Key Terms
What type of legislature is the Legislative Branch?
Bicameral.
Where does the following bill start in the legislative process: S.187
The Senate
Which congressional leadership member oversees the House of Representatives?
The Speaker of the House.
Which congressional leadership member oversees the Senate?
The Vice President (President of the Senate)
What are interest groups?
A group of people that work to persuade policy makers to support government actions that would support their interest or concern.
The House of Representatives and the Senate combine to form...
Congress.
Which types of congressional committees are involved in the legislative process?
Standing Committees & Subcommittees
Conference Committees
How many members are there in the House of Representatives?
Consists of 435 voting members and 6 non-voting members.
Proportional representation.
How many members are there in the Senate?
100 members (2/state)
What are lobbyists?
Individuals who work for interest groups and meet with members of the government to discuss the group’s issues and concerns as well as provide them with information.
What are the "Whips"?
Assist majority and minority leaders.
Ensure party members are present for votes.
Communicate how party members feel about a bill.
Persuade party members to vote a certain way on a bill.
What happens when a bill is sent to a congressional committee?
Public hearing is held
Committee members hear witnesses and experts with various viewpoints share their thoughts and opinions.
“Markup” Session
Occurs after hearings are completed.
Details of the bill are considered; Amendments are made depending on results of the hearings.
Committee holds a vote on bill.
How long do members of the House of Representatives serve for?
2 years.
What is one power exclusive to the Senate?
Trying Impeachment Cases (Senate holds “trial” to determine if federal official should be removed from office)
Ratifying Treaties (2/3rds of Senate members must approve all treaties)
Confirming Presidential Nominations (Approve presidential nominations - ex. Federal judges)
Selecting the Vice President (If no candidates wins Electoral College majority, Senate selects the Vice President)
What are political action committees (PACs)?
Organizations that work with interest groups to raise money that will be used to donate to political campaigns.
What is political socialization?
The process of an individual obtaining their political opinions and understanding of government.
What percentage of the Senate is needed to pass a bill?
Simple Majority (50%)
What are the requirements to serve in the House of Representatives?
At least 25 years old
U.S. citizen for at least 7 years
Resident of the state they represent.
What are the requirements to serve in the Senate?
At least 30 years old
U.S. citizen for at least 9 years
Resident of the state they represent.
How can PACs influence the legislative process?
Donate money to political campaigns.
Run advertisements in favor of specific political officials.
What is gerrymandering?
The practice of drawing electoral districts in order to give favor or an advantage to a specific group.
What options does the president have when a bill is passed by Congress?
Signs Bill - When the president signs a bill, it officially becomes the law.
What is one power exclusive to the House of Representatives?
Introducing Tax Bills (any bills related to taxes must start in the House of Representatives)
Impeaching Federal Officials (Bring about charges of impeachment for a federal official)
Backup for Electing the President (If there is a tie in the Electoral College for president, House of Representatives elects the president)
Who is the President Pro Tempore?
Member of the Senate leadership team.
Presides over the Senate when the Vice President is not able to attend.
Often the functioning Senate leader.
How can Interest Groups impact the legislative process?
Answers may include...
Pay for advertisements directed towards specific policies
Conduct research and data collection
Hold public meetings to influence public opinions
Endorse candidates
Hire lobbyists