AP Review Quiz Chapter 11
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Review Quiz on Institutions - Congress
- 1.
In Great Britain's Parliamentary system, candidates for Parliament are selected by
- A.
Other members of Parliament, as in a private club.
- B.
The people, through primary elections.
- C.
Delegates to the party conventions.
- D.
The party.
- E.
The Prime Minister.
Correct Answer
D. The party.Explanation
In Great Britain's Parliamentary system, candidates for Parliament are selected by the party. This means that political parties have the authority to choose and nominate candidates to run for Parliament. This process is similar to a private club, where existing members have the power to decide who can join and represent the party in elections. The selection of candidates is typically done through internal party processes, such as party committees or party leaders, rather than through primary elections or direct involvement of the general public. Ultimately, it is the party's decision to determine who will be their representative in Parliament.Rate this question:
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- 2.
A basic difference between a parliament such as Great Britain's and the U.S. Congress is that
- A.
The principal role of Congress is to debate the national issues.
- B.
Members of Parliament have more power and higher pay.
- C.
Members of Congress are more likely to vote the party line.
- D.
Congress does not select a president.
- E.
None of the above.
Correct Answer
D. Congress does not select a president.Explanation
The correct answer is "Congress does not select a president." This is because in the United States, the president is elected through a separate process called the Electoral College, in which the citizens vote for electors who then cast their votes for the president. Congress does not have the direct power to select the president.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Each of the following was an objective of the Framers EXCEPT
- A.
To make Congress accountable to the executive.
- B.
To oppose concentration of power in a single institution.
- C.
To balance large and small states.
- D.
To have Congress be the dominant institution.
- E.
C & D
Correct Answer
A. To make Congress accountable to the executive.Explanation
The objective of the Framers was to create a system of checks and balances, where each branch of government would have its own powers and responsibilities. They aimed to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful and to ensure that power was distributed among the different branches. Therefore, the objective of making Congress accountable to the executive goes against the principle of checks and balances and is not consistent with the Framers' intentions.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Under the original Constitution, members of the Senate, unlike the members of the House, were selected by
- A.
Direct elections.
- B.
The president.
- C.
State legislatures.
- D.
Primary runoffs.
- E.
Regional coalitions.
Correct Answer
C. State legislatures.Explanation
Under the original Constitution, members of the Senate were selected by state legislatures. This was a deliberate design choice by the framers of the Constitution to ensure that the Senate represented the interests of the states as political entities. The House of Representatives, on the other hand, was meant to directly represent the people through direct elections. This system of selection was later changed with the ratification of the 17th Amendment in 1913, which mandated the direct election of Senators by the people.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution confers on Congress all of the following powers EXCEPT
- A.
The power to collect taxes.
- B.
The power to declare war.
- C.
The power to establish courts.
- D.
The power to interpret laws.
- E.
The power to regulate Congress.
Correct Answer
D. The power to interpret laws.Explanation
Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress various powers, including the power to collect taxes, declare war, establish courts, and regulate commerce. However, the power to interpret laws is not explicitly mentioned in this section. The power to interpret laws is primarily vested in the judiciary branch of the government, specifically the Supreme Court, as established by Article III of the Constitution. Therefore, the correct answer is the power to interpret laws.Rate this question:
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- 6.
The Senate, not the House, became the crucial form for debating the issue of slavery because
- A.
The Senate has no rule limiting debate.
- B.
The House at that time was dominated by the executive branch.
- C.
The Senate had the larger black representation.
- D.
House representatives were picked by the state legislatures.
- E.
The House was too decentralized.
Correct Answer
A. The Senate has no rule limiting debate.Explanation
The Senate, unlike the House, became the crucial form for debating the issue of slavery because it had no rule limiting debate. This meant that senators had more freedom to discuss and deliberate on the issue for as long as they deemed necessary. In contrast, the House had rules in place that restricted the length of debates, making it less conducive for in-depth discussions on complex and controversial topics like slavery. As a result, the Senate became the preferred venue for lengthy and comprehensive debates on the issue.Rate this question:
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- 7.
