Structure of Congress
How many total members are in Congress? (Total!)
535 (435 Representatives + 100 Senators)
Who is the presiding officer of the House of Representatives?
Speaker of the House
What is the purpose of Congressional committees?
To review, revise, and manage bills before they reach the full chamber
What is the first step for a bill to become a law?
Introduction of the bill in the House or Senate
What is the power of the purse?
Congress controls government spending and taxation
How many Senators does each state have?
2
What is the main job of the Majority Leader?
To help plan the party’s legislative agenda and coordinate votes
Name two types of committees in Congress.
Standing committees, select/special committees, joint committees, conference committees
After a bill is introduced, where is it sent first?
To a committee for review
Name one example of a legislative power of Congress.
Passing laws, declaring war, coining money, regulating interstate commerce
Which chamber of Congress is based on population?
House of Representatives
What role does the Whip play in Congress?
Helps count votes and ensures party members vote according to party lines
What is a standing committee?
A permanent committee that handles bills in a specific area (e.g., Appropriations)
What happens during the committee stage?
Members discuss, revise, hold hearings, and vote on whether to send the bill to the floor
What is an implied power?
A power not explicitly listed in the Constitution but assumed through the Necessary and Proper Clause
What is the term length for a Representative? For a Senator?
Representative = 2 years; Senator = 6 years
Who is the presiding officer of the Senate?
Vice President of the United States
What is a select (or special) committee?
A temporary committee created for a specific purpose or investigation
What happens after a bill passes both the House and Senate?
It goes to the President to sign or veto
What is the difference between enumerated and implied powers?
Enumerated = specifically written in the Constitution; Implied = not written but assumed
Which chamber has the power to impeach a federal official?
House of Representatives
How does the Speaker of the House influence which bills are debated?
Controls the legislative calendar and decides which bills come to the floor
How do committees affect the process of making laws? Give one example.
They can hold hearings, make revisions, or stop a bill from moving forward (e.g., Judiciary Committee reviewing judicial nominations)
What 3 options does the President have once a bill reaches their desk?
Sign into law, veto, or let it become law without signing (pocket veto if Congress adjourns)
Why is Congress considered the “first branch” of government in terms of lawmaking?
Because it is the primary legislative body responsible for making laws