Understanding the Structures, Powers, and Functions of Congress

This video delves into the structures, powers, and functions of Congress, focusing on how these elements affect the policymaking process. It covers the leadership structures of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, the role of committees, and the legislative processes in each house. The video also explains how a bill becomes a law, including the complexities of the federal budget and spending.

What is the primary role of the Speaker of the House?

• To recognize who can speak in the House

• To lead the majority party in the Senate

• To preside over the Senate

• To appoint the President of the Senate

Who is the President of the Senate according to the Constitution?

• The Majority Leader of the Senate

• The Speaker of the House

• The Vice President of the United States

• The President Pro Tempore

What is the main function of the Majority Leader in the Senate?

• To preside over the House

• To set the legislative agenda

• To appoint committee members

• To manage the federal budget

What is a standing committee?

• A temporary committee formed for a specific purpose

• A joint committee involving members from both houses

• A committee that remains from session to session

• A committee that only exists for a week

What is the purpose of a conference committee?

• To manage the Senate calendar

• To oversee federal spending

• To draft new bills

• To reconcile differences in House and Senate versions of a bill

What is the role of the House Rules Committee?

• To draft the federal budget

• To assign bills to committees and decide on debate rules

• To oversee the Library of Congress

• To manage the printing of government documents

What is a discharge petition in the House?

• A rule to limit debate time

• A way to bring a bill out of committee for a vote

• A process to appoint a new Speaker

• A method to remove a member from office

What is a filibuster in the Senate?

• A rule that limits debate to one hour

• A committee that reviews bills

• A tactic to delay or block a vote on a bill

• A method to speed up the legislative process

What is pork barrel spending?

• Funds allocated for national defense

• Funds earmarked for a specific district

• Funds used to pay federal employees

• Funds reserved for emergency situations

What is the principle of unanimous consent in the Senate?

• A tactic to delay a vote

• A method to expedite the legislative process

• A rule that requires all Senators to agree on a bill

• A process to appoint the President Pro Tempore