House vs Senate
Congress & Lawmaking
Congressional Roles & Powers
Congressional Behavior
The Presidency
100
Which chamber has 435 members and is based on population?
House of Representatives
100
What must happen in both chambers before a bill can be sent to the president?
It must be passed in identical form by both the House and Senate.
100
Who is the presiding officer of the House of Representatives?
Speaker of the House
100
What is it called when lawmakers trade votes to get their bills passed?
logrolling
100
What is a formal power of the president as Commander in Chief?
Leading the armed forces
200
Which chamber approves treaties and confirms presidential appointments?
Senate
200
Which type of legislation determines government funding for a fiscal year?
Federal budget or appropriations bills
200
What is an enumerated power of Congress (it's in the Constitution)?
Declare war, regulate interstate commerce, tax, coin money.
200
What is pork-barrel legislation?
Government spending added to bills to benefit a specific district or constituency
200
What is an informal way the president can influence public opinion?
bully pulpit or media use
300
Name one way debate rules differ between the House and Senate
The House has strict time limits like for how long you can speak; the Senate allows for filibusters and holds
300
If the President vetoes (refuses to sign) a bill into law, what can Congress do to push it through?
They can override a veto by a 2/3 vote in both Houses
300
What clause gives Congress the authority to pass laws beyond those specifically listed in the Constitution?
Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)
300
What is a rider?
A provision added to a bill that may not be related to the bill's main purpose
300
What does it mean when a president is a “lame duck”?
A president who is near the end of their term, especially after a successor has been elected. They have no more influence since they are on their way out
400
What is the term for redrawing congressional districts to favor a party or group?
gerrymandering
400
What is it called when Congress and the President cannot agree on a budget?
Government shutdown
400
What position in the Senate is largely ceremonial but constitutionally assigned (they can do the tie-breaking vote)?
President of the Senate (Vice President of the U.S.)
400
When members of Congress vote based on their own judgment and expertise, rather than strictly following their constituents' wishes or party lines, what type of representation are they practicing?
trustee representation
400
What document argued for a single energetic executive?
Federalist No. 70
500
Which chamber is considered more responsive to public opinion and why?
The House, because members are elected every two years.
500
What does it mean when the House uses a discharge petition?
A majority of House members force a bill out of committee and onto the floor for debate.
500
Which congressional role is responsible for securing votes for legislation and maintaining party discipline?
Party whip (majority whip and minority whip)
500
What is the incumbency advantage, and what factors contribute to it?
Name recognition, fundraising ability, constituent services, and gerrymandered districts.
500
List at least 4 formal and informal presidential powers.
Formal—vetoes, appointments, treaties; Informal—executive agreements, signing statements, agenda setting.