Question 1

Did the Founding generation have extensive experience with legislative government?

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  True

Question 2

Discuss the development of the committee system in Congress.

Accepted Answer

The committee system in Congress has developed over time to become a crucial part of the legislative process. The system began to take shape in the early 19th century, as Congress realized the need for specialized groups to handle the increasing workload of legislation.

Initially, committees were formed on an ad hoc basis to address specific issues or bills. However, as the volume and complexity of legislation grew, standing committees were established to handle different policy areas such as agriculture, finance, and foreign affairs. This allowed members of Congress to specialize in specific policy areas and become experts in their respective fields.

The development of the committee system also allowed for a more efficient and thorough examination of legislation. Committees conduct hearings, gather evidence, and debate the merits of proposed bills before they are brought to the full chamber for consideration. This process helps to ensure that legislation is well-informed and thoroughly vetted before it is voted on.

In addition, the committee system has also allowed for greater transparency and public input in the legislative process. Committees often hold public hearings where experts, stakeholders, and the general public can provide input and feedback on proposed legislation.

Overall, the development of the committee system in Congress has been essential in shaping the legislative process and ensuring that laws are well-crafted and thoroughly considered before they are enacted.

Question 3

As early as the mid-1790s, the House approved a Committee on Ways and Means as a counterweight to Hamilton's expertise at Treasury.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False  True

Question 4

What was the first American Congress?

Accepted Answer

A)   The U.S. Congress
B)   The Confederate Congress
C)   The Continental Congress
D)   The Stamp Act Congress

Question 5

Discuss the role of the Congress as the center of our national political system. Is this true in practice? If it isn't, should it be?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the role of the Congress as...

Question 6

As early as the mid-1790s, the House approved a _______as a counterweight to ___.

Accepted Answer

A)   Hamilton's expertise at the Department of Treasury
B)   Rules Committee
C)   Jefferson's acumen at the Department of State
D)   Committee on Ways and Means

Question 7

Describe the various "veto points" and their effect of the legislative process in Congress.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the various "veto points" and their...

Question 8

The experience of Senate majority leader _______suggests that a masterful politician can conjure influence out of ___.

Accepted Answer

A)   Lyndon Johnson
B)   the right to speak first and control the agenda
C)   Mitch McConnell
D)   the use of patronage and the power to discipline

Question 9

How does the committee system in Congress work to promote specialized knowledge and expertise among members?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How does the committee system in Congress...

Question 10

What purposes were the Founders trying to serve by constructing and empowering the Congress as they did?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What purposes were the Founders trying to...

Question 11

Contrast authorization processes from appropriations processes in the House and Senate.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Contrast authorization processes from appropriations processes in...

Question 12

The legislative process where a bill faces numerous possible rejections in Congress may be described as a series of ___.

Accepted Answer

A)   lobbyist interactions
B)   donor preferences
C)   veto points
D)   voter denials

Question 13

What role did the U.S. Constitution give to the Congress?

Accepted Answer

A)   The least important institution of the national government because it only had the legislative power
B)   The most important institution of the national government because it had the legislative power
C)   As an equal proactive institution of national government with its legislative power being offset by the presidency's executive power
D)   As an equal institution of national government with its legislative power offset in a larger system of checks and balances as well as separation of powers

Question 14

What does the notion of popular sovereignty imply regarding the peoples' rights when a government is seen to be abusive or neglectful?

Accepted Answer

A)   Nothing
B)   That the people must endure by acquiescence because they have chosen this government
C)   That the people have the right to reclaim governmental authority for themselves; in other words, they have the right of revolution
D)   That the people have the right to reclaim for themselves some governmental authority by protesting the actions of the existing government, but they have no right to engage in violent insurrection

Question 15

Other than in election years, members of Congress have averaged approximately _______days in session each year since 2010.

Accepted Answer

A)   110
B)   120
C)   130
D)   None of the above, because members of Congress serve full-time

Question 16

Representatives who rely on their personal judgment are using the delegate model.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 17

In the 116th Congress (2019-2021), more than _______women are members of the House of Representatives.

Accepted Answer

A)   100
B)   200
C)   300
D)   400

Question 18

Should terms for House members be lengthened? What would be the advantages and disadvantages?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Should terms for House members be lengthened?...

Question 19

Below the respective institutional and party leaders, who are the next group of leaders within the congressional leadership system?

Accepted Answer

A)   The conference and joint committee chairs
B)   The committee and sub-committee chairs
C)   The conference and caucus leaders
D)   All of the above

Question 20

In which chamber of the Congress do filibusters and unanimous consent agreements play a role?

Accepted Answer

A)   The House of Representatives
B)   The Senate
C)   Neither
D)   Both

Exam 9: Congress: Partisanship, Polarization, and Gridlock