House of Reps
How many total reps are there in the US?
435
How many total Senators are there?
100
Define checks and balances
A way for branches to "check" or monitor other branches to make sure one branch does not get too powerful. They are given certain powers to be able to check other branches
Who can suggest a bill?
Anyone
What did the court case Baker v. Carr establish?
The Court’s decision meant that legislative districts must be drawn so that they have roughly equal populations, ensuring fairer and more equal representation
Speaker of the House
Who is the actual leader of the Senate?
For an extra 100 points, in addition to giving me the position name, give me the name of the person that holds this position currently
The Vice President
JD Vance
Name one way the Legislative Branch can check the Executive branch.
-The Senate can approve treaties created by the President
-Senate approves appointments made by the President
Who has to formally introduce a bill?
A legislator.
What did the court case Shaw v. Reno establish?
Race can be used as a factor in drawing Congressional districts, but not as the ONLY factor in drawing districts.
What role does the House have in an impeachment process?
They start the process and formally charge the federal officer.
In the impeachment process, what role does the Senate play?
Name one way the Executive Branch checks the Legislative Branch.
The President can veto a bill passed by Congress
Where does a bill start once it's been formally introduced?
In Committee
What did the court case Rucho v. Common Cause establish?
Rucho closed the door on federal courts striking down partisan gerrymanders, leaving the fight mostly to the states.
It was not illegal to redraw districts based on political parties.
Who is the current Speaker of the House?
Mike Johnson
If the true leader of the Senate is unavailable who fills in for them?
President Pro Tempore
How many votes are needed in the House and Senate to pass a bill?
Majority vote: 218 Reps, 51 Senators
Which amendment do the court cases we talked about pertain to?
The 14th Amendment
For a bill to be formally introduced in the House where does it have to go?
The Wooden Hopper
How is a bill formally introduced in the Senate?
It is announced during morning hours.
Which Enlightenment thinker heavily influenced the idea of checks and balances?
Montesquieu
What is step 8 of the bill process?
Joint markup session. Members of the House and Senate meet to form a final version of the bill.
What specific clause have we been addressing with these court cases?
The Equal Projection Clause