For a filibuster to be practicable, it must be supported by
- A.
A single senator.
- B.
A number of senators smaller than a majority.
- C.
A majority of senators.
- D.
All senators.
- E.
All senators and the vice-president.
Correct Answer
B. A number of senators smaller than a majority.Explanation
A filibuster is a tactic used by senators to delay or block a vote on a proposed legislation. It involves speaking for an extended period of time to prevent the Senate from moving forward with the legislation. In order for a filibuster to be successful, it must be supported by a number of senators smaller than a majority. This means that the senators who support the filibuster do not need to have a majority of votes, but they must have enough support to prevent the legislation from moving forward.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The typical member of Congress is a(n)
- A.
Middle-aged, white, Protestant businessman.
- B.
Older, white, Protestant businessman.
- C.
Older, white, Catholic Lawyer.
- D.
Middle-aged, white, Protestant lawyer.
- E.
Young, white, communications major.
Correct Answer
D. Middle-aged, white, Protestant lawyer.Explanation
The correct answer is middle-aged, white, Protestant lawyer. This answer is based on the general demographics of members of Congress. Studies have shown that the majority of members of Congress are middle-aged, white, and Protestant. Additionally, many members of Congress have a background in law, making the choice of "lawyer" the most fitting profession for a typical member of Congress.Rate this question:
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- 9.
A marginal district is one in which
- A.
Voters frequently change party affiliation.
- B.
The constituency is made up of largely minority groups.
- C.
Voters are not clear as to which candidate is the incumbent.
- D.
Gerrymandering has produced a loose affiliation of interest groups.
- E.
The winner in an election gets less than 55 percent of the vote.
Correct Answer
E. The winner in an election gets less than 55 percent of the vote.Explanation
In a marginal district, the winner in an election gets less than 55 percent of the vote. This means that the district is highly competitive and there is no clear majority support for any candidate. It suggests that the district is evenly divided among different parties or candidates, and there is a significant number of voters who do not strongly align with any particular party or candidate. This can lead to close elections and frequent shifts in party representation in the district.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The reason a member of Congress votes for or against a bill or amendment may be any of the following EXCEPT
- A.
Representational.
- B.
Conventional.
- C.
Organizational.
- D.
Attitudinal.
- E.
Relational.
Correct Answer
B. Conventional.Explanation
The reason a member of Congress votes for or against a bill or amendment may be representational, organizational, attitudinal, or relational. However, conventional is not a valid reason for their decision-making. Conventional refers to following traditional or customary practices, which may not be a primary factor in a member's vote. Instead, they are more likely to consider the interests of their constituents, their party's agenda, their personal beliefs, or their relationships with other members.Rate this question:
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- 11.
As a member of Congress, you vote for a dairy-support bill because this is your party's positon. Political scientists would describe your vote as
- A.
Attitudinal.
- B.
Organizational.
- C.
Representational.
- D.
Deliberative.
- E.
Relational.
Correct Answer
B. Organizational.Explanation
The correct answer is organizational. This is because the Congress member's vote aligns with their party's position, indicating that they are voting based on the interests and goals of their political organization rather than their personal attitudes or representing their constituents. Political scientists would describe this type of voting behavior as organizational, as it reflects the influence and adherence to party politics and objectives.Rate this question:
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- 12.
If you wished to study the real leadership office in the Senate, you would most likely focus on the
- A.
President pro tempore
- B.
Majority leader
- C.
Party whip
- D.
Chairperson of the Policy Committee
- E.
Chairperson of the Judiciary Committee
Correct Answer
B. Majority leaderExplanation
The majority leader is the correct answer because they hold a powerful position in the Senate, responsible for leading the majority party and coordinating legislative activities. They play a crucial role in setting the legislative agenda, guiding bills through the Senate, and negotiating with other party leaders. By studying the majority leader, one can gain insights into the dynamics of leadership and decision-making within the Senate.Rate this question:
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- 13.
From the standpoint of the ambitions of a newly elected Democratic Senator, the most important element in party organization is the
- A.
Steering Committee.
- B.
