Legislative Branch Review

Which statement best explains the significance of standing committees in Congress?

• Standing committees resolve the differences between House and Senate versions of bills

• Standing committees help to divide the workload and create specialization in Congress

• Standing committees set rules for debate to prevent filibusters from occurring

• Standing committees contribute to the simplicity of counting votes in Congress

I hold to the principle that we can harness the promise of technology without becoming slaves to technology and ensure that science serves the cause of humanity. If we are to find the right ways to advance ethical medical research, we must also be willing when necessary to reject the wrong ways. For that reason, I must veto this bill.

—George W. Bush, the White House, July 19, 2006

Stem Cell Research Bill Veto Letter

President Bush’s letter, excerpted above, to the House of Representatives demonstrates the principle of —

• republicanism

• limited government

• federalism

• checks and balances

How many members does the House of Reps have?

• 100
• 435
• 545
• 75

How old does someone have to be to serve as a Senator?

• 30
• 25
• 18
• 35

Which of the following is a check the Legislative Branch has over the Executive? 

• Appoint new judges 
• Override a Veto with 2/3 majority vote
• Veto Legislation 
• Filibuster a Bill

Which of the following is the basic function of Congress? 

• Enforce Laws
• Interpret Laws 
• Define Laws
• Make laws

How many members does the Senate have? 

• 100
• 435
• 535
• 75

The vice president’s ONLY critical role in Congress is to

• discipline leaders who act unethically
• break tie votes in the Senate
• evaluate legislation to convince Congressional leaders to vote a certain way on issues
• prepare legislative reports for the President

How old does someone have to be to serve as a Representative?

• 30
• 25
• 18
• 35

After a Bill has been passed from both houses of Congress what is the last step before turning into a law? 

• Congress Veto the bill 
• President Signs it 
• Supreme Court reviews it 
• Pigeon hole the bill