Quiz on the U.S. Congress

How many senators does each state have?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• Varies by state population

Answer explanation

Each state has 2 senators, regardless of its population. This ensures equal representation in the Senate for all states.

How many total members are in the House of Representatives?

• 100

• 435

• 50

• 538

Answer explanation

The House of Representatives has a total of 435 members, representing various districts across the United States. This number is fixed by law, making 435 the correct answer.

What is the term length for a senator?

• 2 years

• 4 years

• 6 years

• 8 years

Answer explanation

A senator serves a term of 6 years. This is established by the U.S. Constitution, which outlines the structure of the Senate and the length of terms for its members.

Which of the following is NOT an enumerated power of Congress?

• Declare war

• Coin money

• Appoint Supreme Court justices

• Regulate commerce

Answer explanation

The power to appoint Supreme Court justices is not an enumerated power of Congress; it is a power of the President. Congress has the powers to declare war, coin money, and regulate commerce.

What is the primary difference in representation between the House and Senate?

• House is based on state population, Senate is equal for all states

• House members are appointed, Senate members are elected

• House represents urban areas, Senate represents rural areas

• House has more power than the Senate

Answer explanation

The primary difference in representation is that the House of Representatives allocates seats based on state population, while the Senate provides equal representation with two senators from each state, regardless of size.

What is gerrymandering?

• The process of allocating seats in the House of Representatives

• Manipulation of legislative district boundaries for political advantage

• The method of electing senators

• A type of filibuster in the Senate

Answer explanation

Gerrymandering refers to the manipulation of legislative district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group, thereby gaining an electoral advantage. This makes the second choice the correct answer.

How often does reapportionment occur?

• Every 2 years

• Every 4 years

• Every 6 years

• Every 10 years

Answer explanation

Reapportionment occurs every 10 years, following the decennial census. This process redistributes congressional seats based on population changes, ensuring fair representation.

What is the main purpose of the "Great Compromise"?

• To establish the electoral college

• To create a bicameral legislature

• To determine presidential powers

• To establish the Supreme Court

Answer explanation

The main purpose of the "Great Compromise" was to create a bicameral legislature, balancing the needs of both large and small states by establishing two houses in Congress: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Which chamber of Congress has the power to impeach federal officials?

• Senate

• House of Representatives

• Both chambers equally

• Neither chamber

Answer explanation

The House of Representatives has the exclusive power to impeach federal officials, meaning they can bring charges against them. The Senate then conducts the trial to determine whether to remove the official from office.

What is the "power of the purse" referring to?

• The president's ability to veto bills

• Congress's ability to levy taxes and control spending

• The Supreme Court's power to interpret laws

• The Federal Reserve's control over monetary policy

Answer explanation

The "power of the purse" refers to Congress's authority to levy taxes and control government spending, which is a fundamental aspect of its legislative power and oversight of the federal budget.