Congressional Elections - AP US Government and Politics

1. What is a 'majority-minority district'?

   A district where a minority group is the majority. Created to ensure minority representation in Congress.

2. Which amendment to the Constitution provides for the direct election of U.S. Senators?

   17th Amendment. Changed from state legislature selection to popular vote.

3. Which type of primary allows any registered voter to participate?

   Open primary. Allows crossover voting between party lines.

4. What is the term for a proposed law presented to Congress?

   Bill. Formal proposal that must pass both chambers.

5. Identify one power unique to the U.S. House of Representatives.

   Initiate revenue bills. Constitution requires tax bills to originate in the House.

6. What is a 'quorum' in the context of Congress?

   Minimum number of members needed to conduct business. Usually requires majority of members to be present.

7. What is a caucus in the context of congressional elections?

   Meeting of party members to select candidates. Alternative to primary elections in some states.

8. What is the term for redrawing congressional districts after a census?

   Redistricting. Done every 10 years after the decennial census.

9. What is the role of the President pro tempore of the Senate?

   Presides over the Senate in Vice President's absence. Usually the longest-serving majority party senator.

10. What is the purpose of a 'select committee'?

    Temporary committee for specific issues. Created to investigate particular problems or events.

11. What is a cloture motion in the Senate?

    Procedure to end a filibuster. Requires 60 votes to invoke and end debate.

12. What does the term 'lame duck' refer to in politics?

    An official in the final period of office. Period between election defeat and successor's inauguration.

13. Define 'safe seat' in congressional elections.

    A district consistently won by one party. Predictable outcome reduces competitive elections.

14. What is a 'rider' in legislative terms?

    An additional provision added to a bill. Often unrelated amendment attached to popular bills.

15. What is the process of dividing seats in the House among states called?

    Apportionment. Based on state population from the decennial census.

16. What is an incumbent?

    Current holder of a political office. Enjoys electoral advantages from name recognition and resources.

17. What is the total number of voting members in the U.S. House of Representatives?

    435 members. Fixed by law since the Reapportionment Act of 1929.

18. What is the term for a non-binding vote or resolution?

    Sense of Congress. Expresses opinion without force of law.

19. What is the term for the yearly address by the President to Congress?

    State of the Union Address. Annual constitutional requirement for presidential report.

20. What is a 'pocket veto'?

    President's indirect veto by not signing a bill. Occurs when Congress adjourns within 10 days.

21. What is the significance of the Rules Committee in the House?

    Determines the rules for debate on a bill. Controls timing and amendment process for legislation.

22. Which body has the power to impeach the President?

    The House of Representatives. Constitutional role as prosecutor in impeachment process.

23. What are midterm elections?

    Elections held halfway through a president's term. Occur in even-numbered years without presidential races.

24. What is the minimum age requirement to serve in the U.S. Senate?

    30 years old. Constitutional requirement for Senate eligibility.

25. Which body holds the trial for an impeached President?

    The Senate. Acts as jury to determine guilt in impeachment cases.

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

    6 years. Longer term provides stability in the upper chamber.

27. Identify the term for when a Senator speaks at length to delay a vote.

    Filibuster. Unique Senate tactic to block legislation through delay.

28. What is the role of the Speaker of the House?

    Presides over the House and is its leader. Elected by majority party to lead House proceedings.

29. Define 'gerrymandering.'

    Drawing district boundaries to favor a party. Manipulates electoral boundaries for political advantage.

30. Which type of primary allows only registered party members to vote?

    Closed primary. Restricts participation to maintain party unity.

31. What is the purpose of a congressional whip?

    Ensure party discipline in voting. Counts votes and maintains party unity.

32. What is a 'standing committee' in Congress?

    Permanent committee with specific duties. Continues across multiple sessions with ongoing jurisdiction.

33. What is a primary election?

    Election to determine a party's candidate. Narrows field before the general election.

34. What is 'pork barrel' spending?

    Government spending for localized projects. Funding that benefits specific districts or regions.

35. What is the total number of members in the U.S. Senate?

    100 members. Two senators from each of the 50 states.

36. What is the minimum age requirement to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives?

    25 years old. Minimum age set by Constitution for House members.

37. What is the role of a conference committee?

    Resolve differences in House and Senate bills. Reconciles different versions passed by each chamber.

38. What does 'bicameral' mean in the context of Congress?

    Having two legislative chambers. System divides legislative power between two houses.

39. Identify one power unique to the U.S. Senate.

    Confirm presidential appointments. Senate's advice and consent role for federal nominees.

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