Grade 7 The Legislative Branch
Test your knowledge of the Legislative Branch of the United States Government.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The Great Compromise created
- A.
A bicameral legislative branch
- B.
A top-down judicial branch
- C.
An executive branch that would be more powerful than the other branches of government
Correct Answer
A. A bicameral legislative branchExplanation
The Great Compromise created a bicameral legislative branch. This means that the legislative branch of the government would consist of two separate chambers or houses, namely the Senate and the House of Representatives. Each chamber would have its own set of powers and responsibilities, providing a system of checks and balances within the legislative branch itself. This compromise was necessary to address the concerns of both larger and smaller states, ensuring that each state would have equal representation in the Senate while representation in the House of Representatives would be based on population.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Article I of the U.S. Constitution sets out the _______ and _________ of Congress.
- A.
Size and shape
- B.
Size and funciton
- C.
Structure and function
Correct Answer
C. Structure and functionExplanation
Article I of the U.S. Constitution sets out the structure and function of Congress. This means that it outlines the organization and composition of Congress, including the two chambers (the House of Representatives and the Senate) and the roles and responsibilities of each. It establishes the powers and limitations of Congress, such as the ability to make laws, levy taxes, and regulate commerce. Overall, Article I provides the framework for the legislative branch of the U.S. government.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The House of Representatives is designed to be responsive to the People's needs. Therefore, it was designed to be elected directly and its members have _____ terms of office.
- A.
Long
- B.
Capped
- C.
Brief
Correct Answer
C. BriefExplanation
The House of Representatives is designed to be responsive to the People's needs, which implies that its members should be able to quickly adapt to changing circumstances and address the immediate concerns of the public. Therefore, they are elected directly and have brief terms of office, allowing for more frequent turnover and the opportunity for fresh perspectives and ideas to be brought into the legislative process.Rate this question:
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- 4.
The Senate was designed to allow learned people to participate in government. Originally, Senators were selected by _______.
- A.
House Members from State Delegations
- B.
State Legislatures
- C.
Appointment by the exective branch
Correct Answer
B. State LegislaturesExplanation
The correct answer is State Legislatures. The Senate was designed to give representation to the states and ensure that knowledgeable individuals were involved in the government. Originally, Senators were chosen by the state legislatures, allowing them to have a say in who represented their state in the Senate. This system was later changed with the ratification of the 17th Amendment in 1913, which established the direct election of Senators by the people.Rate this question:
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- 5.
The Senate is designed to do what is right for the country rather than what is popular at any given moment. Therefore, terms of office for senators are________.
- A.
Long
- B.
Brief
- C.
Capped
Correct Answer
A. LongExplanation
The Senate is designed to prioritize the long-term interests of the country rather than making decisions based on short-term popularity. Therefore, terms of office for senators are long. This allows senators to focus on making informed decisions and implementing policies that may not be immediately popular but are beneficial in the long run. Longer terms also provide stability and continuity in the Senate, ensuring that experienced lawmakers can contribute their expertise and knowledge over an extended period of time.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Please select the correct order to indicate how a bill becomes a law: I. A Bill is Introduced II. It may be vetoed by the President or Signed into Law III. Since both houses must pass identical bills, the bill goes to conference committee IV. The bill is debated V. The bill is voted upon by member who are present.
- A.
V, III, II, I, IV
- B.
I,II, III, IV, V
- C.
I, III, IV, V, II
Correct Answer
C. I, III, IV, V, IIExplanation
First, a bill is introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. Then, since both houses must pass identical bills, the bill goes to a conference committee. The bill is then debated and voted upon by the members who are present. Finally, it may be vetoed by the President or signed into law. The correct order is I, III, IV, V, II.Rate this question:
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- 7.
How many Congressional Districts are there in the United States?
- A.
50
- B.
435
- C.
100
Correct Answer
B. 435Explanation
There are 435 Congressional Districts in the United States. Each district represents a specific geographical area and is represented by a member in the House of Representatives. The number of districts is determined by the population of each state, with more populous states having more districts. This ensures that each district has a roughly equal number of residents and that representation is proportional to the population. Therefore, the correct answer is 435.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The main duty of the United States Congress is to ________.
- A.
Pass federal laws.
- B.
Collect taxes.
- C.
Declare war
Correct Answer
A. Pass federal laws.Explanation
The main duty of the United States Congress is to pass federal laws. Congress is responsible for making laws that govern the entire country. This includes creating, debating, and voting on proposed legislation. By passing federal laws, Congress plays a crucial role in shaping the policies and regulations that affect the lives of American citizens. While Congress does have other important responsibilities such as collecting taxes and declaring war, passing federal laws is its primary function.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Congress has several Delegated Powers. These include:
- A.
Coining money, declaring war, and interpreting the law.
- B.
Collecting taxes, declaring war, and appropriating money.
- C.
Levy taxes, deploy the army, and regulate interstate commerce.
Correct Answer
B. Collecting taxes, declaring war, and appropriating money.Explanation
The correct answer is "collecting taxes, declaring war, and appropriating money." This answer is correct because these are examples of delegated powers that are specifically granted to Congress by the Constitution. Congress has the authority to collect taxes in order to fund the government, declare war to protect national security, and appropriate money to allocate funds for various government programs and initiatives. The other options listed in the question either include powers that are not delegated to Congress or are not accurate representations of the powers granted to Congress.Rate this question:
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- 10.
The "Necessary and Proper" clause of the Constitution gives Congress ____________ powers.
- A.
Explicit
- B.
Inferred
- C.
