How Congress Is Organized
This quiz is about how Congress is organized, how it works, congressional powers, and how a bill becomes law.
- 1.
Describe the system that party leaders use to assign the committee chairperson and committee members? Does everyone like it and think it's fair? Who likes it? Who doesn't like it?
- 2.
Describe how a bill is introduced. Who sometimes thinks of ideas for new laws and brings them to a congressman's attention? Who really writes the bill? After written, what the representative or senator have to do in front of Congress? And then where does he/she drop the bill? What is it then "given"? And then where does it go?
- 3.
How many members are there in the Senate?
- A.
26
- B.
100.
- C.
65
- D.
435
Correct Answer
B. 100.Explanation
The correct answer is 100 because the Senate in the United States consists of 100 members, with each state being represented by two senators. This is outlined in the Constitution, which establishes the Senate as one of the two chambers of Congress. The number 26, 65, and 435 are incorrect as they do not accurately represent the number of members in the Senate.Rate this question:
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- 4.
How many members are there in the House of Representatives?
- A.
26
- B.
100
- C.
65
- D.
435.
Correct Answer
D. 435.Explanation
The House of Representatives has 435 members.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Both the Senate and House of Representatives have two floor leaders to make sure that their own political party's laws get passed. What are the names of these floor leaders?
- A.
Majority leader
- B.
Minority leader
- C.
Party whip
- D.
Speaker of the House
- E.
A and B.
Correct Answer
E. A and B.Explanation
The correct answer is A and B. Both the Senate and House of Representatives have a majority leader and a minority leader. The majority leader is responsible for managing the legislative agenda and ensuring that bills supported by the majority party are passed. The minority leader, on the other hand, represents the interests of the minority party and works to oppose or modify legislation proposed by the majority party. These floor leaders play a crucial role in shaping and advancing their party's legislative priorities. The other options, party whip and Speaker of the House, are also important positions in the legislative process, but they are not specifically referred to as floor leaders.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What is the difference between the Speaker of the House and the president pro tempore?
- A.
The Speaker of the House is in charge of the Senate and House when they are in session.
- B.
The president pro tempore is in charge of the Senate and House when they are in session.
- C.
The Speaker of the House is in charge of the House when it is in session.
- D.
The president pro tempore is in charge of the Senate when it is in session.
- E.
C and D. The Speaker of the House is just in charge of the House. The president pro tempore is in charge of just the Senate.
Correct Answer
E. C and D. The Speaker of the House is just in charge of the House. The president pro tempore is in charge of just the Senate.Explanation
The correct answer is C and D. The Speaker of the House is just in charge of the House, while the president pro tempore is in charge of just the Senate. This means that the Speaker of the House has authority and responsibility only over the operations and proceedings of the House of Representatives, while the president pro tempore has similar authority and responsibility, but only over the Senate. Both positions are important leadership roles in their respective chambers of Congress.Rate this question:
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- 7.
How does one know if the majority leader or minority leader is a Republican or Democrat?
- A.
If there are more Democratic than Republican congressman, the majority leader will be Democratic.
- B.
If there are more Democratic than Republican congressman, the majority leader will be Republican.
Correct Answer
A. If there are more Democratic than Republican congressman, the majority leader will be Democratic.Explanation
If there are more Democratic than Republican congressmen, it means that the Democratic party holds the majority in the Congress. As a result, the majority leader, who is responsible for leading the party with the most seats, will be a Democrat.Rate this question:
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- 8.
What is the role of the party whip?
- A.
To report to the president pro tempore.
- B.
Try to persuade folks to vote their party's way and to keep track of how many votes they have on an issue.
- C.
To whip folks with a whip.
- D.
To report to the Speaker of the House.
Correct Answer
B. Try to persuade folks to vote their party's way and to keep track of how many votes they have on an issue.Explanation
The role of the party whip is to try to persuade members of their party to vote in line with the party's position on a particular issue and to keep track of the number of votes they have on that issue. They are responsible for maintaining party discipline and ensuring that party members vote as directed by the party leadership. Their role is not to report to the president pro tempore or the Speaker of the House, nor is it to physically whip anyone.Rate this question:
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- 9.
How is the Speaker of the House selected?
- A.
Selected by members of their party.
- B.
The oldest person of their party.
Correct Answer
A. Selected by members of their party.Explanation
The Speaker of the House is selected by members of their party. This means that the members of the political party in power in the House of Representatives choose their own Speaker. This selection process allows the party to choose a Speaker who aligns with their party's values, goals, and agenda. It also ensures that the Speaker has the support and confidence of their party members, which is crucial for effective leadership in the House.Rate this question:
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- 10.
