Chapter 12 Quiz 4th Block

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  • 1/20 Questions

    The US House of Representatives has _______ members.

    • 638
    • 100
    • 435
    • 80
    • 535
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About This Quiz

This quiz, titled 'Chapter 12 Quiz 4th Block,' assesses knowledge on the structure and operations of the US Congress. It covers topics like the number of House members, age requirements for Congress members, descriptive representation, PACs, congressional activities, and franking privileges.

US Politics Quizzes & Trivia

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  • 2. 

    Incumbents are those

    • Already holding office

    • Running for office for the first time

    • Who have been defeated in an election

    • Retired members of Congress

    • Running for an election

    Correct Answer
    A. Already holding office
    Explanation
    Incumbents are individuals who are already holding office. They are currently in a position of power or authority and are seeking reelection or continuing in their current role. This term is commonly used in politics to refer to politicians who are currently serving in a particular office and are seeking to retain their position in an upcoming election. Incumbents have the advantage of name recognition and experience, which can often give them an edge over their opponents.

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  • 3. 

    Descriptive representation refers to

    • Representing the interests of groups

    • Serving constituents through pork barrel projects

    • Representing constituents by mirroring their personal, politically relevant characteristics

    • Living in the geographical area of one's constituents

    Correct Answer
    A. Representing constituents by mirroring their personal, politically relevant characteristics
    Explanation
    Descriptive representation refers to representing constituents by mirroring their personal, politically relevant characteristics. This means that elected officials strive to reflect the demographic characteristics and experiences of the people they represent. By doing so, they can better understand and advocate for the needs and concerns of their constituents. This type of representation aims to ensure that diverse voices and perspectives are heard in the decision-making process, leading to more inclusive and responsive governance.

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  • 4. 

    The process of monitoring the bureaucracy and its administration of policy is called

    • Filibustering

    • Oversight

    • Caucusing

    • Canvassing

    • Legislating

    Correct Answer
    A. Oversight
    Explanation
    Oversight refers to the process of monitoring the bureaucracy and its administration of policy. It involves ensuring that government agencies and officials are acting in accordance with the law and carrying out their responsibilities effectively and efficiently. This can include conducting investigations, holding hearings, and providing accountability for the actions of government entities. Oversight is an important aspect of maintaining transparency and preventing abuse of power within the bureaucracy.

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  • 5. 

    The Constitution specifies that members of the House must be ______ years of age; senators must be ________ years of age.

    • 25; 35

    • 35; 45

    • 18; 25

    • 30; 50

    • 25; 30

    Correct Answer
    A. 25; 30
    Explanation
    The Constitution specifies that members of the House must be 25 years of age, while senators must be 30 years of age. This means that individuals who wish to serve in the House of Representatives must be at least 25 years old, while individuals who wish to serve in the Senate must be at least 30 years old. This requirement ensures that individuals who hold these positions have reached a certain level of maturity and life experience before representing the people in these important roles.

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  • 6. 

    Which of the following is NOT one of the three primary activities that members of Congress engage in to increase the probability of their reelection?

    • Advertising

    • Credit claiming

    • Position taking

    • Oversight

    Correct Answer
    A. Oversight
    Explanation
    Oversight is not one of the three primary activities that members of Congress engage in to increase the probability of their reelection. The three primary activities are advertising, credit claiming, and position taking. Oversight refers to the responsibility of monitoring and supervising the executive branch and its agencies, which is a separate function of Congress aimed at ensuring accountability and transparency in government operations. While oversight is an important role of Congress, it is not directly linked to increasing the probability of reelection.

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  • 7. 

    Bills can be formally submitted for consideration

    • The president

    • The public

    • Members of Congress

    • Interest groups

    Correct Answer
    A. Members of Congress
    Explanation
    Members of Congress have the authority to formally submit bills for consideration. As part of their legislative duties, members of Congress have the power to propose and introduce legislation in the form of bills. This is a crucial step in the legislative process, as bills must be formally submitted before they can be debated, amended, and voted upon. The ability of members of Congress to initiate legislation is a fundamental aspect of their role in the democratic process and allows them to address issues and concerns on behalf of their constituents.

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  • 8. 

    Congress, according to the framers, was the true center of power in American politics.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The framers of the American Constitution believed that Congress was the true center of power in American politics. They designed the Constitution to give Congress significant authority and responsibilities, such as making laws, declaring war, and overseeing the executive branch. The framers intended for Congress to be the primary institution that represents the people and exercises their will. This belief in the centrality of Congress aligns with the principles of checks and balances and the separation of powers, which are fundamental to the American system of government.

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  • 9. 

    Which of the following statements about PACs is FALSE

    • PACs contribute about 1/4th of the funds raised by candidates for Congress

    • PACs sometimes make contributions after an election

    • Challengers receive more PAC money than incumbents

    • PACs make contributions to candidates because they want access to policymakers

    Correct Answer
    A. Challengers receive more PAC money than incumbents
    Explanation
    Challengers receive more PAC money than incumbents. This statement is false because typically, incumbents, who are already in office, receive more PAC money than challengers. Incumbents have a track record and established relationships with PACs, making them more attractive for contributions. Challengers, on the other hand, often struggle to gain financial support from PACs as they are perceived as having a lower chance of winning.

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  • 10. 

