Structure of Congress Test

The Line for the Presidency

• Speaker of the House

• Vice President

• Secretary of State

• President

Answer explanation

Naturally the president, then followed by their vice or "sub" president, then the speaker of the house (the technical leader of the Legislative branch), and last secretary of state which is appointed by the president.

How are the number of Congressmen determined?

• Taxes paid

• Population of each state

• Fixed number per state

• Landmass

Answer explanation

State population determines how many congressmen each state has. So, the number is likely to change and fluctuate not only between states as their population grows or shrinks but for how many congressmen there are in total.

There are 50 States, how many Senators are there then?

• 25

• 100

• 50

• 500

Answer explanation

Fixed number of 2 per state.

This was part of the original compromise to balance power between "big" and "small" states.

What is the official role of the Vice President?

• President of the Senate

• Mayor of DC

• Commander of the Army

Answer explanation

The Vice President serves as the president of the senate and is the official "tiebreaker."

Meaning if the senate is split 50/50 on a vote the Vice President may cast their vote to break the tie.

Otherwise, the Vice President may not vote in the senate.

As a general rule, how much of the House or Senate must vote for a bill for it to pass?

Answer explanation

Technically speaking for a bill to pass it needs a "Clear Majority" meaning if all 100 senators are voting 60 would need to vote in favor of the bill.

However, for certain votes or under special rules only a "Simple Majority" is needed, meaning out of 100 senators only 51 would need to vote in favor.

How is the Speaker of the House chosen?

• Random lot

• They are elected by the members of Congress

• They are elected by the people

• Appointed by the president

Answer explanation

The Speaker of the House is chosen by the members of Congress. Now, while the speaker is usually elected by and acts as leader of the "majority party" in congress there is actually no rule that says this must be the case.

So, while it would be abnormal the speaker could belong to the minority party in congress or no party at all ( an independent) as long as a majority of congress votes for them.

What are the two parts of our Congress?

• The Station and the House
• The Senate and the House of Representatives
• The President and the Vice President

Both chambers of Congress are divided into ________ to handle legislative work more efficiently.

• majorities

• floors

• committees

• lobbies

The United States Congress creates laws for all 50 states.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Federal Laws passed by the congress apply to all 50 states. And no state law can contradict or overrule a federal law.

As outlined by the "Supremacy Clause" in the constitution.

The use of long speeches to prevent passage of a bill:

• Cloture

• Pocket Veto

• Fillibuster

• Committee