Congress in a Flash
The United States has a ______________ legislature, which means Congress has two chambers.
What is bicameral?
This person is the President of the Senate and only votes in the event of a tie
The vice president
Where does a bill go first after being introduced for close review before the full chamber debates it?
The Committee
After a census, the process that changes how many seats each state gets in the House is called what?
Reapportionment
Constituents
How many total members are in the House of Representatives?
What is 435?
This is the most powerful position in the House of Representatives and is second in line for the presidency.
The Speaker of the House
After a bill passes one chamber, where does it go next?
The other chamber of Congress (House ↔ Senate)
What term describes the redrawing of district boundaries that can favor one political party?
Gerrymandering
Which chamber must tax bills start in?
The House of Representatives
How old do you need to be to serve in the House of Representatives and how long is their term?
At least 25 years old; 2 years
This person leads the Senate when the Vice President is not available.
President Pro Tempore
If the President vetoes a bill, what fraction of both chambers is needed to override the veto?
Two-thirds (⅔) vote in both the House and the Senate.
When will the next U.S. Census be sent out?
2030
Name two of the factors that Congress considers when voting.
Answers vary.
Possible answers:
Does Congress have the power?
Would their constituents support the bill?
Would their political party support the bill?
What is their personal opinion?
To serve in the Senate, a person must have been a U.S. citizen for at least this many years.
9 years
This is the current Representative for Massachusetts’s 4th District (which includes Newton).
Jake Auchincloss
Name two formal steps that happen before a bill reaches the President after a chamber votes to pass it.
Answers vary.
Possible answers: Conference committee (if versions differ), final passage votes in both chambers, enrollment and sending to the President.
How many congressional seats does Massachusetts have?
9
The constitution says that the congress has the power to make any laws that are ________ and _________ to carry out any of the other powers.
"necessary and proper."
While both chambers pass laws, this specific chamber has the unique power to approve presidential appointments, such as ambassadors, cabinet members, and federal judges.
The Senate
These are the two current U.S. Senators representing the state of Massachusetts.
Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey
Put these steps in order: A) President signs or vetoes, B) Bill introduced, C) Committee review, D) Chamber debates and votes, E) Other chamber repeats process.
Correct order: B) Bill introduced, C) Committee review, D) Chamber debates and votes, B repeats in other chamber, if passed by both then E) sent to President, A) President signs or vetoes.
What district is Newton in?
4th Congressional District
What is the specific name of the powers listed and clearly defined in Article I of the Constitution.