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What are the two parts of Congress?
The House of Representatives and the Senate.
How many members are in the House of Representatives?
435 members.
What is the term length for members of the House of Representatives?
2 years.
What age must one be to serve in the Senate?
30 years old.
What is the role of the Speaker of the House?
Leader of the House of Representatives.
What is a filibuster?
A tactic used by a senator to delay a motion or postpone action on legislation by using unlimited debate.
What are the powers unique to the Senate?
Approve ambassadors, ratify treaties, conduct impeachment trials, approve judicial appointments, propose budgetary amendments.
What happens during a conference committee?
Temporary committees formed to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill.
What is the process for a bill to become a law?
A concerned citizen writes to a congressman, who sponsors a bill that goes through committees in the Senate and House before being sent to the President.
What can Congress do if the President vetoes a bill?
Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate.
What is logrolling in Congress?
Trading votes to get a bill approved by ensuring mutual support on separate projects.
What are pork barrel projects?
Legislation that directs funds to specific projects in districts or states to gain political favor.
What is the difference between oversight and casework?
Oversight ensures the executive branch operates legally; casework helps constituents with federal government issues.
What is the role of the Rules Committee in the House?
Determines when a bill will be debated, how long the debate lasts, and whether amendments are allowed.
What is redistricting?
The redrawing of electoral district boundaries following a census.
What does the 17th Amendment allow?
Direct election of Senators by voters instead of appointment by state legislatures.
How are committee members assigned in Congress?
Based on party leadership decisions, seniority, expertise, and political balance.
What are the three levels of the federal court system?
Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, District Courts.
What is the term length for federal judges?
Life tenure, to ensure independence from political pressure.
What is the difference between original jurisdiction and appellate jurisdiction?
Original jurisdiction hears cases first; appellate jurisdiction reviews cases already decided by lower courts.
What is judicial review?
The power of courts to check laws and government actions to ensure they comply with the Constitution.
What is precedent?
A previous court decision that serves as a rule for future cases.
What powers does Congress share?
Collect taxes, borrow money, regulate trade, declare war, and make laws.
What is the purpose of a select committee?
To investigate specific issues, either temporary or permanent, without writing legislation.
What is the purpose of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO)?
To review and analyze the budget submitted by the President.
