Unit 5- Legislation Branch

What are the two chambers of Congress?

The House of Representatives and the Senate.

What are the historical reasons for a bicameral Congress?

Most colonies had bicameral legislatures, and many founders came from Britain which had a bicameral system.

What term length does a member of Congress serve?

2 years.

How many representatives are in the House of Representatives?

435 representatives.

How is the number of representatives per state determined?

Based on the state's population, counted every 10 years during the census.

What act permanently set the number of representatives at 435?

The Reapportionment Act of 1929.

What are the qualifications to be a U.S. representative?

At least 25 years old, 7 years a U.S. citizen, and a resident of the state and district.

How many senators does each state have?

Each state has 2 senators.

What is the term length for a U.S. senator?

6 years.

What amendment allowed residents to vote for senators?

The 17th Amendment.

What are the qualifications to be a U.S. senator?

At least 30 years old, 9 years a U.S. citizen, and a resident of the state.

What is a trustee voting style?

Voting based on personal beliefs.

What is a delegate voting style?

Voting based on the preferences of constituents.

What is a partisan voting style?

Voting based on party affiliation.

Who is the current Speaker of the House?

Mike Johnson.

What is the role of the Speaker of the House?

Runs the floor, sets the schedule, and makes committee appointments.

Who assumes the role of Speaker pro Tempore?

The representative who acts in place of the Speaker when absent.

Who is the President of the Senate?

Kamala Harris.

What is the role of the President of the Senate?

Can vote in the case of a tie; runs the floor.

Who is the President Pro Tempore of the Senate?

Patty Murray.

What is the order of presidential succession starting with the Speaker of the House?

Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, President Pro Tempore.

What is the purpose of standing committees?

To review and process bills before they reach the floor.

What can happen to a bill in committee?

It can be pigeonholed, amended and passed, reported favorably, or reported unfavorably.

What is required for the House to conduct official business?

A quorum of at least 218 members.

What are the rules for debate in the House?

Each representative can debate for an hour, must stay on topic, and must have a quorum.

What are the rules for debate in the Senate?

Almost no rules; no time limit on debate and can discuss off-topic.

What is a filibuster?

Attempting to stall action on a bill by prolonged speech.

What options does the President have when presented with a bill?

Sign it, veto it, or let it sit for 10 days.

What happens if a President vetoes a bill?

The bill is dead unless it is overridden by a 2/3 vote in both chambers.

What is a quorum?

The minimum number of members needed to conduct official business.

What is the significance of the motion of previous question?

It ends debate in the House.

What does it mean if a bill sits on the President's desk for 10 days?

It becomes law without the signature.

Who is 3rd in line of presidential succession?

Secretary of State.

What is an example of a position within congressional leadership?

Vice President.

What is the total number of senators in the U.S.?

100 senators.

What is the requirement for a quorum in the Senate?

51 members.

What is the main advantage of a bicameral legislature?

It provides checks and balances.

How is a U.S. representative elected?

From single-member districts.

What does it mean to have an at-large district?

A statewide voting district, now illegal for representatives.

What is the role of majority party in Congress?

It helps in determining committee leadership and control of legislative agenda.

What is the principle of seniority in Congress?

Older members have preference for committee chair positions.

How long can members debate in the Senate?

There is no time limit on debate.

What can happen if there is no quorum in the Senate?

Official business cannot commence.

What happens if both the House and Senate pass the same version of a bill?

It goes to the President for approval.

Do all bills that are signed by the president to pass?

No