ew gov and congress i hate gerrymandering

What does each representative in the House of Representatives represent in terms of population after a census?

700,000 people.

What is the primary difference in size between the Senate and the House of Representatives?

The Senate is significantly smaller than the House of Representatives.

Who is the President of the Senate?

The Vice President of the United States.

How often does Congress meet for a term?

Every 2 years.

What is the start date for each new Congress term?

January 3rd of odd-numbered years.

What amendment specifies that Congress must meet at least once every year?

The 20th Amendment.

What is the maximum amount of money a Congress member can earn annually?

$223,500.

What special privileges do Congress members have?

Immunity from arrest during Congress business and not being sued for libel/slander during Congress business.

What are the two main roles of the House of Representatives?

Initiate revenue bills and impeach executive and judicial officials.

What is the Senate's role regarding presidential appointments?

The Senate provides 'Advice and Consent' to approve presidential appointments.

What major requirement is needed to ratify treaties in the Senate?

A two-thirds vote.

What is gerrymandering?

The manipulation of voting district lines to give one party an advantage.

What is the term for the process of redistributing the 435 seats in the House of Representatives based on population?

Reapportionment.

What is packing in gerrymandering?

Concentrating the support of the opposing party in a few districts.

What does cracking in gerrymandering involve?

Dispersing the opposing party's support throughout the state to dilute their strength.

What is a distributive goal of legislation?

Distribution of goods/services for the general public.

Who can introduce a bill in Congress?

Only a member of Congress can introduce a bill.

How must revenue bills start in Congress?

They must start in the House of Representatives.

What happens to most bills in committees?

Most bills die in committees.

How does House floor debate differ from Senate floor debate?

Senate has unlimited debate; House has time limits set by the rules committee.

What is a filibuster?

A tactic used by a senator to delay a motion or postpone action on a piece of legislation.

What is cloture?

A procedure to end debate on a bill with 60 votes.

What is an earmark?

Expenditures for specific districts/states, determined on appropriations-based legislation.

What is the main goal of congressional oversight?

To ensure administrative compliance with legislative intent.

What are the requirements for membership in the House of Representatives?

At least 25 years old, 7 years of citizenship, and a resident of the state.

What are the qualifications for a Senate member?

At least 30 years old, 9 years of citizenship, and a resident of the state.

What is a 'lame duck' period in Congress?

The session held between election day and the beginning of the new Congress.

What advantage does incumbency provide?

Greater name recognition and access to resources.

What is the purpose of logrolling in Congress?

Reciprocal support on bills between members.

What is a discharge petition?

A motion filed to move a bill out of committee and onto the house floor for a vote.

What does the House Rules Committee do?

Sets rules, restrictions, and times on bills for floor debate.

What is the definition of malapportionment?

Uneven population distribution among legislative districts.

What is a Congressional appointment?

Determining the number of representatives for each state using census data.

What is the role of the Congressional Budget Office?

Provides information and estimates of budgetary consequences of legislation.

What is mandatory spending?

Spending required by existing laws that is 'locked in' the budget.

What do entitlement programs provide?

Benefits for eligible individuals under the law, regardless of income.

What is the significance of the 17th Amendment?

It established the direct popular election of senators.

What is party loyalty like in Congress?

Party loyalty/discipline is relatively weak.

What is the role of the Speaker of the House?

The leader of the House of Representatives, chosen by an election of the members.

How does Congress handle budget surplus?

When the government takes in more money than it spends.

What is the national debt?

The total amount of money owed by the federal government.