Govtest1 End Of Ch 10 (Congress) Test
GOVTEST1 End of ch 10 (congress) test
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The most important source of Congress's power stems from its authority to
- A.
Ratify treaties
- B.
Confirm presidential appointments
- C.
Declare war
- D.
Authorize the expenditure of federal funds
Correct Answer
D. Authorize the expenditure of federal fundsExplanation
Congress's power to authorize the expenditure of federal funds is the most important source of its power because it controls the allocation and distribution of money within the federal government. This power allows Congress to fund various government programs, agencies, and initiatives, which in turn enables the government to function effectively and carry out its responsibilities. Without the authority to authorize the expenditure of federal funds, Congress would not have the means to implement its policies and priorities, making this power crucial for the functioning of the government.Rate this question:
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- 2.
It would be accurate to say that
- A.
The House of Representatives calls itself the "People's Chamber"
- B.
Treaties must be ratified by a two-thirds vote of the house of representatives
- C.
All appropriation bills must first originate in the US Senate
- D.
The founders envisioned that congress would be less important than the executive branch
Correct Answer
A. The House of Representatives calls itself the "People's Chamber"Explanation
The House of Representatives calls itself the "People's Chamber" because it is designed to represent the interests and voices of the people. This title reflects the intention of the Founding Fathers to create a legislative body that directly represents the citizens of the United States. The House of Representatives is elected by the people and its members are meant to be responsive to the needs and concerns of their constituents. By calling itself the "People's Chamber," the House emphasizes its role as a democratic institution that serves the interests of the American people.Rate this question:
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- 3.
When redistricting results in partisan voters being so concentrated that much of their vote is wasted, it is called
- A.
Packing
- B.
Splintering
- C.
Chubbing
- D.
Ticket splitting
Correct Answer
A. PackingExplanation
Packing is the correct answer because it refers to the practice of redistricting in a way that concentrates partisan voters into a few districts, thereby wasting their votes. This is often done to manipulate the outcome of elections and maintain a political advantage.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The Supreme court held that inequalities in voters' influence resulting from malapportioned legislative distrects
- A.
Violated the national supremacy clause in Baker v. Carr
- B.
Violated the due process clause in Reynolds v. Sims
- C.
Violated the equal protection clause in Baker v. Carr
- D.
Was a matter that should be left to the states as it is protected by the 10th ammendment
Correct Answer
C. Violated the equal protection clause in Baker v. CarrExplanation
The Supreme Court held that inequalities in voters' influence resulting from malapportioned legislative districts violated the equal protection clause in Baker v. Carr. This means that the Court found that the unequal distribution of voting power among citizens was unconstitutional because it denied certain individuals equal protection under the law.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The largest source of candidates for political office comes from which of the following occupations?
- A.
Agriculture and real estate
- B.
Medicine, journalism, and public relations
- C.
Public service and law
- D.
Business
Correct Answer
C. Public service and lawExplanation
Public service and law are the largest sources of candidates for political office because individuals working in these occupations often have a strong understanding of government and policy-making processes. Public servants have experience working within government agencies, while lawyers have a deep knowledge of legal frameworks. Both professions require skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, which are valuable in a political career. Additionally, individuals in these occupations may have established networks and connections within the political sphere, making them more likely to pursue and succeed in political office.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Voters reelect inbumbents even when they are members of an unpopular Congress because
- A.
Of name recognition
- B.
Most voters approve of their own representative
- C.
Seniority adds to their representative's power
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
The correct answer is "all of the above." Voters reelect incumbents even when they are members of an unpopular Congress because of name recognition, as voters are more likely to vote for a candidate they are familiar with. Additionally, most voters approve of their own representative, as they believe that their representative is doing a good job representing their interests. Furthermore, seniority adds to their representative's power, as experienced representatives are often able to secure important committee assignments and influence legislation. Therefore, all of these factors contribute to the re-election of incumbents.Rate this question:
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- 7.
After the 2010 elections
- A.
The Republicans became the majority party in the House of Representatives
- B.
The Democrats retained control of the House of Representatives
- C.
The Republicans gained control of the Senate
- D.