Party whip.
- C.
Foreign Relations Committee.
- D.
President pro tempore.
- E.
Sub-committee chairpersons.
Correct Answer
A. Steering Committee.Explanation
The most important element in party organization for a newly elected Democratic Senator is the Steering Committee. This committee plays a crucial role in setting the party's agenda, coordinating legislative efforts, and ensuring party discipline. It helps shape the party's overall strategy and direction, making it a key platform for the Senator to influence policy decisions and advance their own ambitions. The party whip, Foreign Relations Committee, president pro tempore, and sub-committee chairpersons are also important, but the Steering Committee holds a central position in party leadership and decision-making.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Among the many powers of the House Speaker is that he or she
- A.
Decides to which committee bills will go
- B.
Assigns party members to the various committees.
- C.
Keeps party leaders informed about the opinions of their party members.
- D.
Schedules legislation.
- E.
Takes the meeting minutes.
Correct Answer
A. Decides to which committee bills will goExplanation
The House Speaker has the power to decide which committee bills will go to. This means that the Speaker has the authority to determine which specific committee will be responsible for reviewing and considering a particular bill. This decision is crucial as it can greatly impact the fate and progress of the legislation. By assigning bills to committees, the Speaker plays a significant role in shaping the legislative process and ensuring that bills are appropriately reviewed and deliberated upon by the relevant committees.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The Congressional Black Caucus is one of the best known
- A.
National constituency caucuses.
- B.
Interest groups.
- C.
State delegations.
- D.
Specialized caucuses.
- E.
Auxiliary caucuses.
Correct Answer
A. National constituency caucuses.Explanation
The correct answer is national constituency caucuses. The Congressional Black Caucus is a group within the United States Congress that represents the interests of African Americans and black communities. It is a national constituency caucus because it focuses on issues and concerns that affect a specific constituency, in this case, the African American community.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Where is the real work of Congress done?
- A.
On the House floor.
- B.
On the Senate floor.
- C.
In the caucuses.
- D.
In floor sessions in both houses.
- E.
In the committees in both houses.
Correct Answer
E. In the committees in both houses.Explanation
In Congress, the real work is done in the committees in both houses. Committees play a crucial role in the legislative process as they review and analyze proposed legislation, conduct hearings, and make recommendations for further action. They provide a platform for in-depth discussions and allow members to specialize in specific policy areas. The committees also have the power to amend and shape bills before they are presented to the full House or Senate for a vote. Therefore, the committees are where the majority of the legislative work and decision-making occur in Congress.Rate this question:
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- 17.
The type of committee MOST likely to deal with a bill near the end of the legislative process is the
- A.
Standing committee.
- B.
Select committee.
- C.
Conference committee.
- D.
Joint committee.
- E.
Special committee
Correct Answer
C. Conference committee.Explanation
A conference committee is a type of committee that is typically formed when there are differences between the versions of a bill passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate. Its purpose is to reconcile these differences and come up with a final version of the bill that can be approved by both chambers. Therefore, it is the most likely type of committee to deal with a bill near the end of the legislative process.Rate this question:
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- 18.
If you work on the staff of a member of Congress, you are MOST likely to
- A.
Become an advocate of bills that are clearly in the public interest.
- B.
See the public interest through the eyes of your employer.
- C.
Remain objective about the bills that are supported by your employer.
- D.
Be an independent thinker.
- E.
Be a Libertarian.
Correct Answer
B. See the public interest through the eyes of your employer.Explanation
Working on the staff of a member of Congress involves representing and supporting the interests of the elected official. As an employee, it is most likely that you would see the public interest through the perspective of your employer, as you would be working to advance their agenda and policies. This would involve understanding and advocating for bills that align with your employer's priorities and goals, rather than being an independent thinker or advocating for bills solely in the public interest.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The staff agency that advises Congress on the probable economic effect of different spending programs and the cost of proposed policies is the
- A.
Congressional Budget Office (CBO)
- B.
General Accounting Office (GAO)
- C.
Congressional Research Service (CRS)
- D.
Office of Technology Assessment (OTA)
- E.
