U.S. Congress and Government Quiz

What is the definition of "bicameral" as used in the context of the U.S. Congress?

• A) A temporary panel composed of House and Senate members

• B) A rule established by government to regulate people's conduct

• C) Having two chambers, such as the Senate and the House of Representatives

• D) A formal decision given by a court

What does an "executive order" refer to?

• A) A proposal for a new law

• B) An order from the U.S. President or a government agency that must be obeyed like a law

• C) The process of the Senate approving the president's choices for certain positions

• D) A formal statement from a court

Which term describes the head justice of the Supreme Court?

• A) Majority leader

• B) Chief Justice

• C) Cabinet

• D) Mayor

What is the role of a "majority leader" in Congress?

• A) The head of government for a city or town

• B) A position where a member of Congress is elected by the minority party to serve as the chief spokesperson for that party

• C) A position where a Member of Congress is elected by the majority party to serve as the chief spokesperson for that party and to manage and schedule the business of either house

• D) A member of the governing body of a county

What does "judicial review" entail?

• A) The power of the judicial branch to review the actions of the executive and legislative branches and determine whether they are unconstitutional

• B) The process of reconciling differences in legislation that has passed both chambers of Congress

• C) The process of how representatives and senators are chosen for their assigned committees

• D) The power of the majority party to elect the majority leader

What is the role of the President pro tempore of the Senate?

• The person who presides over the Senate when the Vice President is not present

• The chief spokesperson for the minority party

• A member of the U.S. House of Representatives

• The leader of the U.S. House of Representatives

What does an ordinance relate to?

• A law enacted by a city or county affecting local affairs such as traffic, noise, and animal control

• The power of the U.S. President to choose members of his or her cabinet

• A formal act of forgiving someone or excusing a mistake

• A permanent committee established under the standing rules of both houses of Congress

What is a writ of certiorari?

• The procedure to see if the U.S. Supreme Court will hear a case

• A law enacted at the state level

• A decision by an executive authority to reject a proposed law or statute

• A judgment decided by a trial court without that case going to trial

Who is the Speaker of the House?

• A member of the Florida House of Representatives

• The person who presides over the Senate when the Vice President is not present

• An office identified in Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution; the leader of the U.S. House of Representatives

• A member of the upper house of a state legislature