The Republicans became the majority party in both the Senate and the House
Correct Answer
B. The Democrats retained control of the House of RepresentativesExplanation
After the 2010 elections, the Democrats were able to maintain control of the House of Representatives. This means that they had the majority of seats in the House and were able to continue leading and making decisions in that chamber of Congress. The Republicans may have gained control of the Senate and become the majority party in both the Senate and the House, but this is not what happened according to the given information.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The Hispanic populations in ________ elect the majority of the Latino representatives that go to Washington, DC.
- A.
Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi
- B.
California, Nevada, and Oregon
- C.
Texas, California, and Florida
- D.
Florida, Georgia, and Alabama
Correct Answer
C. Texas, California, and FloridaExplanation
The Hispanic populations in Texas, California, and Florida elect the majority of the Latino representatives that go to Washington, DC. These three states have the highest populations of Hispanics in the United States, making them significant in terms of political representation for the Latino community.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The congressional agency that serves as a counterweight to the presiden'ts Office of Management and Budget is the
- A.
GAO, General Accountability Office
- B.
CRS, Congressional Research Service
- C.
CBO, Congressional Budget Office
- D.
OCS, Office of Congressional Support
Correct Answer
C. CBO, Congressional Budget OfficeExplanation
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) serves as a counterweight to the president's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) because it provides independent and nonpartisan analysis of budgetary and economic issues. The CBO's role is to provide Congress with objective information and analysis to assist in the budgetary decision-making process. By doing so, it helps ensure that Congress has access to unbiased information and can make informed decisions that are not solely influenced by the president's OMB.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Members of Congress use all but which of the following to cultivate their image at home?
- A.
Case work
- B.
Attending "junkets" overseas in order to educate themselves on policy issues
- C.
Making personal appearances back home
- D.
Earmarking projects for the home district
Correct Answer
B. Attending "junkets" overseas in order to educate themselves on policy issuesExplanation
Members of Congress use various methods to cultivate their image at home, including case work, making personal appearances back home, and earmarking projects for the home district. However, attending "junkets" overseas in order to educate themselves on policy issues is not a method used to cultivate their image at home. This is because such overseas trips are primarily focused on gathering information and knowledge about policy issues rather than directly engaging with constituents and building their image at home.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Efforts by senatores and representatives to "bring home the bacon" are referred to as
- A.
Pork barreling and set-asides
- B.
Demonstration projects
- C.
Earmarking and pork barreling
- D.
Demonstration projects and set-asides
Correct Answer
C. Earmarking and pork barrelingExplanation
Efforts by senators and representatives to "bring home the bacon" are referred to as earmarking and pork barreling. Earmarking involves setting aside funds for specific projects or purposes, often in a way that benefits a particular lawmaker's constituents. Pork barreling refers to the practice of securing government funds or benefits for a specific region or district, often through the use of earmarks. Both terms describe the actions taken by politicians to allocate resources in a way that benefits their own constituents and helps them gain political support.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The principal bases for organizing Congress come from
- A.
Constitutional provisions
- B.
The Democratic and Republican Party organizations in the House and the Senate
- C.
The Presiden'ts recommendations
- D.
The House Rules Committee
Correct Answer
B. The Democratic and Republican Party organizations in the House and the SenateExplanation
The correct answer is the Democratic and Republican Party organizations in the House and the Senate. Congress is organized based on the political party affiliations of its members. The Democratic and Republican Party organizations play a crucial role in determining the leadership positions, committee assignments, and legislative agenda within Congress. These party organizations help shape the overall structure and functioning of Congress, as they influence the decision-making process and party discipline among legislators.Rate this question:
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- 13.
The Key leader of the House of Representatives is the
- A.
Chairman of the house
- B.
President pro tempore
- C.
Speaker of the house
- D.
House whip
Correct Answer
C. Speaker of the houseExplanation
The speaker of the house is the correct answer because they hold the highest position in the House of Representatives. They are responsible for presiding over debates, maintaining order, and interpreting and enforcing the rules of the House. The speaker also plays a crucial role in setting the legislative agenda and influencing the outcome of votes. Additionally, the speaker represents the House in dealings with the president, the Senate, and foreign leaders. Overall, the speaker of the house is the key leader in the House of Representatives.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The most powerful committee in the House is generally believed to be
- A.
