Miscellaneous
What is the "common defense?"
The military with the financial support of Congress.
What is the primary role of the Congress based on the Constitution?
To write laws for the United States.
How long is a term in the Senate?
For 6 years, but he or she can serve as many terms as elected.
What is the first step of creating a new law?
A bill is introduced in Congress, either in the Senate or the House of Representatives. If it is passed in one house, then it goes to the other house for a vote.
The Constitution expresses that some powers are considered "reserved powers." What are "reserved powers?"
Powers reserved for the states or the people.
When special projects are added to legislative bills which benefit certain states, it is referred to as what?
"Pork-barrel spending"
What are the powers given to Congress by the Constitution?
The power to tax
The power to declare war
The power to collect taxes
The power to coin money
The power to borrow money
What are the requirements to be a Senator?
1. 30 years old
2. US citizen for 9 years
3. A resident of the state which they are representing in Congress
Where does most of the work of Congress happen?
In congressional committees.
The Preamble mentions the "general welfare." What did the founders mean by this term?
Federal money should be spent in a way that benefits all citizens; the nation as a whole.
What determines the number of Representatives each state can have in the House?
Population, based on a census every ten years.
The Constitution prevents Congress from restricting freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press and assembly. Where are these freedoms listed in the Constitution?
The First Amendment in the Bill of Rights
What is the "Seniority System?"
Those who have served in Congress the longest receive the most important positions.
Once a bill passes both the House and the Senate, then what happens?
It goes to the president who will sign it into law, or veto it. If he doesn’t do anything and Congress adjoins, it is automatically vetoed. (Pocket Veto)
What is “gerrymandering?”
When legislative districts are drawn in a way that benefits a particular party.
What is the difference between a "direct tax" and an "indirect tax?"
A direct tax is paid directly to the federal government, like income tax. An indirect tax is like a sales tax paid to a store, which then pays the government.
Who determines congressional district boundaries based on changes in population?
The state legislatures
What are primary responsibilities of the Senate?
1. To approve treaties with foreign countries.
2. To confirm appointments, like the Supreme Court or cabinet members.
3. To serving as jury in impeachment trials, to determine guilt or innocence.
What are the three primary Congressional Committees, and what are the distinctive of each?
Standing Committee - always in place.
Select Committee - created for a specific purpose.
Joint Committee - includes members of both houses.
What is "a writ of habeas corpus?"
If arrested, a person must be charged with a crime or released from custody.
Gibbons vs. Ogden was a court decision that declared the federal government had power over what?
Interstate commerce
Who in the House has the most power in controlling the flow of legislation?
The Speaker of the House
Who is called upon to break a tie vote in the Senate?
The Vice-President, who is the official president of the Senate. Currently J.D. Vance.
How would you determine if your senator or representative is doing a good job of representing you in Congress?
You can read the Congressional Record and review voting histories to see if decisions being made are consistent with your opinions.
What is the term for a prolonged speech obstructing progress on the Senate floor?
"Filibuster"