Congress Test Practice

Who or what gives Congress the power to “make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper” to carry out its expressed powers?

• The President of the United States
• The Supreme Court
• The United Nations
• The Elastic Clause

__ work for special interest groups and try to influence government policy.

What part of the U.S. government has the power to make federal legislation?

• U.S. President
• Supreme Court
• State Governors
• U.S. Congress

What is the purpose of a filibuster?

• To ensure a quick vote on a specific piece of legislation
• To speed up the legislative process
• To encourage bipartisan cooperation
• To prolong delay or block a vote.

In order to remove a federal official from office for wrongdoing, the House must take the first step and vote to __.

Which is the best explanation of why it takes a long time for a bill to become a law?

• It is difficult to get a majority of both houses to approve a bill.

• The bill only needs approval from the President, which can be done quickly
• Only one branch of government is involved in the approval process
• The process is quick and efficient, with little to no delays

The Constitution gives Congress powers to raise, support, and regulate an army and navy. Which of the following related actions has Congress taken using implied powers?

• Establishing the Air Force
• Drafting people into the armed services

• Creating a national police force
• Forming a militia of private citizens
• Taxing states to support state militias

Select ALL that apply.

Which of the following are possible outcomes of a new census?

• a state can have no change in Congress

• a state can gain seats in the Senate

• a state can lose seats in the House

• a state can gain seats in the House

• a state can lose seats in the Senate

Sort the beginning steps of a bill becoming a law into the correct order. In this scenario, the bill originated in the Senate and is approved at every step.

• Senator introduces bill on Senate floor.

• Senate votes on the bill.

• Bill is discussed by the related standing committee.

• Bill goes to Senate floor for debate and amendments.

• Bill is sent to the House of Representatives.

Sort the final steps of a bill becoming a law into the correct order. In this scenario, the bill originated in the Senate and is approved at every step.

• House of Representatives votes on the bill.

• Bill is sent to the president.

• House and Senate versions of the bill go to a conference committee.

• Bill goes to the floor of the House of Representatives for debate and amendments.

• House of Representatives and Senate vote on identical bill.