Gerrymandering
When political parties in the state legislature draw lines unfairly so they can win.
Filibuster
Using unlimited debating privilege in the senate to block action or block a vote.
Bill
A proposed law
Impeachmant
Bringing charges against a government official for wrongdoing
Pigeon hole
When a bill dies in committee
Cloture
a procedure for ending a debate and taking a vote.
Frankling Privilege
The right of congress members to send official mail to their constituents without paying for postage
Quorum
The minimum number of members of an assembly that must be present at any of its meetings to make it valid
Seniority rule
Privileges to individuals based on their length of service or tenure.
What did the 17th amendment do?
Changed the method of electing US senators from appointment by state legislatures to direct popular vote
Who is the head of the Senate and what is their role there
The vice president, can break a tie vote in the senate
Who are our district representatives in Congress?
Mark Green and Andy Ogles
Who are our two senators
Bill Haggerty and Marsha Blackburn
What event caused Congress to remain in session for the majority of the year
World War II
What are the top 4 states in representation of the house?
California, Texas, Florida, and New York
How many representatives does Tennessee have?
9
What is the State of the Union Address
When the president gives a speech to a gathering of both the house and senate
Requirements to be a house member
1. 25 years old
2. Live in the state you represent
3. US citizen for 7 years
Requirements to be a senator
1. 30 years old
2. US citizen for 9 years
3. live in the state you represent
Standing committee
Permanent committee that deals with the most important issues (Ex: Finance/ethics)
Select committee
Established to deal with specific issues (Ex: welfare reform/balanced budget)
Joint
Made up of members from both the house of representatives and senate.
How long is the term of a house member? Senator? How many times can they be elected?
2 years, 6 years, unlimited
Where do all bills dealing with money originate?
House of Representatives
What are the 3 characteristics of the speaker of the house?
1. chosen by their peers
2. almost always a senior member
3. A member of the majority party
Who was the president that started the state of the union address? which president brought it back?
George Washington, Woodrow Wilson
What does it take to override a presidential veto?
A 2/3rds vote in both house of congress
How is most work in congress accomplished
Committees
What was the reapportionment act of 1929?
Made the process of reapportioning congressional seats among the states automatic
Who were the three presidents to be impeached?
Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump
Which party limits the tenure of its committee Chairmen?
Republican
Who was the first female speaker of the house?
Nancy Pelosi
Name two people/groups of people that must approve treaties with foreign countries.
Senate and President
What four places can bills originate
1. any member of congress
2. executive branch
3. Citizens
4. standing committee of congress
What four things can the president do when a bill reaches his desk?
1. Sign it into law
2. Veto
3. Do nothing
4. Pocket veto
What is the only state that has permission to have elections in October? In what month do other states hold their elections?
Alaska, November
What two things did over one-third of the members of the senate do before joining the senate.
Attorney/lawyer and were a member of the house of representatives
What happens to a bill after 10 days if the president doesn't sign it?
The bill automatically becomes a law
What happens if Congress adjourns before the 10 days are up?
The bill will die.
How are seats in the house divided up amongst the states?
Population
How many total seats are in the house of representatives? How many in the senate?
435, 100
How were senators chosen before 1913?
Chosen by state legislatures
Why does the US have a bicameral legislature
Settled conflict with Virginia and New Jersey
Each house can check the other
The british parliament had two houses
Who was the last president to call a special session of congress?
Truman
Who is the current senate majority leader
John Thune
Which hosue of congress has unlimited debate?
US senate
What is the main function of the legislative branch?
To make laws
How long does a term of congress last? How many sessions are in that term?
2 years, 2 sessions