Understanding Congress

Define the term "Delegate" in the context of Congress.

• Members of Congress who cast votes based on the wishes of their constituents.

• Lawmakers who vote based on their conscience and judgment.

• Lawmakers who owe their first allegiance to their political party.

• Lawmakers who attempt to balance the basic elements of the trustee, delegate, and partisan role.

What is the role of a "Trustee" in Congress?

• Lawmakers who cast votes based on the wishes of their constituents.

• Lawmakers who vote based on their conscience and judgment.

• Lawmakers who owe their first allegiance to their political party.

• Lawmakers who attempt to balance the basic elements of the trustee, delegate, and partisan role.

How is each state represented in the House of Representatives?

• Each member represents a whole state.

• Each member represents a "single member" district.

• Each member represents multiple districts.

• Each member represents the entire country.

Why are there two houses of Congress?

• To increase the number of lawmakers.

• To allow for more diverse opinions.

• So the two houses may check one another.

• To simplify the legislative process.

How often are elections held for the House of Representatives?

• Every year.

• Every two years.

• Every four years.

• Every six years.

What is used to reapportion representation in the House of Representatives? (Hint: it happens every ten years.)

• The Census

• The Election

• The Budget

• The Survey

The qualifications for serving as a member of the House of Representatives are:

• 25 years old, a citizen for 7 years, live in the state

• 30 years old, a citizen for 9 years, live in the state

• 35 years old, a citizen for 10 years, live in the state

• 40 years old, a citizen for 5 years, live in the state

The qualifications for serving in the US Senate are:

• 30 years old, 9 years a citizen, live in the state you represent

• 25 years old, 7 years a citizen, live in the state you represent

• 35 years old, 10 years a citizen, live in the state you represent

• 40 years old, 5 years a citizen, live in the state you represent

How long is the term of a senator? What portion of the Senate is up for re-election during an election year?

• 6 years, 1/3 is up for election

• 4 years, 1/2 is up for election

• 2 years, 1/4 is up for election

• 8 years, 1/5 is up for election

Gerrymandering is the practice of:

• Drawing district boundaries to unfairly benefit one party

• Allocating funds to different districts

• Increasing voter turnout in elections

• Balancing the budget across states