Congress Worksheet

Respond to the following prompts in a word processing document.

Your responses should be in your own words (don't simply copy and paste!).

Do not include the prompts themselves in your submission.

1. List four enumerated powers granted to Congress by the Constitution (Article I, Section 8) a. b. c. d.

2. The implied power of Congress comes from the "necessary and proper clause" which is also referred to as the elastic clause.(pg.80). Cite two historical examples of this power. a. b.

3. Explain the significance of Marbury v. Madison (1803)

4. Explain the significance of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

5. How many members are there in the House of Representatives and Senate and what are their terms of office ? House Senate 6. Explain the main reasons why Congressional incumbents almost always win re-election.

7. Describe the typical demographic characteristics of members of Congress.

8. List three main powers of the House of Representatives. a. b. c.

9. List two main powers of the Senate. a. b.

10. Describe four examples of Congressional oversight. a. b. c. d.

11. Explain the primary function of each of the following.

Standing Committees a. Banking b. Foreign Affairs c. Energy d. Governmental Affairs e. Appropriations Sub-Committees

Joint Committees

Select Committees

Conference Committees

House Ways and Means Committee

House Rules Committee

Senate Judiciary Committee

Party Caucus (Party Conference)

12. Explain the main role or function of each of the following.

Seniority system

Party system

Committee system

Speaker of the House

President pro tempore

President of the Senate (Vice President)

Majority Leader

Minority Leader

Committee Chairs

Party Whips

Party Caucus (Party Conference)

13. List the specific factors make the Speaker of the House such a powerful figure.

Glossary (define the following terms in your own words) census re-apportionment gerrymandering racial gerrymandering term limits constituents casework pork barrel filibuster cloture vote trustee delegate franking privilege veto markup session