Congress and U.S. Government

What is the main purpose of Congress as defined by Article I of the Constitution?

• To enforce the laws

• To interpret the laws

• To create the laws

• To fund the laws

How many members are there in the United States Congress?

• 100

• 435

• 535

• 30000

According to the Framers' Plan, why did they want the policymaking process to be slow and deliberate?

• To prevent any changes from happening

• To ensure there were lots of checks and balances

• To make it easier to pass laws

• To limit public input

What is bicameralism?

• A single legislative body

• A two-house legislative system

• A three-branch government system

• A legislative body with one representative per state

How are the House of Representatives and the Senate different in terms of their relationship with the public?

• The Senate is directly elected by the people, whereas the House is not

• Both are equally responsive to public opinion

• The House is considered closer to the people, with more frequent elections and smaller constituencies

• The Senate members serve shorter terms than the House members

Which chamber of Congress has the power to impeach federal officers and create tax laws?

• The Senate

• The House of Representatives

• Both A and B

• Neither A nor B

What is the role of the Speaker of the House in the U.S. Congress?

• To preside over the Senate and cast tie-breaking votes.

• To represent the U.S. in foreign affairs.

• To preside over the House, lead its business and represent it externally.

• To nominate Supreme Court Justices.

What is the "power of the purse" and which part of Congress holds that power?

• The authority to declare war; the Senate

• The power to create and manage the nation's budget; the House of Representatives

• The ability to veto laws; the Senate

• The power to appoint Supreme Court Justices; the House of Representatives

How does the committee structure in Congress aid the legislative process?

• It allows every member of Congress to provide input on each bill

• It speeds up the process by dividing work among specialized committees

• It ensures that all bills are passed quickly

• It allows the President to have direct control over the creation of laws

What is a critical function of committees in the legislative process?

• • To enforce the laws.

• • To provide a first detailed review and debate on a bill's content.

• • To elect the President.

• • To approve treaties with foreign nations.