Structures, Powers, and Functions of Congress - AP US Government and Politics

1. What is the quorum requirement for the House of Representatives?

   218 members. A majority of members must be present to conduct official House business.

2. What does the term 'bicameral' refer to?

   A two-chamber legislative system. Congress consists of two separate chambers with different powers and procedures.

3. What is the purpose of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO)?

   To provide budgetary analysis. CBO provides nonpartisan economic analysis of proposed legislation's fiscal impact.

4. Which committee is responsible for tax legislation?

   House Ways and Means Committee. This House committee has exclusive jurisdiction over federal tax policy.

5. Identify the leader of the House of Representatives.

   The Speaker of the House. Elected by the majority party to preside over House proceedings and set the agenda.

6. What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?

   Allows Congress to pass laws needed to carry out powers. The elastic clause expands congressional authority beyond enumerated powers.

7. Identify the power of Congress to regulate interstate commerce.

   Commerce Clause. Article I grants Congress power to regulate trade between states.

8. Identify the primary power of the purse.

   Congress controls federal spending. Article I gives Congress exclusive authority over government taxation and spending.

9. What is a filibuster?

   A prolonged debate to delay legislation. Senate tradition allows unlimited debate to block or delay unwanted legislation.

10. What is the role of the Senate Appropriations Committee?

    To allocate federal spending. Controls how federal tax revenue is distributed to government agencies and programs.

11. Which article of the Constitution outlines the powers of Congress?

    Article I. The legislative article establishes Congress's structure, powers, and limitations.

12. Identify the primary function of Congress.

    To make laws. Article I grants Congress legislative power as the first branch of government.

13. What are the two chambers of Congress?

    The House of Representatives and the Senate. The legislative branch is bicameral with equal state representation in the Senate and proportional in the House.

14. What is gerrymandering?

    Manipulating boundaries for political advantage. Drawing district lines to benefit one political party over another.

15. How many Senators are there in the U.S. Senate?

    100 Senators. Each state elects two senators regardless of population size for equal representation.

16. What is a conference committee?

    A committee to reconcile House and Senate versions of a bill. Resolves differences between House and Senate versions of the same bill.

17. What is the function of a select committee?

    To address specific issues not covered by standing committees. Temporary committees investigate specific problems or conduct special studies.

18. What is the purpose of a joint committee?

    To include members from both chambers for specific tasks. Combines House and Senate members to address issues affecting both chambers.

19. What is the primary responsibility of the House Rules Committee?

    To set the terms for debate in the House. Controls the flow of legislation by setting time limits and amendment rules.

20. What is a caucus in the context of Congress?

    A group of members with shared interests or goals. Informal groups that coordinate policy positions on specific issues.

21. What is the purpose of a standing committee?

    Permanent committee focused on specific policy areas. Standing committees handle ongoing legislative business in specialized subject areas.

22. What is the term for redrawing congressional districts?

    Redistricting. Districts are redrawn every ten years following the census.

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

    6 years. Longer terms provide stability and allow senators to focus on long-term national issues.

24. Who serves as the President of the Senate?

    The Vice President of the United States. The VP serves as Senate president but only votes to break ties.

25. What is congressional oversight?

    Monitoring the executive branch and its agencies. Congress monitors executive agencies to ensure proper implementation of laws.

26. What is the primary role of congressional committees?

    To review and shape bills. Committees provide expertise and detailed examination of proposed legislation.

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

    25 years old. Lower age requirement allows younger citizens to serve in the people's house.

28. Which chamber of Congress confirms presidential appointments?

    The Senate. The Senate provides advice and consent on presidential nominees to federal positions.

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

    30 years old. Higher age requirement reflects the Senate's role as the more deliberative chamber.

30. What is the role of the Senate Judiciary Committee?

    To oversee judicial appointments and conduct hearings. Reviews federal judicial nominees and considers constitutional amendments.

31. Which power allows Congress to declare war?

    War Powers. Only Congress can formally declare war under Article I powers.

32. What is the cloture rule in the Senate?

    A procedure to end a filibuster. Requires 60 votes to end unlimited debate and proceed to a final vote.

33. Identify the primary responsibility of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

    To oversee foreign policy legislation. Reviews treaties and international agreements requiring Senate approval.

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

    The House of Representatives. The House initiates impeachment proceedings as the chamber closer to the people.

35. How many voting members are in the U.S. House of Representatives?

    435 Representatives. The number is fixed by law and seats are apportioned among states by population.

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

    To lead the majority party in the Senate. Sets the legislative agenda and coordinates party strategy in the upper chamber.

37. What is the seniority system in Congress?

    Preference based on length of service. Longer-serving members receive priority for committee chairs and leadership positions.

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

    2 years. Shorter terms ensure representatives remain responsive to their constituents' immediate concerns.

39. Which chamber initiates revenue bills?

    The House of Representatives. The Constitution requires all revenue bills to originate in the House.

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