YOUR STUDY GUIDE FOR THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH TEST!

IT HAS 2 PARTS.  PART I IS THE MULTIPLE-CHOICE PORTION.  STUDY THE FOLLOWING:

1. Name both Houses of Congress.
2. Describe the Apportionment of Representatives and Senators in both houses of Congress.
3. Which Senator is considered ‘The Senior Senator?’
4. Name 3 qualifications for membership in the House of Representatives.
5. Name 3 qualifications for membership in the Senate.
6. What does ‘Congressional Immunity’ mean? (name both aspects of it)
7. What does it mean when a member of Congress is censured?
8. How many sessions occur in a Congress (that is, how often do they meet each term)?
9. What goes on at a party caucus?
10. What is the name of the presiding officer of the House of Representatives?
11. What is the job of the Majority and Minority Leaders in Congress?
12. What is the job of the Majority and Minority Whips in Congress?
13. In your own words, what is the main function of committees in both houses of Congress?
14. Identify and describe each of the 5 types of committees in Congress.
15. Name either of the 2 ways that committee chairs receive their posts.
16. Name at least 2 powers that Congress has, according to the Constitution.
17. Describe the ‘Necessary and Proper Clause,’ in Article I, Section 8, Paragraph 18
18. Name at least 2 limits on Congress stated in the Constitution (that is, what Congress CANNOT do).
19. Describe the basic process of how a bill becomes a law, outlining each of the eight major steps.
20. Identify and describe the four types of actions that can be sent through the House of Representatives. Include the way in which the House Clerk numbers them.
21. What is a public bill?
22. What is a private bill?
23. What is a companion bill?
24. What is the point of a "motion to recommit" after an action is passed OR failed? (Hint: the action's not complete until . . .)
25. Can members of Congress be forced to attend when votes are taken?
26. What majority is needed to pass anything to increase federal income taxes?
27. What does "unanimous consent" mean in Senate debate?
28. How does a "time agreement" help to stop filibustering in the Senate?

PART II IS A PUBLIC-POLICY ISSUE QUESTION (worth 20 points).  IN IT, IN SEPARATE PARAGRAPHS, YOU’LL NEED TO DO THE FOLLOWING:

·         State your position clearly.

·         Refer to at least one Core Democratic Value of American constitutional democracy.

·         Refer to the Data Section of the question in backing up your position.

·         Use any prior social-studies knowledge to support your argument.

·         Explain an alternative position and explain why that position is less-effective policy.