Congressional Powers and Terms

Front

What is the length of a term for a U.S. Senator?

Back

6 years

Answer explanation

A U.S. Senator serves a term of 6 years. This is established by the Constitution, ensuring stability and continuity in the Senate, unlike the shorter terms of House members, who serve 2 years.

Front

How long is the term of office for a member of the House of Representatives?

Back

2 years

Answer explanation

Members of the House of Representatives serve a term of 2 years. This short term allows for more frequent elections and accountability to constituents, making 2 years the correct answer.

Front

Which chamber of Congress has the power to initiate revenue bills?

Back

The House of Representatives

Answer explanation

The House of Representatives has the exclusive power to initiate revenue bills, as stated in Article I, Section 7 of the U.S. Constitution. This ensures that taxation and spending originate from the chamber closest to the people.

Front

Why did the Founders establish different term lengths for the Senate and House?

Back

To make the Senate more stable and deliberative

Answer explanation

The Founders established different term lengths to ensure the Senate would be more stable and deliberative, allowing Senators to focus on long-term issues rather than immediate public opinion, unlike the more frequently elected House.

Front

Which chamber of Congress has the power to ratify treaties?

Back

The Senate

Answer explanation

The Senate has the exclusive power to ratify treaties, requiring a two-thirds majority vote. The House of Representatives does not have this authority, making the Senate the correct answer.

Front

The 16th Amendment primarily affects which congressional power?

Back

Income tax collection

Answer explanation

The 16th Amendment allows Congress to levy an income tax without apportioning it among the states. This directly impacts the power of income tax collection, making it the correct choice.

Front

Which chamber holds the "power of the purse"?

Back

The House of Representatives

Answer explanation

The "power of the purse" refers to the exclusive authority of the House of Representatives to initiate revenue bills and control federal spending, making it the chamber responsible for financial legislation.

Front

Why did the Founders give the House the power to initiate revenue bills?

Back

Because Senators were originally appointed, not elected

Answer explanation

The Founders gave the House the power to initiate revenue bills because Senators were originally appointed, not elected. This ensured that the directly elected House, representing the people, had control over taxation.

Front

What unique power does the Senate have regarding presidential appointments?

Back

Confirmation

Answer explanation

The unique power of the Senate regarding presidential appointments is 'Confirmation'. This means the Senate must approve the President's nominees for key positions, ensuring a check on executive power.

Front

How many Senators are elected from each state?

Back

Two

Answer explanation

Each state in the United States elects two Senators, regardless of its population. This ensures equal representation for all states in the Senate.