House of Representatives
How Many Members of the House are there?
435
How many Senators are in the Senate?
100
What is a bill?
A bill is a draft of a proposed law presented to Congress for approval. Bills can create new laws, amend existing ones, or repeal old laws.
Which branch of government does Congress belong too?
Legislative Branch
What is a filibuster?
A filibuster is a parliamentary procedure used in the U.S. Senate that allows one or more Senators to delay or prevent a vote on a bill by extending debate on the measure.
What determines the number of representatives each state gets?
Population
How are Senators does each State get?
2
What is the first step of the Bill Making Process
Idea Phase
Name one shared power of Congress.
Both chambers work together to pass federal laws.
Congress oversees and investigates the Executive Branch’s operations through committees and hearings.
Only Congress has the power to declare war
Where can Filibusters happen?
Senate
Who leads the House of Representatives?
Speaker of the House
How Long is a Senator's term in office?
6 Years
If a Bill is labeled HR where did it come from?
House of Representatives
What does it mean that Congress is a bicameral legislature?
It's Power is split into two Chambers
What is a criticism of filibusters?
Believe it can lead to legislative gridlock, preventing important laws from being passed and contributing to partisan deadlock.
What is the term length for a Representative in the House?
2 Years
When is 1/3 of the Senate up for reelection
Every 2 Years
What happens if the President vetoes a bill?
The Bill is sent back to Congress
How does Congress check the Executive Branch
Approves or rejects Presidential appointments and treaties.
Has the power to override Presidential vetoes with a two-thirds majority.
Controls budget appropriations, affecting executive functions.
Provide an example of a filibuster we have seen?
Ted Cruz Green Eggs and Ham
Mike Pence Garfield's Birthday Bash
Name one unique power of the House of Representatives.
Origination of Revenue Bill, Call for Impeachment, Selection of the President in Rare cases
What vote is needed in the Senate to ratify a treaty?
2/3 Votes
What is the role of a Conference Committee?
If the House and Senate pass different versions, a Conference Committee with members from both chambers meets to create a unified version. Both chambers must vote again on the compromise bill.
What Checks does Congress have on the Judicial Branch
Congress approves federal judges and has the power to impeach them.
Can create lower courts and set jurisdiction, influencing court structure.
What is one reason Senators might use a filibuster during a legislative debate?
Highlighting Key Issues
Showcasing Stances
Negotiation Tool
Pressure on Opponents
Symbolic Acts
Strategic Delay Preventing Passage Near Deadlines