Rules committee
- B.
Appropriations committee
- C.
Armed services committee
- D.
Judiciary committee
Correct Answer
A. Rules committeeExplanation
The most powerful committee in the House is generally believed to be the rules committee. This committee is responsible for determining the rules and procedures for debate on bills and resolutions in the House. It has the authority to decide which bills come to the floor for a vote and can also place limitations on the amount of time for debate or the number of amendments that can be offered. Its power lies in its ability to shape the legislative process and influence the outcome of legislation.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The determination by the Rules Committee that forbids amending a bill under consideration by the House is a
- A.
Unanimous consent agreement
- B.
Limited rule
- C.
Open rule
- D.
Closed rule
Correct Answer
D. Closed ruleExplanation
A closed rule is a determination made by the Rules Committee that restricts the ability to amend a bill under consideration by the House. This means that members of the House are not allowed to propose any changes or modifications to the bill during the debate and voting process. The closed rule is typically used when the majority party wants to limit the potential for amendments and maintain control over the legislative process.Rate this question:
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- 16.
A bill that has passed but has different wording in the House and Senate versions is sent to
- A.
A conference committee
- B.
The House Rules Committee
- C.
Both the House and Senate Reconciliation Committee
- D.
The Senate Reconciliation Committee
Correct Answer
A. A conference committeeExplanation
When a bill has passed but has different wording in the House and Senate versions, it is sent to a conference committee. This committee is composed of members from both the House and Senate, and their purpose is to reconcile the differences between the two versions of the bill. They work together to negotiate and reach a compromise on the final wording of the bill before it is sent back to both chambers for a final vote.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Constituencies have more influenceo n pending legislation that is
- A.
A high-profile issue
- B.
Technical in nature
- C.
In agreement with the party leaders' opinions
- D.
Applicable to a small number of people
Correct Answer
A. A high-profile issueExplanation
High-profile issues generally attract more attention from the public, media, and lawmakers. As a result, constituencies are more likely to be aware of and interested in these issues. This increased awareness and interest can lead to more pressure on lawmakers to take action and pass legislation related to high-profile issues. Therefore, constituencies have more influence on pending legislation that is a high-profile issue.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Gridlock in Congress is in part a result of
- A.
Unified party control of the presidency and Congress
- B.
Greater ideological polarization of the parties
- C.
Unified party control of the House and Senate
- D.
The willingness of House members to filibuster
Correct Answer
B. Greater ideological polarization of the partiesExplanation
The correct answer is greater ideological polarization of the parties. Gridlock in Congress occurs when there is a lack of cooperation and compromise between political parties. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in ideological polarization, where parties have become more ideologically distinct and less willing to work together. This polarization leads to increased partisanship and makes it difficult for lawmakers to find common ground, resulting in gridlock and a lack of progress on important issues.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The Constitution gives _______ the power to discipline members of Congress
- A.
The supreme court
- B.
The president
- C.
Congress
- D.
The department of justice
Correct Answer
C. CongressExplanation
The Constitution gives Congress the power to discipline members of Congress. This is because Congress is responsible for overseeing the behavior and conduct of its own members. This power allows Congress to enforce ethical standards and maintain the integrity of the legislative branch. The Supreme Court does not have the authority to discipline members of Congress, as their role is to interpret the Constitution and make legal judgments. The President also does not have this power, as it would violate the separation of powers. The Department of Justice is responsible for enforcing federal laws, but it does not have the authority to discipline members of Congress.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Members of congress may be punished for misbehavior by
- A.
Expulsion
- B.
Censure
- C.
Public reprimand
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
Members of Congress may be punished for misbehavior by expulsion, censure, or public reprimand. Expulsion is the most severe form of punishment, where a member is removed from their position. Censure is a formal reprimand by the Congress, expressing disapproval of the member's actions. Public reprimand is a less formal way of expressing disapproval, often through public statements or media coverage. Therefore, all of the above options are correct as they represent different forms of punishment that can be imposed on members of Congress for misbehavior.Rate this question:
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