SS: Lawmakers & Legislatures

Which of these is the best definition of constituents?

• donors who contribute cash or services to an electoral campaign

• residents of an electoral district represented by an elected official

• citizens nationwide who benefit from an elected official's programs

• voters in an elected official's home state who belong to the same party

Where do most members of Congress begin their political careers?

• as a lobbyist

• in the military

• in local politics

• as staff assistants

Which of these events triggers reapportionment of seats in the House of Representatives?

• a change in House leadership

• a census conducted every 10 years

• the election of representatives every 2 years

• the decision of the House to authorize redistricting

According to the map below which of the following statements are CORRECT

• Hawaii had no changes in the number of seats

• Texas increased in population therefore gained +4 seats

• New York and Ohio decreased in population therefore lost -2 seats

• All are correct

Which of the following positions has the MOST power in Congress

• Speaker of the House of Representatives

• Majority Leader

• Minority Leader

• None are correct

What determines the number of seats in the Senate?

• The Constitution specifies the exact number of seats.

• The number of seats depends on the number of states.

• Congress fixed the maximum number of seats in 1911.

• The number of seats depends on each state's population.

Which of these groups handles most of the detailed work of lawmaking in Congress?

• Joint Committees

• Select Committees

• Standing Committees

• Conference Committees

Which of these powers belongs only to the Senate?

• The power to conduct hearings

• The power to impeach officials

• The power to initiate tax bills

• The power to ratify treaties

Which of the following might apply to state lawmakers but not to members of Congress?

• advantage of incumbency

• minimum age qualifications

• residency requirements

• term limits

In their oath of office, lawmakers swear to support and defend

• their party

• the Congress

• the Constitution

• their constituents