Legislative Branch CG3.7 FJCC

Which of the following is a process of the legislative branch at the national and state levels?

• enforcing a law

• issuing an executive order

• engaging in judicial review

• confirming a government appointment

Answer explanation

At the national level, the U.S. Senate confirms presidential appointments and other officials such as federal judges, ambassadors, and cabinet positions. At the state level, the Florida Senate confirms governor appointments.

Which role does the Senate have in U.S. foreign policy?

• confirming cabinet secretaries

• nominating ambassadors

• introducing tariff bills

• negotiating treaties

Answer explanation

 It is the U.S. Senate’s sole responsibility to confirm cabinet secretaries, including those involved in U.S. foreign policy, such as the Secretary of State.

This diagram shows some of the steps involved in creating a Florida state law. What is the next step in this lawmaking process?

• The governor signs the bill into law.

• The bill goes to the Senate for action.

• The people vote on the bill in an election.

• The bill goes to the Supreme Court for a hearing.

Answer explanation

Both the Florida House and the Florida Senate must approve all state bills. Once a bill passes through the FL House, the FL Senate must vote on the bill. If approved, the governor will either sign it into law or veto it.

This diagram shows some of the steps involved with a bill becoming a law at the national level of government. What is the first step in this lawmaking process?

• A. A governor introduces a bill.

• B. A member of Congress introduces a bill.

• C. The judicial branch rules if a bill is constitutional.

• D. The executive branch rules if a bill is constitutional.

Answer explanation

 At the national level, bills may be introduced in either the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate. Tax bills must originate in the House.

Who is responsible for breaking a tie vote in the Florida Senate?

• the speaker of the House of Representatives

• the president of the Senate

• the lieutenant governor

• the governor

Answer explanation

The Florida Constitution requires that the lieutenant governor break ties on Senate actions.

Which action requires accusing a government official of wrongdoing?

• filibuster

• impeach

• override

• pardon

Answer explanation

 Impeachment is a formal accusation of wrongdoing that is brought against government officials.  

This photograph illustrates an event in U.S. history. What was the legislative response to the protest sign shown in this photograph?

• A) Congress passed a bill that decreased political opportunities.

• B) Congress passed a bill that increased economic opportunities.

• C) State legislatures passed bills that decreased military opportunities.

• D) State legislatures passed bills that increased religious opportunities.

Answer explanation

The protest sign focuses on economic opportunities, including jobs.

This chart shows the structures of local, state, and national governments.  
Which choice best completes the last box in Row 1?

• A) Chief Justice

• B) City Council

• C) Representative

• D) Senator

Answer explanation

Row 1 focuses on the institutions that hold legislative power.  City councils hold legislative power at the local government level.

Which of the following describes a similarity of the lawmaking process at the national and state levels?

• The judicial branch reviews a bill for constitutionality.

• The judicial branch can propose legislation.

• The head of the executive branch can veto a bill.

• The head of the executive branch appoints legislative committees.

Answer explanation

In the lawmaking process for both levels, a bill may be vetoed. At the national level, the president can veto a bill, and the governor can veto a bill at the state level.

This chart describes the structure and processes of the national and state legislatures.
What conclusion might be drawn about lawmaking at the national and state levels?

• The lawmaking process is too complicated to pass effective bills.

• State and national governments use different methods in the lawmaking process.

• Effective lawmaking in state and national legislatures requires consensus to succeed.

• The size of the legislature has no impact on the creation of bills in the lawmaking process.

Answer explanation

Both Congress and state legislatures must have bipartisanship to work together to ensure that bills become laws. 

consensus: agreement, accept, approve