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Congress - Chapter 11

1. List four enumerated powers granted to Congress by the Constitution (Article I, Section 8)

a.

b.

c.

d.

2. The implied power of Congress comes from the "necessary and proper clause" which is also refered to as the elastic clause.(pg.80). Cite two historical examples of this power.

a.

 

b.

 

3. Explain the significance of Marbury v. Madison (1803)

 

 

4. Explain the sigificance of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

 

 

5. How many members are there in the House of Representatives and Senate and what are their terms of office ?

House

Senate

6. Explain the main reasons why Congressional incumbents almost always win re-election.

 

 

 

7. Describe the typical demographic characteristics of members of Congress.

 

 

 

8. List three main powers of the House of Representatives.

a.

b.

c.

9. List two main powers of the Senate.

a.

b.

10. Describe four examples of Congressional oversight.

a.

b.

c.

d.

11. Explain the primary function of each of the following.

Standing Committees

a. Banking

b. Foreign Affairs

c. Energy

d. Governmental Affairs

e. Appropriations

Sub-Committees

 

Joint Committees

 

Select Committees

 

Conference Committees

 

House Ways and Means Committee

 

House Rules Committee

 

Senate Judiciary Committee

 

Party Caucus (Party Conference)

 

12. Explain the main role or function of each of the following.

Seniority system

 

Party system

 

Committee system

 

Speaker of the House

 

President pro tempore

 

President of the Senate (Vice President)

 

Majority Leader

 

Minority Leader

 

Committee Chairs

 

Party Whips

 

Party Caucus (Party Conference)

 

13. List the specific factors make the Speaker of the House such a powerful figure.

 

 

 

Glossary

census

 

re-apportionment

 

gerrymandering

 

racial gerrymandering

 

term limits

 

constituents

 

casework

 

pork barrel

 

filibuster

 

cloture vote

 

trustee

 

delegate

 

franking privilege

 

veto

 

markup session