Definitions
What is an incumbent?
A person already holding office.
How often do House members run for election?
Every 2 years.
How many senators are elected from each state?
Two senators are from each state.
What is a law called before it becomes a law?
Before legislation is a law, it is called a bill.
Who has the power to declare war?
Congress
What is a bicameral legislature?
A legislative body having two branches, houses, or chambers.
How old must you be to be elected to the House?
At least 25 years old.
Who is the president of the Senate?
Vice-President of the United States.
True or False: Only 51 votes are needed to pass legislation in the Senate.
False, 60 votes are needed for legislation to pass in the Senate.
How many total members of Congress are there?
435 (House of Reps) + 100 (Senators) = 535
What is a filibuster?
The process or an instance of obstructing legislation by means of unlimited debate.
Who appoints the Rules Committee?
Speaker of the House
Is the junior senator of the state always the younger senator?
No, the junior senator is the senator with less tenure, despite age.
Which chamber of Congress is responsible for bills related to raising revenue?
The House of Representatives
How many times can Members or Senators run for election?
An unlimited amount of times.
What is the Byrd rule?
The Byrd Rule therefore prevents a reconciliation bill from containing non-budgetary provisions that supporters might otherwise wish to have an easier path to passage.
Name current Speaker of the House.
Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
What are the tools of the Senate Majority Leader?
What is a pocket veto?
A pocket veto is a legislative maneuver that allows a president or another official with veto power to exercise that power over a bill by taking no action instead of affirmatively vetoing it.
What are select committees?
Select committees are formed for a specific purpose.
What is a hold?
A hold is a parliamentary procedure permitted by the Standing Rules of the United States Senate which allows one or more Senators to prevent a motion from reaching a vote on the Senate floor.
Who is the first Black woman to be elected to the House?
Rep. Shirley Chisholm
Who is the oldest sitting Senator?
Senator Dianne Feinstein
What are the three options a President has when a bill reaches his/her desk?
A President can sign the bill, veto it or refuse to sign the bill.
Where did the first Congress meet?
New York City