How is the president pro tempore selected?
- A.
Selected by members of their party.
- B.
The oldest person of their party.
Correct Answer
B. The oldest person of their party.Explanation
The president pro tempore is selected based on their age, with the oldest person from their party being chosen for the position. This tradition is followed to ensure stability and experience in the role, as the president pro tempore is third in line to succeed the president in case of a vacancy. By selecting the oldest member, it is believed that they would have accumulated a wealth of knowledge and expertise over the years, making them suitable for the responsibilities of the position.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Congress has three types of committees which are _____________, _____________, and _________________.
Correct Answer
standing
joint
selectExplanation
The correct answer is standing, joint, and select. In Congress, standing committees are permanent committees that focus on specific policy areas and are responsible for reviewing and drafting legislation. Joint committees are composed of members from both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and they are usually formed to address specific issues that affect both chambers. Select committees, on the other hand, are temporary committees established for a specific purpose, such as investigating a particular issue or event. These three types of committees play different roles in the legislative process and help Congress effectively carry out its functions.Rate this question:
- 12.
Which committee is a permanent committee?
- A.
Standing
- B.
Joint
- C.
Select
Correct Answer
A. StandingExplanation
A standing committee is a permanent committee that is established to handle ongoing matters and issues within an organization or governing body. Unlike select or joint committees, which are usually formed for specific purposes and disbanded once their tasks are completed, standing committees continue to exist and function throughout the lifespan of the organization or governing body. They play a crucial role in the decision-making process and often have the authority to propose and draft legislation or policies related to their respective areas of responsibility.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which committee type is a temporary committee?
- A.
Standing
- B.
Joint
- C.
Select
Correct Answer
C. SelectExplanation
A temporary committee is a committee that is formed for a specific purpose and for a limited duration of time. It is created to address a particular issue or task and is dissolved once that issue or task is resolved. The term "select" is often used to refer to temporary committees in some contexts, making it the correct answer in this case. Standing committees, on the other hand, are permanent committees that exist for an extended period of time and are responsible for specific areas of legislation or oversight. Joint committees are formed by members of both houses of a legislature to address specific issues that require collaboration between the two chambers.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Who is the chairperson of the committee?
- A.
A Republican
- B.
A Democrat
- C.
A Democrat and Republican share the job to make it fair
- D.
Whoever has the majority in Congress gets to be the chairperson of the committee
- E.
They rotate between Democrat one year and then Republican the next year.
Correct Answer
D. Whoever has the majority in Congress gets to be the chairperson of the committeeExplanation
The chairperson of the committee is determined by whoever has the majority in Congress. This means that if one political party has more members in Congress than the other, a member of that party will be chosen as the chairperson. This ensures that the chairperson is from the party that has the most influence and power in Congress, allowing for effective leadership and decision-making within the committee.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Why is it important to be the chairperson of a Standing, Select, or Joint Committee?
- A.
Because they get dinner and dessert for free.
- B.
Because they get to choose who is on their committee.
- C.
Because 100% of the committee will be from their political party.
- D.
Because the chairperson controls the committees activities and strongly influences decisions that people make.
Correct Answer
D. Because the chairperson controls the committees activities and strongly influences decisions that people make.Explanation
The chairperson of a Standing, Select, or Joint Committee is important because they have the authority to control the committee's activities and strongly influence the decisions that people make. This role allows them to guide the direction of the committee's work and ensure that it aligns with their goals and priorities. By having this level of control and influence, the chairperson can shape the outcomes and impact of the committee's work, making their role crucial in the decision-making process.Rate this question:
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- 16.
What are the two types of powers that Congress has?
- A.
Expressed powers (or delegated powers)
- B.
Super powers.
- C.
Implied powers.
- D.
Austin Powers.
- E.
A and C.
Correct Answer
E. A and C.Explanation
The correct answer is A and C because Congress has expressed powers, also known as delegated powers, which are specifically listed in the Constitution. These powers include the authority to levy taxes, declare war, and regulate commerce. Congress also has implied powers, which are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are necessary and proper to carry out the expressed powers. Implied powers allow Congress to take actions that are necessary for the functioning of the government, such as creating a national bank. Therefore, both expressed and implied powers are types of powers that Congress possesses.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Which powers are those that are given from Article 1 of the Constitution?
- A.
Expressed (or delegated) powers.
- B.
Implied powers.
