Congressional Basics
There are two houses of Congress- What is the word we use for this? Congress is ______________.
bicameral
How many representatives in the H of R does the state of Louisiana have?
This person fills in as president of the senate. They are the most senior senator of the majority party. What is the title of this position?
President Pro-tempore
List at least 1 source of bills (300 points if you get all 3!)
Concerned citizens; the president; special interest groups (like the NRA)
Double points. The Elastic Clause is also called the __________ clause and it allows Congress to stretch its powers. Powers granted by the elastic clause are called ______________ powers.
Necessary and proper clause; Implied
List 1 example of a non-legislative power of Congress.
Proposing amendments, impeaching officials,
members of the House of Representatives terms last for ________. members of the Senate's term last for _____ .
2 years; 6 years
List 1 Louisiana Senator (Double points if you can name both!)
Bill Cassidy, John Kennedy
A bill is first introduced in the H of R and passes with a majority vote. Where does it go next?
the Senate
Double points! Must get both right... Work that Congressmen do to help their district or state receive money are called____________. These projects help them get reelected. Work congressmen do to help people that live in their district (constituents) is called _________
Pork barrel projects. You need to know that these help congressmen get reelected! Casework!!!
Where in the Constitution (which article and which section) can you find the Enumerated powers of Congress?
Article 1, section 8
The number of representatives each state has depends on that states ______________.
population
A Senator's term last for ________. To run for the Senate, you must be _______ years old.
6 years; 30
When a bill is introduced into the House or Senate, where does it go?
the appropriate standing committee. This committee decides whether or not the full house will vote on it.
Which committee a Congressman will be on depends on his or her _________________.
Seniority
Congress adjusts the numbers of seats each state has in the H.O.R. every _____________ years, because this is how often a ________ is conducted.
10 years; Census
What title do we give the leader of the House of Representatives?
Speaker of the House
Who is the head of the Senate? Name or position will do...
Vice President!
Where does a bill go if the House of Representatives and the Senate pass different versions?
Conference committee
Sometimes, congressional districts are drawn in a way that favors one political party over another. This is called ______________.
Gerrymandering
Official can be removed from office if they are found guilty of wrongdoing. Only the ___(1)____ can ____(2)___(accuse) officials. Only the ____(3)____ can conduct the trial and find them guilty or not guilty.
House of Representatives; impeach; Senate
Who is currently the Speaker of the House?
Mike Johnson (You don't have to know his name, I'm just testing your knowledge!)
Which house can initiate taxes? Which house approves presidential treaties, and nominations?
Taxes- H of R; Approving nominations/treaties- Senate
Senators __________ during a debate on a bill. The House of Representatives can't because the ______ _____ ________ sets time limits for debate.
Filibuster; House Rules Committee
What are the three types of Congressional committees? Some are permanent, some are temporary...
Standing (permanent), select (temporary), and joint (include members of both houses of Congress)