Legislative Branch 2.1-2.3 Quiz

What type of legislature is the U.S. Congress?

• Unicameral

• Bicameral

• Tricameral

• Confederated

Answer explanation

The U.S. Congress is a bicameral legislature, meaning it has two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. This structure allows for a system of checks and balances within the legislative process.

The Great Compromise resulted in which system of representation?

• Equal representation for all states in both chambers

• Population-based representation in the Senate

• Equal state representation in the Senate, population-based in the House

• Population-based representation in both chambers

Answer explanation

The Great Compromise established a bicameral legislature with equal representation for states in the Senate and population-based representation in the House, balancing the interests of both large and small states.

What is the term length for a U.S. Senator?

• 2 years

• 4 years

• 6 years

• 8 years

Answer explanation

A U.S. Senator serves a term of 6 years. This is established by the Constitution, ensuring stability and continuity in the Senate, as opposed to the shorter terms of Representatives, which are 2 years.

Who originally elected U.S. Senators before the 17th Amendment?

• Citizens

• State legislatures

• Governors

• The President

Answer explanation

Before the 17th Amendment, U.S. Senators were elected by state legislatures, not directly by citizens. This system was established to ensure that states had a direct role in federal governance.

What power is unique to the House of Representatives?

• Ratifying treaties

• Confirming presidential appointments

• Originating revenue bills

• Conducting impeachment trials

Answer explanation

The House of Representatives has the unique power to originate revenue bills, meaning all tax-related legislation must start in this chamber, distinguishing it from the Senate's powers.

What is required for Congress to override a presidential veto?

• A simple majority in one chamber

• A two-thirds majority in both chambers

• A unanimous vote in the Senate

• A two-thirds majority in the House only

Answer explanation

To override a presidential veto, Congress needs a two-thirds majority in both chambers. This ensures that a significant majority supports the decision to counter the President's veto.

Which committee controls the flow of legislation in the House?

• Ways and Means Committee

• Rules Committee

• Appropriations Committee

• Judiciary Committee

Answer explanation

The Rules Committee controls the flow of legislation in the House by determining the rules for debate and the schedule for bills. This makes it a key player in the legislative process.

What is the purpose of a conference committee?

• To oversee budget reconciliation

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

• To draft appropriations bills

• To enforce party discipline

Answer explanation

The purpose of a conference committee is to reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of a bill, ensuring that both chambers agree on the final text before it is sent to the President.

What is the Senate's "advice and consent" power?

Answer explanation

The Senate's "advice and consent" power allows it to approve or reject presidential appointments and treaties, ensuring a check on executive authority and promoting collaboration between branches of government.

Which rule allows a filibuster in the Senate to be ended?

• Rule 20

• Rule 22 (Cloture Rule)

• Rule 10 (Override Rule)

• Majority Rule

Answer explanation

Rule 22, known as the Cloture Rule, allows the Senate to end a filibuster by invoking cloture, which requires a supermajority vote. This rule is essential for limiting debate and moving forward with legislation.