Congress: Roles, Powers, and Electoral Processes in U.S. Government

What does Congress represent?

The wants and needs of the American people

What argument did colonists make regarding taxation?

Britain should not tax them without representation in Parliament

What is the purpose of Congress?

To represent the people and act as a check on the president's power

What is the role of Congress?

To represent the American people and pass laws

What is a servant of constituents?

Members of Congress try to satisfy the people they represent

What is a committee member in Congress?

A member who works in smaller groups that review bills and issues

What does a politician in Congress consider?

Public opinion and political consequences when making decisions

What is the legislative role of Congress?

The role to make laws

What does it mean to act as an agent of constituents?

When members act on behalf of the people they represent

What is delegate voting?

Voting exactly the way the voters want

What is trustee voting?

Voting based on the representative's own judgment

What is partisan voting?

Voting strictly based on political party views with little compromise

What is politico voting?

A mix of delegate and trustee roles

How long is one term of Congress?

Two years

When does a new term of Congress begin?

January 3rd

What is a session of Congress?

The period of time each year when Congress conducts business

When does the first session of Congress begin?

January 3rd of odd-numbered years

When does the second session of Congress begin?

January 3rd of even-numbered years

What does adjourn mean?

When Congress ends a session

What is a recess in Congress?

A short break from Congress (often 3 days or more)

Who can call a special session of Congress?

The President

When was the last special session called?

1948 (post-war inflation)

What is the annual salary for members of Congress?

About $174,000

How many members are in the House of Representatives?

435

How many members are in the Senate?

100

How many senators does each state have?

Two

What determines the number of representatives a state has?

Population

How often is the census taken?

Every 10 years

What is reapportionment?

Redistributing House seats after the census

What law fixed the House of Representatives at 435 members?

Reapportionment Act of 1929

What is gerrymandering?

Redrawing district boundaries to favor a political party

When are House elections held?

Tuesday following the first Monday in November

What are off-year elections?

Elections held in years when there is no presidential election

What is the minimum age to serve in the House?

25 years old

How long must someone be a U.S. citizen to serve in the House?

7 years

What is the minimum age to serve in the Senate?

30 years old

How long must someone be a U.S. citizen to serve in the Senate?

9 years

What are informal qualifications for Congress?

Name recognition, political experience, and ability to fund a campaign

What are delegated powers?

Powers given to Congress by the Constitution

What are expressed powers?

Powers directly stated in the Constitution

What are implied powers?

Powers not directly stated but inferred from expressed powers

What are inherent powers?

Powers that belong to all national governments

Where are most expressed powers listed in the Constitution?

Article I

Why did the founders write congressional powers broadly?

So they could be interpreted and applied to future situations