Congressional Research Fund (CRF)
Correct Answer
A. Congressional Budget Office (CBO)Explanation
The correct answer is Congressional Budget Office (CBO). The CBO is a staff agency that provides objective and nonpartisan analysis to Congress on the economic impact of various spending programs and the cost of proposed policies. It helps Congress make informed decisions by providing economic forecasts, budget projections, and evaluations of the potential effects of legislative proposals. The CBO plays a crucial role in the budgetary process and helps ensure that lawmakers have accurate and reliable information when making budget and policy decisions.Rate this question:
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- 20.
A bill can be introduced in Congress by
- A.
Any member of the majority party.
- B.
Any member of Congress.
- C.
Any member of Congress or the President.
- D.
Members of the relevant committee only.
- E.
Committee chairman only.
Correct Answer
B. Any member of Congress.Explanation
The correct answer is any member of Congress. This means that any member, regardless of party affiliation or position, can introduce a bill in Congress. This allows for a democratic and inclusive legislative process, where any representative has the opportunity to propose new legislation.Rate this question:
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- 21.
To propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution, Congress would have to pass a
- A.
Joint resolution
- B.
Concurrent resolution
- C.
Simple resolution
- D.
Bill
- E.
Bypass resolution
Correct Answer
A. Joint resolutionExplanation
A joint resolution is the correct answer because it is a type of legislation that requires the approval of both the House and the Senate, similar to a bill. It is used for proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution, as stated in the question. A concurrent resolution is a type of resolution that is used to express the opinion of both chambers of Congress, but it does not have the force of law. A simple resolution is used to address matters that only affect one chamber of Congress. A bypass resolution is not a recognized term in the context of U.S. legislation.Rate this question:
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- 22.
Which of the following statements about revenue bills is correct?
- A.
They must originate in the House.
- B.
They must originate in the Senate.
- C.
They must originate with the president.
- D.
They must originate in either the House or the Senate.
- E.
They must originate in the Senate Finance Committee.
Correct Answer
A. They must originate in the House.Explanation
Revenue bills must originate in the House because the Constitution grants the House of Representatives the power to initiate legislation related to taxes and government revenue. This is a key aspect of the principle of "no taxation without representation," as the House, being the chamber of Congress that is directly elected by the people, is considered to be more representative of the public's interests in matters of taxation. The Senate can propose amendments or changes to revenue bills, but the initial proposal must come from the House.Rate this question:
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- 23.
A bill to raise taxes would be first referred to the
- A.
House Ways & Means Committee.
- B.
Senate Appropriations Committee.
- C.
House Appropriations Committee.
- D.
Congressional Budget Office.
- E.
Senate Judiciary Committee.
Correct Answer
A. House Ways & Means Committee.Explanation
A bill to raise taxes would be first referred to the House Ways & Means Committee because this committee has jurisdiction over tax policy and legislation. They are responsible for reviewing and making recommendations on all bills related to taxation, revenue, and other financial matters. This committee plays a crucial role in shaping tax policy and ensuring that any proposed tax increases are thoroughly examined and debated before being brought to the House floor for a vote.Rate this question:
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- 24.
A mark-up session is one in which
- A.
A committee or subcommittee makes changes in the original version of the bill.
- B.
The party leadership assigns priority ratings to numerous bills.
- C.
The Rules Committee determines the conditions under which floor debate will be conducted.
- D.
A conference committee makes key compromises before reporting back to both houses.
- E.
Committee chairman meet to discuss the role of discussion for revenue bills.
Correct Answer
A. A committee or subcommittee makes changes in the original version of the bill.Explanation
In a mark-up session, a committee or subcommittee reviews and modifies the original version of a bill. This process allows members of the committee to suggest changes, amendments, or deletions to the bill before it moves forward. It is a crucial step in the legislative process as it allows for a thorough examination and refinement of the proposed legislation. This answer accurately describes the purpose and function of a mark-up session.Rate this question:
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- 25.
A discharge petition is used by the House to
- A.
Make revisions and additions to a bill before it is voted on.
