Congressional Powers and Terms

What is the length of a term 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, unlike the shorter terms of House members, who serve 2 years.

How long is the term of office for a member of the House of Representatives?

• 2 years

• 4 years

• 6 years

• 8 years

Answer explanation

Members of the House of Representatives serve a term of 2 years. This short term allows for more frequent elections and accountability to constituents, making 2 years the correct answer.

Which chamber of Congress has the power to initiate revenue bills?

• The Senate

• The House of Representatives

• Both chambers equally

• Neither chamber

Answer explanation

The House of Representatives has the exclusive power to initiate revenue bills, as stated in Article I, Section 7 of the U.S. Constitution. This ensures that taxation and spending originate from the chamber closest to the people.

Why did the Founders establish different term lengths for the Senate and House?

• To make the Senate more responsive to public opinion

• To make the House more stable than the Senate

• To make the Senate more stable and deliberative

• To give Senators less power than Representatives

Answer explanation

The Founders established different term lengths to ensure the Senate would be more stable and deliberative, allowing Senators to focus on long-term issues rather than immediate public opinion, unlike the more frequently elected House.

Which chamber of Congress has the power to ratify treaties?

• The House of Representatives

• The Senate

• Both chambers equally

• Neither chamber

Answer explanation

The Senate has the exclusive power to ratify treaties, requiring a two-thirds majority vote. The House of Representatives does not have this authority, making the Senate the correct answer.

The 16th Amendment primarily affects which congressional power?

• Treaty-making

• Income tax collection

• Military funding

• Interstate commerce

Answer explanation

The 16th Amendment allows Congress to levy an income tax without apportioning it among the states. This directly impacts the power of income tax collection, making it the correct choice.

Which chamber holds the "power of the purse"?

• The Senate exclusively

• The House of Representatives

• Both chambers equally

• The Executive branch

Answer explanation

The "power of the purse" refers to the exclusive authority of the House of Representatives to initiate revenue bills and control federal spending, making it the chamber responsible for financial legislation.

Why did the Founders give the House the power to initiate revenue bills?

• Because Senators were originally appointed, not elected

• Because the House has longer terms

• Because Senators represent larger populations

• Because the House has more members

Answer explanation

The Founders gave the House the power to initiate revenue bills because Senators were originally appointed, not elected. This ensured that the directly elected House, representing the people, had control over taxation.

What unique power does the Senate have regarding presidential appointments?

• Confirmation

• Nomination

• Removal

• Selection

Answer explanation

The unique power of the Senate regarding presidential appointments is 'Confirmation'. This means the Senate must approve the President's nominees for key positions, ensuring a check on executive power.

How many Senators are elected from each state?

• One

• Two

• Three

• Based on population

Answer explanation

Each state in the United States elects two Senators, regardless of its population. This ensures equal representation for all states in the Senate.