Chapters 2.1-2.3

Chapters 2.1 to 2.3 test on Wednesday

What does it mean that Congress is bicameral?

It has two chambers — the House of Representatives and the Senate — created by the Great Compromise.

How many members are in the House of Representatives?

435 members, based on state population (reapportioned every 10 years by census).

How long is a House term and what are the qualifications?

2-year term; must be 25+, U.S. citizen for 7 years, and live in the state they represent.

What are unique powers of the House?

Starts revenue bills, initiates impeachments, and breaks Electoral College ties.

How many members are in the Senate?

100 members — 2 per state

How long is a Senate term and what are the qualifications?

6-year term; must be 30+, U.S. citizen for 9 years, and live in the state they represent.

What are unique powers of the Senate?

Confirms presidential appointments, ratifies treaties, and holds impeachment trials.

What is a filibuster and how can it end?

When senators delay a vote by prolonged debate; can end with 60 votes for cloture.

What powers do both chambers share?

Passing laws, declaring war, taxing, and regulating commerce.

In summary, how do the House and Senate differ?

House represents the people; Senate represents the states — together they balance lawmaking.

How is Congress organized?

By house, political party, leadership, and committees.

Who is the most powerful person in the House?

The Speaker of the House — sets the agenda and recognizes speakers.

What do House Majority and Minority Leaders do?

Direct debate and guide party strategy.

What do party Whips do?

Keep party discipline, count votes, and persuade members.

What are whips

Whips are the party's vote organisers and go-betweens. They work to ensure that their fellow political party legislators attend voting sessions and vote according to their party's official policy.

Who is the President of the Senate?

The Vice President of the United States (votes only to break ties).

Who leads the Senate when the Vice President is absent?

The President Pro Tempore (senior member of the majority party).

Who is the true leader of the Senate?

The Senate Majority Leader — sets the legislative calendar and priorities.

What are Standing Committees?

Permanent committees that handle major policy areas (e.g., Finance, Judiciary).

What are Select or Joint Committees?

Select = temporary group for one topic.
Joint = members from both the House and Senate

What is a Conference Committee?

A small group from both houses that fixes any differences in a bill so it can become one final law.

What is congressional oversight?

When Congress monitors executive agencies through hearings and investigations.

why are committees and leaders important?

They organize Congress’s work and make the policymaking process efficient.

What are the three voting models used by members of Congress?

Delegate (follow voters), Trustee (own judgment), and Politico (mix of both).

What is redistricting and who controls it?

changing the borders of voting areas every 10 years after the census; the state government decides how to draw them.

What is gerrymandering?

Drawing district lines to favor one political party or group. (unfairly)

What was the outcome of Baker v. Carr (1962)?

Courts can intervene in redistricting; established “one person, one vote.”

What was the outcome of Shaw v. Reno (1993)?

Districts cannot be drawn based solely on race

What is partisanship?

Strong loyalty to one’s political party; often affects how members vote.

What is gridlock?

when the government can’t get things done because the two parties disagree and won’t work together.

What is polarization?

when Democrats and Republicans strongly disagree, with almost no middle ground or compromise

What is a divided government?

When different parties control the presidency and one or both chambers of Congress.

what shapes congressional behavior?

Elections, redistricting, and party loyalty — which can lead to gridlock and polarization.