Implied
Correct Answer
C. ImpliedExplanation
The "Necessary and Proper" clause of the Constitution gives Congress implied powers. This means that even though these powers are not explicitly stated in the Constitution, they are necessary for Congress to carry out its enumerated powers. The clause grants Congress the authority to make all laws that are necessary and proper for executing its other powers, allowing for flexibility and adaptation to changing circumstances.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Some non-legislative powers of Congress inlcude:
- A.
Electoral Powers, Impeachment Power, and Treaty Power
- B.
Confirmation Power, War Powers, and Investigative Power
- C.
Ombudsman Powers, Governing Powers, and Telekinetic Powers
Correct Answer
A. Electoral Powers, Impeachment Power, and Treaty PowerExplanation
The correct answer is Electoral Powers, Impeachment Power, and Treaty Power. These are non-legislative powers of Congress. Electoral powers refer to the ability of Congress to count and certify the electoral votes for the President and Vice President. Impeachment power allows Congress to initiate and carry out the impeachment process against federal officials, including the President. Treaty power gives Congress the authority to approve or reject treaties negotiated by the President with foreign nations. These powers are important aspects of the checks and balances system in the United States government.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What is Congressional Oversight?
- A.
The responsibility of Congress to spend the People's Money responsibly.
- B.
The responsibility of Congress to make sure the Executive Branch carries out laws that have been passed.
- C.
The Responsibility of Congressmen and Congresswomen to attend a majority of the votes that come onto the House floor.
Correct Answer
B. The responsibility of Congress to make sure the Executive Branch carries out laws that have been passed.Explanation
Congressional oversight refers to the responsibility of Congress to ensure that the Executive Branch effectively and faithfully executes the laws that have been passed. This involves monitoring and reviewing the actions of the Executive Branch, conducting investigations, and holding hearings to ensure accountability and transparency. Through oversight, Congress aims to prevent abuse of power, corruption, and ensure that the government operates in the best interest of the people.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Congress is sturctured according to _________ and ____________, neither of which are mentioned in the Constitution.
- A.
Political Party Membership and Popularity
- B.
Political Party Membership and IQ Test Results
- C.
Political Party Membership and Committees.
Correct Answer
C. Political Party Membership and Committees.Explanation
The correct answer is Political Party Membership and Committees. This means that the structure of Congress is based on the affiliation of its members to political parties and the establishment of committees, both of which are not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution. Political party membership helps determine the majority and minority parties in Congress, while committees are essential for the legislative process and allow members to specialize in specific policy areas.Rate this question:
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- 14.
The Vice President presides over the Senate, but his only job is to
- A.
Cast votes as a tie-breaker.
- B.
Call the body to order.
- C.
Introduce the daily agenda.
Correct Answer
A. Cast votes as a tie-breaker.Explanation
The Vice President presides over the Senate, which means they are the presiding officer and have certain responsibilities. However, their main job is to cast votes as a tie-breaker. This means that if there is a tie in voting on a particular issue, the Vice President has the authority to cast the deciding vote. They do not have the role of calling the body to order or introducing the daily agenda, as those tasks are typically handled by other members of the Senate leadership.Rate this question:
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- 15.
The Speaker of the House
- A.
Is 2nd in line to the Presidency
- B.
Assigns bills to committees
- C.
Both a and b are correct
Correct Answer
C. Both a and b are correctExplanation
The Speaker of the House is indeed 2nd in line to the Presidency, as stated in the United States Presidential Line of Succession. Additionally, the Speaker of the House does have the authority to assign bills to committees, which is an important responsibility in the legislative process. Therefore, both statements are correct.Rate this question:
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- 16.
The Majority Leader in the House has exactly the same __________ as the Majority Leader in the Senate.
- A.
Neither b or c
- B.
Responsibility
- C.
Office
Correct Answer
B. ResponsibilityExplanation
The correct answer is "responsibility." The Majority Leader in the House and the Majority Leader in the Senate both share the same responsibility of leading their respective chambers and representing the majority party. They are responsible for setting the legislative agenda, coordinating with party members, and guiding the legislative process. The term "responsibility" accurately describes the role and duties of both Majority Leaders in the House and Senate.Rate this question:
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- 17.
A whip....
- A.
Is the third in charge in each house
- B.
"whips" his party members into shape
- C.
Schedules bills for debate
Correct Answer
B. "whips" his party members into shapeExplanation
The term "whips" refers to the role of a whip in a political party. Whips are responsible for ensuring party discipline and unity by "whipping" or enforcing party members to follow the party line and vote as directed. They play a crucial role in maintaining party cohesion and ensuring that party members are aligned with party policies and decisions. The phrase "whips his party members into shape" implies that the whip is responsible for disciplining and organizing party members, ensuring they are in line with the party's objectives and goals.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Committee Chairmen
- A.
Are appointed
- B.
Are elected
- C.
Are powerless
Correct Answer
A. Are appointedExplanation
Committee Chairmen are appointed because they are chosen by a higher authority or governing body to lead and oversee a specific committee. This appointment is typically based on their qualifications, expertise, and experience in a particular field. By appointing chairmen, organizations can ensure that individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge are in positions of leadership to effectively guide and manage the committee's activities.Rate this question:
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- 19.
The President Pro Tempore in the Senate is
- A.
The Assistant to the Vice President
- B.
4th in line for the Presidency
- C.
Is powerless
Correct Answer
C. Is powerlessExplanation
The statement "is powerless" suggests that the President Pro Tempore in the Senate does not hold significant power or authority. This position is primarily ceremonial and is typically given to the most senior member of the majority party in the Senate. While the President Pro Tempore may preside over the Senate in the absence of the Vice President, they do not possess the same level of influence or decision-making capabilities as the President or other high-ranking officials in the line of succession.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Oct 25, 2016Quiz Created by
Sherilyn Fletcher
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