under Article I of the Constitution.
- What is the seniority system in Congress?
- Longer-serving members receive preference in committee assignments. Rewards experience and encourages specialization in committees.
- Identify one factor that can lead to divided government.
- Different parties controlling Congress and the presidency. Creates potential for gridlock and compromise in policymaking.
- Identify one method Congress uses to influence bureaucracies.
- Budgetary control. Congress controls agency funding through appropriations process.
- What is the difference between a bill and a resolution?
- A bill proposes law; a resolution addresses internal matters. Bills become law if passed; resolutions express congressional opinion.
- What is the purpose of a select committee?
- Investigate specific issues not covered by standing committees. Temporary committees for focused investigations or special issues.
- What is the role of the Senate Majority Leader?
- Leads the majority party and sets Senate agenda. Coordinates party strategy and manages floor proceedings.
- What is the role of the Speaker of the House?
- Presides over the House and sets legislative agenda. Elected by majority party and third in line for presidential succession.
- Which option defines a quorum in Congress?
- Minimum number of members needed to conduct business. Usually a majority of members in each chamber.
- Identify one power unique to the House of Representatives.
- Initiating revenue bills. Article I, Section 7 grants this power exclusively to the House.
- What is the purpose of redistricting?
- To redraw electoral district boundaries after a census. Required every 10 years after the census to ensure equal representation.
- What is the role of a subcommittee?
- Specialize in certain areas within a standing committee. Allows detailed examination of specific policy areas.
- What is the term length for a member of the House of Representatives?
- 2 years. Representatives serve shorter terms for closer connection to voters.
- What is a whip in Congress?
- An official who ensures party discipline and vote alignment. Counts votes and pressures members to follow party positions.
- What is bicameralism?
- A two-chambered legislature, such as in the U.S. Congress. Designed to balance representation and encourage deliberation.
- What is a rider in legislative terms?
- An additional provision added to a bill. Often unrelated to the main bill's purpose.
- Which chamber of Congress can impeach a president?
- The House of Representatives. The House has the sole power of impeachment under the Constitution.
- What is a conference committee?
- A committee to reconcile House and Senate bill versions. Creates compromise legislation when chambers pass different versions.
- Identify the amendment that allows for direct election of Senators.
- The 17th Amendment. Previously, state legislatures chose senators instead of voters.
- What is gerrymandering?
- Manipulating district boundaries for political gain. Often used to create safe seats or dilute opposition voting power.
- Identify one type of congressional committee.
- Standing committee. Permanent committees that handle ongoing legislative business.
- Which chamber of Congress holds impeachment trials?
- The Senate. The Senate has the sole power to try impeachment cases.
- What is the purpose of a congressional caucus?
- A group of members promoting shared legislative goals. Caucuses unite members around common interests or demographics.
- What is a joint session of Congress?
- A meeting of both the House and Senate together. Often used for special occasions like State of the Union.
- What is the purpose of the Rules Committee in the House?
- Determines the terms of debate for bills. Controls when, how long, and under what conditions bills are debated.
- What is the role of the President pro tempore?
- Presides over the Senate in the Vice President's absence. Usually the longest-serving senator from the majority party.
- Identify one factor influencing congressional voting behavior.
- Constituency interests. Members consider voter preferences when making legislative decisions.
- What is a continuing resolution in budget terms?
- A measure to fund government temporarily at existing levels. Prevents government shutdown when regular appropriations bills stall.
- Identify one power unique to the Senate.
- Confirming presidential appointments. The Senate provides advice and consent for presidential nominees.
- What is a pocket veto?
- President does not sign a bill within 10 days; Congress adjourns. Automatically kills a bill without formal presidential rejection.