Correct Answer
A. Expressed (or delegated) powers.Explanation
The correct answer is "Expressed (or delegated) powers." The explanation for this answer is that Article 1 of the Constitution specifically outlines the powers granted to the legislative branch of the government, which is Congress. These powers are explicitly stated and are also known as delegated powers because they are granted to Congress by the Constitution. Implied powers, on the other hand, are not specifically listed in the Constitution but are necessary for Congress to carry out its expressed powers. However, the question asks for powers given from Article 1, so the correct answer is expressed (or delegated) powers.Rate this question:
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- 18.
What are implied powers?
- A.
Those listed out specifically in the Constitution in Article 1.
- B.
Those that are not stated directly and come from the "necessary and proper" clause of the Constitution.
- C.
Those that come from the Declaration of Independance.
Correct Answer
B. Those that are not stated directly and come from the "necessary and proper" clause of the Constitution.Explanation
Implied powers refer to powers that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are derived from the "necessary and proper" clause. This clause, also known as the elastic clause, grants Congress the authority to make laws that are necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. Implied powers allow the government to adapt and address unforeseen circumstances and changes in society without being limited to only the powers explicitly listed in the Constitution. Therefore, the correct answer is "Those that are not stated directly and come from the 'necessary and proper' clause of the Constitution."Rate this question:
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- 19.
Which of these are non-legistative powers granted by the Constitution (hint: there are more than one)
- A.
Propose amendments.
- B.
Sentence people to jail.
- C.
Investigate.
- D.
Impeach.
- E.
Veto laws.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Propose amendments.
C. Investigate.
D. Impeach.Explanation
The Constitution grants non-legislative powers such as proposing amendments, investigating, and impeaching. Proposing amendments refers to the ability to suggest changes to the Constitution. Investigating involves the power to conduct inquiries and gather information for legislative purposes. Impeaching refers to the authority to bring charges against a public official for misconduct. These powers are separate from the legislative process and are meant to serve as checks and balances on the government.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Which of the below is a special power of Congress?
- A.
The Senate has the ability act as the jury for impeachment trials.
- B.
The House has the ability to introduce tax bills.
- C.
The House has the ability to chose the President is no candidate wins a majority by Electoral College.
- D.
The Senate has the ability to approve or reject the President's appointments of certain high government officials.
- E.
All of the above.
Correct Answer
E. All of the above.Explanation
All of the options listed are special powers of Congress. The Senate acts as the jury for impeachment trials, the House has the ability to introduce tax bills, the House can choose the President if no candidate wins a majority by the Electoral College, and the Senate can approve or reject the President's appointments of certain high government officials. Therefore, the correct answer is "All of the above."Rate this question:
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- 21.
What are some basic limits to congressional power in the Constitution?
- A.
Can't create new amendments, can't impeach the President, can't place term limits on Congressment
- B.
Can't favor one state, can't interfere with certain individual rights, limitation of the money available to spend, checks and balances.
- C.
Can't borrow money, can't tax people, can't create an army, can't declare war, can't set up a postal system
- D.
Can't create federal courts, can't create treaties with other countries, can't regulate commerce,
Correct Answer
B. Can't favor one state, can't interfere with certain individual rights, limitation of the money available to spend, checks and balances.Explanation
The answer correctly identifies some basic limits to congressional power in the Constitution. These limits include the inability to favor one state over another, the prohibition of interference with certain individual rights, the limitation of the money available to spend, and the presence of checks and balances to prevent the abuse of power.Rate this question:
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- 22.
When a committee gets a bill, what are their options?
- A.
To kill it (look at it and not like it right there and stop it).
- B.
To pigeonhole it (or set it aside without even looking at it).
- C.
Send the bill to subcommittee as it is written or "as is".
- D.
Send the bill to subcommittee with changes.
- E.
All of the above.
Correct Answer
E. All of the above.Explanation
The committee has multiple options when they receive a bill. They can choose to kill the bill if they do not like it immediately. They can also decide to pigeonhole the bill, meaning they set it aside without even considering it. Additionally, they have the option of sending the bill to a subcommittee as it is written or making changes to it before sending it to the subcommittee. Therefore, all of the options mentioned are possible actions that the committee can take when they receive a bill.Rate this question:
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- 23.
When a committee gives a bill to a subcommittee, the subcommittee then
- A.
Researches the issue, makes changes, and send it on to Congress.
- B.
Researches the issue, holds public hearings, makes changes if necessary, and sends it on to Congress.
- C.
Researches the issue, holds public hearings, makes changes if necessary, and sends it back to committee
- D.
