Qualifications
Minimum age requirement for a Representative
25 years old
Who originally elected Senators before the 17th Amendment
How long is a Senate term
What power allows Congress to control federal spending?
Power of the purse
What is the first step in the legislative process?
What citizenship requirement must Senators meet
What change did the 17th Amendment bring to the election of Senators?
What change did the 17th Amendment bring to the election of Senators?
Why did the Founders set different term lengths for the House and Senate?
To create a balance between immediate representation and stability
: What does the 16th Amendment give Congress the power to do?
Levy an income tax.
What happens to a bill after it passes in one chamber?
It is sent to the other chamber for consideration
What is the minimum age requirement for a Senator
30 years old.
How long is the term for a Representative?
Two years
What is the difference in the total number of members between the House and Senate?
The House has 435 members, while the Senate has 100 members.
Which chamber of Congress has the exclusive power to initiate revenue bills?
The House of Representatives
How can Congress override a presidential veto?
By a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers
Where must all members of Congress be residents?
They must reside in the state they represent
What process do Representatives use to be elected?
They are elected by popular vote in their congressional districts
What was the Founders’ intent behind the two-year term for the House?
To ensure that Representatives remain responsive to their constituents
Which chamber must approve treaties made by the President?
The Senate
What role does the committee system play in the legislative process?
Committees review, amend, and make recommendations on bills.
What clause in the Constitution outlines the qualifications for Congress members?
Article I, Section 2 for Representatives and Article I, Section 3 for Senators
How often are elections held for Senators?
How often are elections held for Senators?
How does the staggered election of Senators affect the continuity of the Senate?
It ensures that not all Senators are replaced at once, maintaining institutional knowledge.
How do the powers of Congress reflect the Founders' vision of checks and balances?
They divide powers between two chambers to prevent any one group from becoming too powerful
What is a filibuster, and how does it affect legislation?
A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block legislation by extending debate