Roles and Functions in Congress

The video tutorial by Andy Shield covers the organization of Congress, focusing on its three main subdivisions: committees, floor leaders, and presiding officers. Every member of Congress belongs to a committee, which addresses major national issues. Floor leaders, divided by political party, guide bills through Congress. The presiding officers, including the Speaker of the House and the Vice President, hold significant roles in managing legislative processes. The tutorial highlights the current political landscape, with Democrats in control, and explains the responsibilities of key figures like Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden.

What are the three major subdivisions in the organization of Congress?

• House leaders, Senate leaders, and committees

• Presiding officers, floor leaders, and committees

• Senators, representatives, and committees

• Majority leaders, minority leaders, and committees

Which of the following is NOT a type of committee in Congress?

• Judicial Committee

• Education Committee

• Ways and Means Committee

• Defense Committee

What is the primary role of floor leaders in Congress?

• To appoint committee members

• To follow bills through Congress

• To represent Congress in international affairs

• To preside over congressional meetings

Which political party is considered the majority party in Congress?

• The party with equal seats in both houses

• The party with the least seats in Congress

• The party with the most senior members

• The party with the most seats in Congress

Who is the presiding officer of the House of Representatives?

• The President pro tempore

• The Speaker of the House

• The Vice President

• The Majority Leader

What is the role of the Vice President in the Senate?

• To draft legislation

• To preside over the Senate and cast tie-breaking votes

• To lead the majority party

• To appoint committee chairs

Who is the current Speaker of the House mentioned in the video?

• Nancy Pelosi

• Robert Bird

• Mitch McConnell

• Joe Biden

What happens if there is a 50-50 vote in the Senate?

• The bill is automatically rejected

• The Speaker of the House decides

• The Vice President casts the tie-breaking vote

• The President pro tempore decides

Who fills in for the Vice President when they are unavailable in the Senate?

• The President pro tempore

• The Majority Leader

• The Speaker of the House

• The Minority Leader

What is the significance of the President pro tempore in the Senate?

• They are the longest-serving member of the majority party

• They preside over the Senate in the Vice President's absence

• They are the second in command after the Vice President

• They are responsible for legislative scheduling