Congress 2.2-2.3

Which of the following statements about gerrymandering is true?

• It has been banned by United States Supreme Court decisions starting with Baker v. Carr

• It was used traditionally to maintain urban control of the House of Representatives.

• It can be used by a political party to draw boundary lines to control as many districts as possible.

• It guarantees greater constituency control over elected representatives.

Answer explanation

The correct statement is that gerrymandering can be used by a political party to draw boundary lines to control as many districts as possible, allowing them to maximize their electoral advantage.

Which of the following statements about the Senate is true?

• Each state is represented in the Senate according to its population.

• The Senate, unlike the House, has a Rules Committee.

• The Senate is more responsible than the House for initiating appropriations legislation.

• Individual senators can exercise substantial influence over the legislative process.

Answer explanation

Individual senators can indeed exercise substantial influence over the legislative process due to the Senate's smaller size and rules that allow for extended debate and individual amendments, unlike the House.

All of the following are ways that the legislative branch can check the powers of the executive branch EXCEPT:

• Congress may pass a law declaring a presidential action unconstitutional.

• The Senate may refuse to approve a presidential appointment.

• Congress may override a presidential veto.

• Congress may remove the president through its impeachment and conviction powers.

Answer explanation

Congress cannot declare a presidential action unconstitutional; that power lies with the judiciary. The other options correctly describe checks the legislative branch has over the executive.

The role Congress plays in ensuring that executive branch agencies are carrying out their legislated responsibilities is known as

• judicial review

• legislative oversight

• executive privilege

• bicameralism

Answer explanation

The correct answer is legislative oversight, which refers to Congress's role in monitoring and ensuring that executive branch agencies implement laws as intended.

After a national census has been taken, changes in population distribution cause the changing of congressional seats among the states. This effect is commonly called

• Congressional redistricitng

• Apportionment

• Gerrymandering

• Repportionment

Answer explanation

The correct term for the process of reallocating congressional seats based on population changes after a census is 'Reapportionment'. This ensures representation reflects current population distribution.

Which of the following is NOT true of the Congress?

• Each house determines its own leadership and rules

• Terms of Congress last for two years

• Congress is unicameral in nature

• Only the president may call special sessions of Congress

Answer explanation

Congress is bicameral, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, making the statement that it is unicameral false. The other statements about leadership, terms, and special sessions are true.

A tactic to block legislation that involves one or more Senators holding the floor indefinitely is called...

• Filibustering

• Riding

• Logrolling

• Hot-Airing

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Filibustering', which is a tactic used by Senators to delay or block legislation by holding the floor indefinitely, preventing a vote from taking place.

The president of the Senate is

• the leader of the majority party in the Senate.

• the senator with the most seniority, regardless of party.

• the fourth person in line to succeed the president.

• the vice president of the United States.

Answer explanation

The president of the Senate is the vice president of the United States. This role includes presiding over Senate sessions and casting tie-breaking votes, distinguishing it from other leadership positions in the Senate.

How many members are in Congress?

• 100

• 270

• 435

• 535

Answer explanation

Congress has a total of 535 members, consisting of 100 Senators and 435 Representatives. Therefore, the correct answer is 535.

When a Congressperson listens to their constituents and votes solely based on the opinions of the constituents. 

• Trustee model 
• Delegate model
• Gerrymandering
• Reapportionment