Understanding the Structure, Power, and Function of Congress

This video tutorial explores the structure, power, and function of Congress, focusing on the Senate and the House of Representatives. It covers the Senate's unique roles, such as confirmation power and treaty ratification, and discusses leadership roles like the Senate Majority Leader. The video also explains the House's leadership structure, including the Speaker of the House, and the importance of the Rules Committee. It delves into the legislative process, highlighting the role of standing and conference committees. Finally, it examines congressional spending, distinguishing between discretionary and mandatory spending, and discusses budgetary constraints and strategies like pork barrel spending and log rolling.

What is the role of the Senate in confirming presidential appointments?

• The Senate can only suggest candidates.

• The Senate confirms or denies appointments.

• The Senate has no role in appointments.

• The Senate can only delay appointments.

Who is the real leader of the Senate?

• The Senate Majority Leader

• The Vice President

• The President

• The Speaker of the House

What is a filibuster?

• A method to speed up the legislative process

• A long speech to delay Senate action

• A committee meeting

• A vote to end debate

What is the primary role of the Speaker of the House?

• To schedule bills for debate in the House

• To oversee the Supreme Court

• To preside over the Senate

• To confirm treaties

What is the purpose of the House Rules Committee?

• To edit bills

• To oversee the Senate

• To confirm presidential appointments

• To set rules for debate on bills

What is a discharge petition in the House?

• A type of mandatory spending

• A vote to confirm a treaty

• A way to force a bill out of committee

• A method to end a filibuster

What is the main function of standing committees?

• To revise and vote on bills

• To oversee the Supreme Court

• To manage the federal budget

• To confirm presidential appointments

What is the difference between discretionary and mandatory spending?

• Both are required by law.

• Discretionary spending is optional, mandatory is required by law.

• Both are optional.

• Mandatory spending is optional, discretionary is required by law.

What is pork barrel spending?

• Spending that benefits a specific congressional district

• Spending that is discretionary

• Spending that benefits the entire country

• Spending that is mandatory by law

What is log rolling in Congress?

• A way to speed up the legislative process

• A type of mandatory spending

• A method to cut down on spending

• Vote trading among representatives