Unit 4 Legislative Branch

This study set will help you to prepare for the Unit 4 test with basic vocab and content topics!

What is the purpose of the Congress?

The legislature of the United States government

What does the term "Bicameral" mean?

A legislature consisting of two parts, or houses

How many members are there in the Senate?

100 members

How many members are there in the House of Representatives?

435 Members

Who is the President of the Senate?

Vice President

Who is the Speaker of the House?

The leader of the majority party who serves as the presiding officer of the House of Representatives

What does the term "continuous body" mean?

Governing unit whose seats are never all up for election at the same time

How long are terms in the House of Representatives?

2 year

How long are terms in the Senate?

6 years

Are there term limits in Congress?

No, not in the U.S. Congress

How many senators are there per state?

2 per state

How is representation determined in the House of Representatives?

Based on population

How often are seats in the house reapportioned?

Every 10 years after the Census in conducted

What are the age requirements for a Senator?

30 years old

What are the age requirements for a member of the House?

25 years old

How long is a term of congress?

2 years

How many sessions are there for each term of Congress?

2

When does a new term of Congress begin?

On January 3rd of odd numbered years

What is a bill?

A proposed law

What is redistricting?

The redrawing of the boundaries of the congressional districts within each state.

What is gerrymandering?

Manipulate the boundaries of (an electoral constituency) so as to favor one party or class.

Who redraws congressional districts?

State legislature

What was a major outcome of the Reapportionment Act of 1929?

Permanently set the size of the House at 435 members

Who is the current Speaker of the House?

Mike Johnson

Who is the current President of the Senate?

Kamala Harris

What is the necessary and proper clause?

Constitutional clause that gives congress the power to make all laws "necessary and proper" for executing its powers