- B.
Get a bill stalled in committee onto the floor.
- C.
Amend a bill that has already passed one house but not the other.
- D.
Override a presidential veto.
- E.
Amend a bill in a manner that will make it quite unpopular.
Correct Answer
B. Get a bill stalled in committee onto the floor.Explanation
A discharge petition is a tool used by members of the House to bypass the committee process and bring a bill directly to the floor for a vote. If a bill is stuck in committee and not being considered or voted on, a discharge petition can be filed to force the bill onto the floor for debate and a vote. This allows the bill to have a chance of becoming law even if the committee is not taking action on it.Rate this question:
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- 26.
A rider is usually added to a bill to
- A.
Speed up the legislative process.
- B.
Slow down the legislative process.
- C.
Reward or punish certain interest groups.
- D.
Circumvent or influence presidential action.
- E.
Entice courts to question its constitutionality.
Correct Answer
D. Circumvent or influence presidential action.Explanation
A rider is a provision that is added to a bill that is unrelated to the main subject of the bill. It is often used as a tactic to circumvent or influence presidential action. By adding a rider to a bill, lawmakers can include provisions that they believe the president may veto if they were presented as standalone bills. This allows them to achieve their policy goals indirectly and avoid direct confrontation with the president. Therefore, the correct answer is "circumvent or influence presidential action."Rate this question:
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- 27.
A bill that has many nongermane (unrelated) amendments tacked on is called a
- A.
Christmas-tree bill.
- B.
Pork-barrel bill.
- C.
Pelosi Special bill.
- D.
Full-House rider.
- E.
Golden shovel bill.
Correct Answer
A. Christmas-tree bill.Explanation
A bill that has many unrelated amendments tacked on is commonly referred to as a "Christmas-tree bill." This term is used to describe a legislative proposal that becomes laden with various provisions or amendments, similar to how a Christmas tree becomes adorned with ornaments. The additional amendments are often unrelated to the main purpose of the bill and are added to gain support or appease different interest groups. This term highlights the excessive and sometimes arbitrary nature of adding unrelated provisions to a bill.Rate this question:
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- 28.
In the Senate, a filibuster can be ended by invoking
- A.
A rider.
- B.
A quorom.
- C.
Mark-up
- D.
Cloture.
- E.
A meeting of the whole.
Correct Answer
D. Cloture.Explanation
A filibuster is a tactic used in the Senate to delay or block a vote on a proposed legislation. It involves a senator speaking for an extended period of time to prevent the vote from taking place. Cloture is a procedure that can be invoked to end a filibuster. It requires a three-fifths supermajority vote (usually 60 out of 100 senators) to bring the debate to a close and proceed with the vote. Therefore, cloture is the correct answer as it is the specific procedure used to end a filibuster in the Senate.Rate this question:
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- 29.
When a bill passes the House & Senate in substantially different forms, the difference are resolved in
- A.
Joint committee.
- B.
A committee of the whole.
- C.
The Rules Committee.
- D.
A conference committee.
- E.
A team-plan committee.
Correct Answer
D. A conference committee.Explanation
When a bill passes the House and Senate in substantially different forms, the differences are resolved in a conference committee. This committee is formed by members from both chambers and is responsible for reconciling the differences between the two versions of the bill. The conference committee works to reach a compromise and produce a final version of the bill that can be approved by both the House and Senate before being sent to the President for signature.Rate this question:
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- 30.
Each of the following is required in both Houses for Congress to override a presidential veto EXCEPT
- A.
A 2/3 majority of those present.
- B.
A discharge petition.
- C.
A roll-call vote.
- D.
A quorom.
- E.
A and C
Correct Answer
B. A discharge petition.Explanation
The correct answer is a discharge petition. A discharge petition is a legislative tool used in the House of Representatives to force a bill out of committee and onto the floor for a vote. It is not required for Congress to override a presidential veto. The other options listed, including a 2/3 majority of those present, a roll-call vote, and a quorum, are all necessary for Congress to override a presidential veto.Rate this question:
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May 29, 2024Quiz Edited by
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