Senate
House of Representatives
Congressional Committees
Vocabulary
Bills
100

Who is the primary spokesperson, manages the Senate floor, and is works with committees on scheduling legislation and debate times? 

The majority leader 

100

Who is the most important member of the House of Representatives? 

The Speaker of the House. 

100

Which committee deals with permanent Legislative concern? 

The Standing Committee. 

100

What is an "Incumbent"? 

A person in office who tends to get re-elected. 

100

What are 2 ways a bill can go to a law or the bill can be stopped? 

1. The POTUS signs the bill. 

2. The POTUS vetos 


200

What does the President Pro Tempore do? 

They serve when the Vice President is absent, they are the longest serving member of the majority party. 

200

What are some of the things the Speaker of the House does? 

They have power over debates, they set the agenda, they maintain order, any other member of the House can't speak unless recognized by the Speaker. 

200

Which committee is often formed during a crisis? 

The Select Committee, which is temporary. 

200

What is impeachment? 

A trial brought upon a person who may or may not be convicted of high crimes or treason. 

200

What is added on to a likely successful bill as a additional provision, having little connection with the subject matter of the actual bill? 

A "Rider". 

300

During an impeachment what does the Senate do?

The Senate holds the trial and makes judgement on the person being impeached. 

300

How many committee assignments do the members of the House of Representatives? 

They usually have 1 assignment. 

300

Which committee involves both Houses in Congress when two bills are similar and is created to iron out differences? 

The Conference Committee. 

300

What is the act of trying to influence the government (policymakers) by providing information and date? 

Lobbying 

300

Most of the work on bills take place where? 

In a committee, then goes to the floor for debate and a voting. 

400

What are the Senate's expressed powers? 

The impeachment trial, the confirmation of the President appointments, and the ratify treaties. 

400

How many members are in the House, and how long are the terms? 

There are 435 members and have 2 year term limits. 

400

Which two committees are permanent? 

The Standing Committee and the Joint Committee. 

400

What is the "Filibuster"? 

A speech to stop action on a bill. The longest one was 24 hours and 18 minutes. 

400

Can a bill be created by both the House of Representatives and the Senate? 

Yes. 

500

How many committee assignments does a Senate member usually have? 

They usually have 2 to 3 assignments. 

500

Why is reapportionment used every 10 years in the House? 

So that the number of Representatives per state is balanced proportionally to the population of that state. 

500

What is one issue the Joint Committee deals with? 

Economics 

500

What is the "elastic clause"? 

 A statement in the U.S. Constitution that allows Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out the enumerated list of powers.

500

What are some ways a bill can die? 

The POTUS can veto, the main speaker of the House, committees, or someone refuses to schedule a vote.