Congress Test Reading Guide

Primary source of Congress’s implied powers

The Necessary and Proper Clause in the Constitution lets Congress make laws needed to carry out its listed powers.

Major checks Congress has on the other two branches

Congress can override presidential vetoes and approve or reject judges and officials.

Special powers of the U.S. Senate

The Senate approves treaties and confirms presidential appointments like judges and ambassadors.

Special powers of the U.S. House

The House starts all tax bills and can impeach government officials.

Reason House leadership has more power than Senate leadership

The House has stricter rules and more members, so leaders must control debate and scheduling tightly.

Number two position in majority leadership

The Majority Whip helps count votes and make sure party members vote together.

Special role of conference committees

They resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill.

How committee chairs are usually chosen

The longest-serving majority party member on the committee often becomes chair.

Caucuses within Congress

Groups of lawmakers who share interests or goals, like the Congressional Black Caucus or the Freedom Caucus.

How bills are introduced in the House and Senate

A member drops a bill into the “hopper” in the House or announces it on the Senate floor.

What happens when bills are referred to committees

Committees study, debate, and may change or vote on the bill before it moves forward.

Methods for getting bills out of committee and onto the floor

Committees can vote to send it out, or the House can use a discharge petition to force it to the floor.

Difference between a veto and a pocket veto

A veto is when the president formally rejects a bill; a pocket veto happens when the president ignores it and Congress ends its session.

How most members approach delegate and trustee models

Most lawmakers mix both, sometimes voting how people want (delegate) and sometimes how they personally believe is best (trustee).

Influences on a legislator’s vote

Party pressure, public opinion, personal beliefs, lobbyists, and the needs of their district all affect how they vote.

Permanent campaign and its effect on Congress

Because lawmakers are always thinking about re-election, they focus more on pleasing voters and donors than on long-term lawmaking.