The Basics
Which article of the U.S. Constitution outlines the structure and powers of the Legislative Branch?
Article I
How many senators does each state have?
2
What are powers of Congress that are clearly written in the Constitution called?
Expressed, Enumerated, or Delegated Powers
Who is the presiding officer of the House of Representatives?
Speaker of the House (Mike Johnson)
What is the first step for a bill to become a law?
Someone has an idea & introduces a bill
What term describes a legislature with two separate chambers?
Bicameral
How many voting members are in the U.S. House of Representatives?
435
What clause allows Congress to make all laws “necessary and proper” for carrying out its duties?
The Elastic Clause
Who serves as the President of the Senate?
Vice President of the United States (J.D. Vance)
What happens to a bill after it is introduced?
It goes to a committee
What is the primary responsibility of Congress in the U.S. government?
To make laws
Name one person who represents the people of St. Francis, Wisconsin, in the House of Representatives?
Bryan Steil OR Gwen More
Declaring war and coining money are examples of what kind of power?
Expressed Powers
When the Vice President is absent, who leads the Senate?
President Pro Tempore (Chuck Grassley)
Why don't more people run for office?
Answers may include: expense, political climate, incumbency, or confidence gap
Which compromise during the Constitutional Convention led to the creation of a two-house Congress?
The Great Compromise
What is the term length for a member of the House of Representatives?
2 years
What is an example of an implied power of Congress?
Open. Answers may include: creating a national bank or hiring a postmaster general
How does someone become Speaker of the House?
They are elected by the members of the House of Representatives
What term describes drawing district boundaries to favor one party or group?
Gerrymandering
Why did the Framers design Congress to have two chambers instead of one?
Congress to have two chambers instead of one?To balance power between large and small states and prevent any single group from dominating
Why does the House have more members than the Senate?
Representation in the House is based on population & the Senate is equal representation for all states
How does the Necessary and Proper Clause expand the power of Congress beyond what is written in the Constitution?
It allows Congress to make laws that carry out its expressed powers
How does someone become President Pro Tempore?
They are the most senior member of the majority party.
What “role” does a member of Congress play when helping people in their district get a passport?
Servant of their Constituents