Researches the issue, makes changes, and send it on to the President.
Correct Answer
C. Researches the issue, holds public hearings, makes changes if necessary, and sends it back to committeeExplanation
When a committee gives a bill to a subcommittee, the subcommittee researches the issue, holds public hearings to gather input and feedback, makes changes to the bill if necessary based on the information gathered, and sends it back to the committee. This process allows the subcommittee to thoroughly examine the bill, gather public opinion, and make any necessary revisions before it is sent back to the committee for further consideration and potential amendments.Rate this question:
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- 24.
Which area of Congress has very formal rules for debating a bill? Why?
- A.
Republicans, because they are usuallly more conservative.
- B.
Senate because the are more special than the House of Representatives.
- C.
House of Representatives, because they are typically younger and fight more.
- D.
House of Representatives, because there are more of them and it's more difficult to have ordered debate with more people.
Correct Answer
D. House of Representatives, because there are more of them and it's more difficult to have ordered debate with more people.Explanation
The House of Representatives has very formal rules for debating a bill because there are more representatives in the House compared to the Senate. With a larger number of members, it becomes more challenging to have organized and orderly debates. Therefore, the House of Representatives has stricter rules and procedures in place to ensure that debates are conducted in a structured manner and that all members have an opportunity to voice their opinions.Rate this question:
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- 25.
In which area of Congress are members allowed to speak freely at the podium to debate an issue for an unlimited period of time?
- A.
Senate
- B.
House
Correct Answer
A. SenateExplanation
In the Senate, members are allowed to speak freely at the podium to debate an issue for an unlimited period of time. This is known as the filibuster, a tactic used to delay or prevent a vote on a particular bill. The Senate has fewer rules and regulations regarding debate compared to the House of Representatives, allowing for extended discussions and the opportunity for individual senators to express their views at length.Rate this question:
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- 26.
A filibuster is possible in
- A.
The Senate only.
- B.
The House of Represenatives only.
- C.
Both the Senate and the House.
Correct Answer
A. The Senate only.Explanation
A filibuster is a parliamentary procedure where a member of a legislative body speaks for an extended period of time to delay or prevent a vote on a proposed legislation. In the United States, a filibuster is only possible in the Senate. This is because the Senate has different rules compared to the House of Representatives. In the Senate, there is no time limit for speeches, allowing a senator to continue speaking indefinitely. In contrast, the House of Representatives has stricter rules that limit debate time and do not allow for the same kind of prolonged speeches. Therefore, a filibuster can only occur in the Senate.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Why would someone filibuster a bill (or talk all night)?
- A.
To get folks to force the bill's sponsor to finally withdraw the bill so Congress can't move on to other things.
- B.
To get folks to fall asleep so a secret vote can be taken when non-supportors are not listening
- C.
To make others just get so tired of hearing about the issue that they just vote for it.
- D.
None of the above.
Correct Answer
A. To get folks to force the bill's sponsor to finally withdraw the bill so Congress can't move on to other things.Explanation
The correct answer is to get folks to force the bill's sponsor to finally withdraw the bill so Congress can't move on to other things. Filibustering is a tactic used in legislative bodies, such as Congress, to delay or prevent the passage of a bill. By talking all night, the individual aims to extend the debate and stall the progress of the bill, putting pressure on its sponsor to withdraw it. This tactic is often employed when the filibusterer opposes the bill and wants to prevent it from becoming law.Rate this question:
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- 28.
What is it called when you force a filibuster to end by get 60 members to vote to limit the person to one hour of speaking....
- A.
A couture.
- B.
A cool beer.
- C.
A cloture.
- D.
A tokure.
Correct Answer
C. A cloture.Explanation
Cloture is the correct answer because it refers to the parliamentary procedure used to end a filibuster by limiting the person's speaking time to one hour. This requires a vote of at least 60 members in order to pass. The other options, such as couture, cool beer, and tokure, are unrelated and do not describe the specific procedure mentioned in the question.Rate this question:
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- 29.
What are the three ways to count how members of Congress votes on issues? __________________, ___________________________, and __________________________.
Correct Answer
voice vote - used when the answer is going to be either mostly yes or no and it's not important to get an exact vote.
standing vote - when you need an exact number of votes, but you don't need names of folks and how each congressperson voted.
roll-call vote - each congressperson's name is called and they have to call out their vote. It becomes public record. Then we "the people" can track how they vote and decide if we want to vote for them again if we like how they voted.Explanation
The three ways to count how members of Congress vote on issues are voice vote, standing vote, and roll-call vote. A voice vote is used when the answer is expected to be mostly yes or no and it is not important to get an exact vote. A standing vote is used when an exact number of votes is needed, but the names of the congresspersons and how they voted are not required. A roll-call vote involves calling out each congressperson's name and their vote, making it a public record. This allows the people to track how they vote and decide if they want to vote for them again based on their voting record.Rate this question:
- 30.
