Topic 2 - Legislative Branch - US Congress

Define Gridlock

Define Bicameralism

Define Filibuster

Define Impeachment

What is the structure of the US Congress?

Requirements of becoming member of Senate/House

Name 4 Representation models

What representation model is used when voting for a National issue or a State issue?

Women in Congress

Significant women in Congress

Ethnic minorities in US Congress

Define gerrymandering

Typical profile of a Congress member

Religion in US Congress

Executive powers of the House (x3)

Exclusive powers of Senate (x3)

Concurrent powers of the US Congress (x5)

Explain 'advice and consent' in the US Congress

UK Comparison

Powers of the House Speaker

Paul Ryan

John Boehner

Nancy Pelosi

Who are the current
Minority and Majority leaders?

What are the powers and unit of majority and minority leaders?

President Pro Tempore

What are the 3 types of committee?

Functions of Standing committee

How important are committees?

House Rules Committee

How is a committee chair chosen?

Passage of legislation through Congress

What are 3 Presidential actions at the end of the legislation process?

What is a Presidential Veto?

Define 'discharge petition'

Factors affecting how members of Congress vote

How does Party affect Congressmen vote?

Define 'log-rolling'

How does Constituents affect Congressmen voting?

Define 'ear-marks'

At what stages can a bill die?

How does administration affect congressmen voting?

How can Pressure Groups affect Congressmen voting?

How can Colleagues and staff affect Congressmen votes?

How can Personal beliefs affect how a Congressmen votes?

Define 'caucus'

Why has congress become more partisan?

How does Congress offer oversight and scrutiny of the Executive Branch?

How effective is Congress oversight?

Is gridlock inevitable? YES

Is gridlock inevitable? NO