Vocabulary
Bills & Laws
House of Representatives & Senate
Congress
MISC
100

This branch of the U.S. government is established by Article I of the Constitution and consists of two chambers.

What is the Legislative Branch?

100
What is a bill?
Proposed laws presented to the House or Senate for enactment
100
Does Congress have the power “to borrow money on the credit of the United States”?
Yes
100
What is Congress' major function?
Their major function is to make laws.
100
What is a bicameral legislature?
It is a legislature made up of two houses.
200

This term refers to a two-chambered legislative system, which the U.S. Congress follows.

What is a bicameral legislature?

200

This is a law before it is signed?

a bill

200
How is each state represented in the Senate?
Each state is represented equally with two senators each.
200
How long does each term in Congress last for?
Each term in Congress lasts for two years and numbered consecutively.
200

This is the term used to describe when a representative balances between the delegate and trustee models depending on the issue.

What is the politico model?

300

This is the name of the lower house of Congress, consisting of representatives elected every two years.

What is the House of Representatives?

300
True or False: Concurrent resolutions do not require the President’s signature.
True
300
What is the role of the “Speaker of the House”?
He/she is the elected presiding officer of the House and the acknowledged leader of its party.
300
How many different powers in all does the Constitution grant to Congress?
27 different powers.
300
A committee composed of members from both houses is called?
Joint Committee
400

This model of representation suggests that a representative should act according to their own judgment, rather than merely reflecting the views of their constituents.
 

What is the trustee model?

400

Under this model of representation, a lawmaker mirrors the wishes of the people they represent, often regardless of their own personal views.

What is the delegate model?

400
What is the role of the House and the Senate when it comes to impeachment?
The House has the sole power to impeach and the Senate has the sole power to judge in impeachment cases.
400

If Congress is able to borrow money, is there a constitutional limit on the amount that Congress can borrow?

There isn’t a limit on how much Congress can borrow.

400

These groups, often affiliated with political parties, seek to influence the decisions of Congress and can contribute funds to campaigns.

What are Political Action Committees (PACs)?

500

In order to be eligible for election to this chamber of Congress, one must be at least 30 years old, have been a U.S. citizen for at least nine years, and live in the state they represent.

What is the Senate?

500
What does the conference committee do?
The conference committee produces a compromise bill to the president when the bills both houses pass are not identical.
500

What are the “two executive powers” that the Constitution gives to the Senate?

One has to do with making appointments (must be confirmed by the majority of the senate) and the other has to do with treaties (may accept, reject, offer amendments, etc.) made by the president.

500

Representatives serve in the House for this number of years before they must run for re-election.

What is two years?

500

ne major reason it was difficult for Mr. Smith to get his bill passed in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington was the influence of this type of organization, which seeks to influence legislation.

What are interest groups?

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