The National Legislature

Bicameralism was the invention of the Constitutional Convention of 1787.

• True
• False

George Washington believed the Senate would soften some of the more extreme legislation of the House.

• True
• False

A term is the length of time between elections in Congress.

• True
• False

Neither house of Congress may end a session without the consent of the other.

• True
• False

The President may not call Congress into session.

• True
• False

Why is Congress at the heart of the most basic governmental function of our democratic system?

• because Congress spends the people's money.
• because Congress makes the nation's laws.
• because many Presidents were former representatives or senators
• because members of Congress serve two or six-year terms

Theoretically, the Framers of the Constitution favored bicameralism because

• the houses might act as a check and balance on each other.
• two houses could block the acts of one President.
• one house would spend more money than two.
• Great Britain had only one Parliament.

Which of the following is a justification for a State with a small population having the same number of senators as a State with a large population?

• People in small States are just as smart as people in large ones.
• Small States may have just as many natural resources as large States.
• Each Senator represents the same number of people in Congress.
• Equal representation allows the States to be represented as coequal members and partners in the Union.

Which of the following is NOT a reason why the Constitution established a bicameral legislature?

• British Parliament and most colonial assemblies were bicameral.
• It settled the conflict between the Virginia and New Jersey plans of 1787.
• Each of two houses might act to restrain the other.
• Many countries have bicameral legislatures.

Which of the following is the main reason that the President rarely has to call Congress into special session?

• The President controls the Congress and does not need special sessions.
• Congress not meets nearly year-round anyway.
• Congress made it clear that it was tired of special sessions.
• The Supreme Court declared special sessions are unconstitutional.