Unit3: Legislative Branch

What is the difference between a regular session of Congress and a special session of Congress?

• A regular session has all the members, while a special session only has a few members.

• A regular session is for making laws, while a special session is for debate only.

• A regular session is just for the members of Congress, while a special session is for guest speakers.

• A regular session is scheduled for a specific period of time each year, while a special session is called by the president at any time.

Who has the power to prorogue a congressional session when the two houses cannot agree on a date for adjournment?

• the Senate

• the president

• the Supreme Court

• the House of Representatives

For how many years does a congressional term last?

• two years

• three years

• four years

• five years

How are seats in the House of Representatives apportioned?

• by political party

• by the Senate’s decision

• by the size of the state’s population

• by the size of the state’s territory

What is the main difference between the formal and informal qualifications for the House of Representatives?

• Formal qualifications are outlined in the Constitution.

• Formal qualifications do not have to be followed.

• Informal qualifications deal with age and citizenship.

• Informal qualifications are not political in nature.

Which of the following powers does the Speaker of the House have? Select all that apply.

• interpreting the rules of the House

• deciding whether or not to pass a bill

• naming representatives to committees

• deciding when the House should debate a bill

• apportioning seats in the House

Which of the following are formal qualifications for serving in the Senate? Select all that apply.

• must be at least 30 years old

• must be a U.S. citizen

• must have a law degree

• must have served in the armed forces

How do the term limits for senators and representatives impact their voting power?

• Senators' longer term limits allow them to vote based on what is best for the nation, instead of public opinion.

• Senators' shorter term limits mean they are more beholden to public opinion when voting.

• Representatives' longer term limits mean they need to continually vote with public opinion for their entire term.

• Representatives' shorter term limits allow them to vote based on their personal beliefs, instead of public opinion.

How did the Seventeenth Amendment to the Constitution affect the process of senatorial elections?

• It allowed senators to be chosen by state legislatures.

• It allowed senators to be appointed by the president.

• It allowed senators to be elected by the voters in the state.

• It allowed senators to be nominated by the House of Representatives.

What expressed powers show that the framers wished Congress to have the power to secure the nation against foreign danger? Select all that apply

• raise armies and a navy

• establish a federal post office

• levy taxes, duties, and excises

• regulate interstate commerce