American Gov - Ch. 8

What are the requirements to be a member of the House of Representatives?

• at least 25 years old

• US citizen for no fewer than 7 years

• be a resident of the state you represent

What are the requirements to be a member of the US Senate?

• at least 30 years old

• US citizen for no fewer than 9 years

• be a resident of the state you represent

The Great Compromise created this type of two house legislature:

bicameral

How many members are in the house of representatives?

435

How many members are in the US Senate?

100

Standing Committee

• permanent

• more powerful

• deals with finances and legislative procedures

Select committee

• made for a specific purpose

• investigates a particular problem

• temporary

Joint Committee

• permanent

• composed of HoR and Senate members

• advisory boards to other congressional committees

Conference Committee

• meet to devise a compromise regarding different versions of a bill/proposed law that emerged from both houses

Reapportionment

state legislatures redraw boundaries of congressional districts after every census (every 2 years) to reflect population shifts

Gerrymandering

redrawing district boundaries to favor the political party that controls state legislature

Leader of the senate?

Vice President

Leader of the HoR?

Speaker of the house

Filibuster

delaying/preventing a measure in the Senate through long speeches

4 outcomes for the president when they get a bill

1. sign bill into law

2. veto bill (congress can override with 2/3 vote)

3. ignore bill (if congress in session, bill becomes law in 10 days)

4. pocket veto (congress not in session during 10 days, pres. has bill and doesn’t sign it, bill dies)

Prior to 17th amendment how were senators elected?

By elected representatives in state legislature

How long does each Congress last?

2 years

What is the chair in a congressional committee?

chairmen/leader of a panel

Who may become the Speaker of the House?

any member of the HoR

Congressional district

An electoral division of state that elects a member of the HoR

Majority/Minority Leader

Elected officials from each party, chief spokespersons/strategists on the Senate/House Floor for each party’s interest

Coalition

When members of different parties unite to support or oppose a bill because of common interest

Cloture

Limiting debate that stops debate

Which article of the constitution addresses the Legislative branch?

Article 1

What is the succession of the president?

1. Vice President

2. Speaker of the House

3. President Pro Tempore

4. Members of the Cabinet (in order of position)