AP US Government: Congress Structure and Powers

Practice questions covering the constitutional structure, powers, and functions of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, including budgeting and procedural differences.

How is the democratic principle of republicanism reflected in the structure of Congress?

It is shown in the bicameral structure where the Senate represents states equally and the House represents the people.

Under Article 1, Section 2, how often are members of the House of Representatives chosen?

They are chosen every second year (every $2$ years).

How many members are in the House of Representatives compared to the Senate?

The House has $435$ members, while the Senate has $100$ members.

Why is debate in the House more formal than in the Senate?

The larger membership of the House necessitates more formal procedures to manage proceedings.

What makes the Senate a continuous legislative body?

Only $rac{1}{3}$ of the Senate is elected every $2$ years.

Which chamber allows for more informal, open-ended debate and greater individual influence?

The Senate.

According to the transcript, what are the enumerated and implied powers of Congress regarding revenue?

Passing a federal budget, raising revenue by laying and collecting taxes, borrowing money, and coining money.

What is the congressional power used to regulate the process of becoming a U.S. citizen?

Naturalization.

How does Congress interact with the executive branch bureaucracy?

By conducting oversight of the executive branch, including federal agencies.

According to the transcript's news section, how many districts were in California's current map versus the commission's proposal?

The current map had $53$ districts, while the commission proposal had $52$ districts.

Who determines leadership in congressional committees?

The majority political party.

In which chamber of Congress must all revenue bills originate?

The House of Representatives.

What is the function of the Rules Committee in the House?

It establishes the rules for debate on a bill.

What is a discharge petition?

A petition filed by an individual representative to have a bill brought to the floor for debate.

In the Senate, what tactic is used to prolong debate and delay or prevent a vote on a bill?

A filibuster.

What is the procedure to end a debate in the Senate called?

A motion for cloture.

What is the purpose of a conference committee?

To reconcile differences when a bill passed by both chambers on the same topic has variation in its wording.

What are three examples of mandatory spending for entitlement programs?

Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Which type of spending is approved on an annual basis for defense, education, and infrastructure?

Discretionary spending.

Where is the "Power of the purse" found in the Constitution?

Article I, Section $9$, Clause $7$.