Basic House Rules
How long is the term of a representative to the House?
2 years
What is the primary role of the House of Representatives?
To write laws for the United States
How long is a term in the Senate?
6 years
What is the first step of creating a new law?
A bill is introduced in Congress.
Our Congress is bicameral. What does "bicameral" mean?
Congress consists of two houses, Senate and House of Representatives
What are the qualifications to serve in the House?
1. At least 25 years old
2. A US resident for 7 years
3. A resident of the state you represent
What is the role of the House in an impeachment proceeding?
To assess if there is enough evidence to impeach, and write the articles of impeachment. The process begins with the House.
What are the requirements to be a Senator?
1. 30 years old
2. US citizen for 9 years
3. A resident of the state from which they were elected
What happens if a bill is passed in one house of Congress?
It is sent to the other house to proceed through the process of debate and voting.
What is the term for members of Congress who are running for re-election?
Incumbents, who win most of their elections
What determines the number of Representatives each state can have in the House?
Population
What is the term for drawing legislative districts to benefit a particular party?
Gerrymandering
Who is the president of the Senate?
The Vice President, Kamala Harris
Once a bill passes both the House and the Senate, then what happens?
It goes to the president who will sign it into law, or veto it.
Committees
How many House seats are allotted to Georgia?
14
The state legislatures
What are primary responsibilities of the Senate?
1. Foreign policy, approving treaties
2. Approving appointments, like the Supreme Court
3. Serving as jury in impeachment trials
What are the three primary Congressional Committees?
Standing Committee
Select Committee
Joint Committee
The "necessary and proper clause" of the Constitution gives Congress the power to make laws to carry out its delegated duties. This is also known as what?
The "elastic clause"
What do we call the process of re-drawing the 435 Congressional boundaries based on the results of the census?
Redistricting
Who in the House has the most power in controlling the flow of legislation?
The Speaker of the House
Who is the day-to-day head of the Senate?
President Pro Tempore, Patrick J. Leahy (2021–2023)
How would you determine if your senator or representative is doing a good job of representing you in Congress?
You can read the Congressional Record and review voting histories to see if decisions being made are consistent with your opinions.
What is the term for a prolonged speech that obstructs progress in a legislative assembly?
Filibuster