UNIT 2

The authors of the United States Constitution believed that the voice of the people should be heard  frequently. Which part of the Government was instituted to respond most directly to the will of the  people?

•  Senate

•  House of Representatives

• Supreme Court

• Presidency 

Congress sends the President a bill to build the XL Keystone pipeline, the President has publicly  criticized the bill. Within days, the President voids the bill. What power is the President  exercising? 

• The President is exercising his power of appointment. 

• The President is exercising his clemency power.

• The President is submitting a treaty for approval.

• The President is exercising the veto power. 

Gerrymandering is:

• a form of drawing voting district boundaries that favor a political party. 

• the cessation of a segregated school system. 

• the formation of unified government services.

• a form of drawing senate districts

The elastic clause, executive privilege, and judicial review are all methods by which

• Congress may check the power of the executive branch.

• The federal courts may check the power of the executive branch.

• state governments may limit the power of the Federal Government. 

• the Constitution may be adapted to meet changing conditions.

 If a Senator in the minority—on a bill that looks like it is going to pass—wants to try to single handedly kill the measure, what tactic might he/she use? 

• Return the bill to committee for further mark-up 

• Stage a grass-roots protest on the lawn of the White House

• Override the senate vote with 2/3 of a vote in the House of Representatives

• “talking the bill to death” by way of a filibuster

The President needs a new ambassador to Ireland; a federal judge dies and the President must  replace her; the President holds a press conference to announce his next Secretary of Homeland  Security. Which power is the President exercising?

• The President is exercising the veto power.

• The President is submitting a treaty for approval.

• The President is exercising the power of appointment.

•  The President is exercising his clemency power.

The United States Constitution requires that a census be taken every ten years to reapportion  

• membership in the House of Representatives.

• the number of delegates to national nominating conventions.

• Federal aid to localities.

• agricultural subsidies.

In the United States Congress, most of the work of a Representative or Senator takes place while  holding hearings on bills introduced or during investigations which take place where?

• In impeachment hearings.

• In intimate dinners with lobbyists.

• In party caucus meetings.

• In the various standing committees to which each are assigned

Which of the following is NOT true of the Electoral College system?

• The amount of “electors” per state is equal to the total number of members to Congress.

• The magic number to win the presidency is 270.  

• “Electors” no longer exist.

• There is a possibility of winning the popular vote, but losing the presidential election. 

Which of the following people do NOT represent you in Congress out in Washington D.C.?

• Dick Durbin 

• Tammy Duckworth

• Mark Kirk

• Marie Newman