Quiz 2... The Legislative Branch, The Two Houses

Why did the Constitution provide that the total number of seats in the House of

Representatives should be apportioned among the States based on population, rather

than being set at a fixed number?

• so that larger States are able to make decisions on important issues

• in order to provide for fair representation for all citizens

• because establishing a fixed number was less accurate

• because establishing a fixed number was less accurate

How did the 1932 Supreme Court case Wood v. Broom affect equal representation in the
House?

• The case had little effect on equal representation.

• The case made equal representation a reality.

• The case weakened equal representation.

• The case eliminated equal representation altogether.

The author has stated that 'far more often than not, the party that holds the presidency
loses seats in the off-year elections.' What can you infer is the cause of this loss?

• The opposition party might obtain votes from citizens dissatisfied with the current
  administration.

• The party in power might not be interested in campaigning so soon after a big election.

• The party in power might be overly confident about their support from voters.

• The opposition party might have more money to spend on an impressive campaign.

What is the significance of the 1969 Supreme Court's decision in Powell v. McCormack to
uphold the Constitution's formal qualifications of age, citizenship, and residency for a
member of the House?

• It limited the House's ability to punish members for disorderly conduct.

• It limited the House's ability to impose additional standards on representatives.

• It limited the House's ability to expel members who had objectionable behavior.

• It limited the House's ability to question a member's formal qualifications for office.

Representative Jones, acting as a delegate, votes for a spending bill favored by his

constituents, although he does not support the bill. Senator Miller votes against it as a

partisan, although his constituents favor the bill. What effect might each Congressman's

term length have had on his voting decision?

• Term length makes Senator Miller less willing to cast an unpopular vote.

• Term length makes Representative Jones feel pressured to cast a popular vote.

• Term length makes Senator Miller unwilling to cast an unpopular vote.

• Term length makes Rep. Jones unconcerned about casting an unpopular vote.

What did the Constitution intend when it provided procedures for the Senate to judge the

conduct of its members?

• that senators who refused to follow their party's recommendations could be

  eliminated

• that voters' dissatisfaction with their representative could be addressed in a timely way

• that a high standard of ethical behavior would be maintained by the nation's

  lawmakers

• that regular attendance to all important Senate responsibilities and obligations would

  be ensured