So after a bill is introduced, sent to committee, sent to subcommitte (and public hearings), send back to committee, and then sent to either the Senate or the House (whereever it started), where NOW does it have to go? ....(hint:more than one answer)
- A.
If it started in the House, it now has to go to the Senate. If the Senate doesn't like it, it can write its own version bill.
- B.
If it started in the Senate, it now has to go to the House. If the House doesn't like it, it can write its own version of the bill.
- C.
If it started in the House, it goes on to the President for signing into law unless vetoed.
- D.
If it started in the Senate, it goes on to the President for signing into law unless vetoed.
Correct Answer(s)
A. If it started in the House, it now has to go to the Senate. If the Senate doesn't like it, it can write its own version bill.
B. If it started in the Senate, it now has to go to the House. If the House doesn't like it, it can write its own version of the bill.Explanation
After a bill is introduced, sent to committee, sent to subcommittee (and public hearings), sent back to committee, and then sent to either the Senate or the House (wherever it started), it now has to go to the other chamber of Congress. If the bill started in the House, it now has to go to the Senate. If the Senate doesn't like it, it can write its own version of the bill. Similarly, if the bill started in the Senate, it now has to go to the House. If the House doesn't like it, it can write its own version of the bill.Rate this question:
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- 31.
If the House passes a version of a bill, and a Senate then passes a different version of the bill, can it be sent to the President for signing? What should be done?
- A.
Yes, send it to the President for signing.
- B.
Yes, send it to the President for signing but expect him/her to veto it.
- C.
Trade sides with the bill and let each other work on each other's version of the bill and work out the different. Then send it one to the President.
- D.
Send both versions of the bill to a joint committee (or conference)to blend the versions into one version. Then both the Senate and House should vote on it again.
- E.
Send both versions of the bill to a joint committee (or conference)to blend the versions into one version. Then send it on to the President to sign.
Correct Answer
D. Send both versions of the bill to a joint committee (or conference)to blend the versions into one version. Then both the Senate and House should vote on it again.Explanation
If the House and Senate pass different versions of a bill, it cannot be sent directly to the President for signing. Instead, both versions of the bill should be sent to a joint committee or conference where members from both chambers work together to blend the versions into one cohesive bill. Once the joint committee has created a unified version, it should be voted on again by both the Senate and the House. Only after this process should the bill be sent to the President for signing.Rate this question:
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- 32.
What are the two types of POCKET VETO?
- A.
If the President lets 10 days pass without signing a bill while Congress is in session, the bill is law without his/her signature.
- B.
If the President lets 10 days pass without signing a bill while Congress is in session, the bill is considered dead without his/her signature.
- C.
If the President lets 10 days pass without signing a bill while Congress is not in session, the bill is law without his/her signature.
- D.
If the President lets 10 days pass without signing a bill while Congress is not in session, the bill is considered dead without his/her signature.
Correct Answer(s)
A. If the President lets 10 days pass without signing a bill while Congress is in session, the bill is law without his/her signature.
D. If the President lets 10 days pass without signing a bill while Congress is not in session, the bill is considered dead without his/her signature.Explanation
The two types of pocket veto are described in the answer. The first type occurs when the President lets 10 days pass without signing a bill while Congress is in session, and in this case, the bill becomes law without the President's signature. The second type occurs when the President lets 10 days pass without signing a bill while Congress is not in session, and in this case, the bill is considered dead without the President's signature.Rate this question:
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- 33.
If the President vetoes a bill, Congress has one last chance to save it. Congress can override the President's veto with a __________ vote in ___________.
- A.
3/4 vote in the Senate.
- B.
2/3 vote in both the House and Senate.
- C.
2/3 vote in the Senate.
- D.
3/4 vote in both the House and Senate.
- E.
2/3 vote in the House.
Correct Answer
B. 2/3 vote in both the House and Senate.Explanation
If the President vetoes a bill, Congress has one last chance to save it by overriding the President's veto. This requires a 2/3 vote in both the House and Senate. This means that two-thirds of the members in both chambers of Congress must vote in favor of overriding the veto in order for the bill to become law despite the President's objection.Rate this question:
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