    A myth about members of Congress is that they

    • Generally are educated and come from high-status occupations

    • Tend to develop policy specialties

    • Are especially effective in carrying out their constituent service

    • Are overpaid, underworked, corrupt, and ineffective

    • Are overwhelmingly male

    Correct Answer
    A. Are overpaid, underworked, corrupt, and ineffective
    Explanation
    The correct answer suggests that a myth about members of Congress is that they are overpaid, underworked, corrupt, and ineffective. This implies that there is a common misconception or stereotype about the characteristics and abilities of members of Congress, which may not necessarily be true.

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  • 11. 

    To be sent to the president, a bill must be passed by

    • The House

    • The Senate

    • Either the House or the Senate

    • Both the House and the Senate

    • A majority vote of Congress, regardless of which house the votes come from

    Correct Answer
    A. Both the House and the Senate
    Explanation
    In order for a bill to be sent to the president, it must be passed by both the House and the Senate. This means that the bill needs to go through the legislative process in both chambers of Congress and receive majority support in each. Only when the bill has successfully passed through both houses can it be sent to the president for approval or veto.

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  • 12. 

    Lobbyists provide members of Congress with

    • Information

    • Political intelligence

    • Promises of financial support for future reelection efforts

    • The potential to generate public support

    • All of these

    Correct Answer
    A. All of these
    Explanation
    Lobbyists provide members of Congress with all of these. Lobbyists play a crucial role in the legislative process by providing information and political intelligence to members of Congress. They also promise financial support for future reelection efforts, which can be influential in shaping lawmakers' decisions. Additionally, lobbyists have the potential to generate public support for certain issues or policies, further enhancing their impact on the legislative process.

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  • 13. 

    Articles of impeachment must be passed by

    • Either the House or the Senate

    • Both the House and the Senate

    • The Senate

    • The House

    • The Supreme Court

    Correct Answer
    A. The House
    Explanation
    Articles of impeachment must be passed by the House. The House of Representatives has the sole power to initiate impeachment proceedings against federal officials, including the President. Once the House passes articles of impeachment, they are essentially charging the official with committing "high crimes and misdemeanors." The Senate then holds a trial to determine whether the official should be removed from office. Therefore, while the Senate plays a role in the impeachment process, the articles must first be passed by the House.

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  • 14. 

    The English politician and philosopher Edmund Burke favored the concept of legislators as __________________, using their best judgment to make policy in the interests of the people.

    • Constituent robots

    • Trustees

    • Instructed delegates

    • Politicos

    • Judges

    Correct Answer
    A. Trustees
    Explanation
    Edmund Burke believed that legislators should act as trustees, meaning they should use their own judgment and knowledge to make policy decisions that they believe are in the best interests of the people they represent. This concept suggests that legislators should not simply follow the instructions of their constituents or act as delegates, but rather exercise their own independent judgment and expertise. By viewing legislators as trustees, Burke emphasized the importance of their responsibility to make informed decisions on behalf of the people they represent.

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  • 15. 

    Caucuses in Congress

    • Press committees to hold hearings

    • Push their preferred legislation

    • Mobilize votes for favored legislation

    • All of these

    Correct Answer
    A. All of these
    Explanation
    Caucuses in Congress are groups of legislators who share common interests or goals. They often press committees to hold hearings on topics related to their interests, in order to gather information and support for their preferred legislation. Additionally, caucuses work to mobilize votes among their members and other legislators to push forward their favored legislation. Therefore, the correct answer is "all of these," as caucuses engage in all of these activities to advance their agenda in Congress.

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  • 16. 

    Members of Congress use their virtually unlimited franking privileges to

    • Pay staff salaries

    • Travel to their home states and districts

    • Hire interns

    • Communicate with constituents

    • Get research services from the Library of Congress

    Correct Answer
    A. Communicate with constituents
    Explanation
    Members of Congress use their virtually unlimited franking privileges to communicate with constituents. Franking privileges allow members of Congress to send mail to their constituents at no cost. This includes newsletters, updates on legislative activities, and responses to constituent inquiries. By utilizing franking privileges, members of Congress can effectively communicate with their constituents and keep them informed about their work in Washington, D.C. This helps to foster transparency, build relationships with constituents, and address their concerns and needs.

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  • 17. 

    Oversight is one of the checks that Congress exercises over the Executive branch.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Oversight is indeed one of the checks that Congress exercises over the Executive branch. This refers to the power of Congress to monitor and review the actions of the Executive branch, including its agencies, departments, and officials. Through oversight, Congress can investigate government activities, hold hearings, request documents and information, and ensure accountability and transparency in the Executive branch. This system of checks and balances is an essential aspect of the separation of powers in the United States government.

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  • 18. 

    Which of the following is an example of a House standing committee?

    • Agriculture

    • Armed Services

    • Judiciary

    • Ways and Means

    • All of these

    Correct Answer
    A. All of these
    Explanation
    All of the options listed (Agriculture, Armed Services, Judiciary, Ways and Means) are examples of House standing committees. House standing committees are permanent committees that are responsible for reviewing and considering bills, conducting investigations, and providing oversight in specific policy areas. These committees play a crucial role in the legislative process and help to ensure that proposed legislation is thoroughly examined before it reaches the House floor for a vote.

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  • 19. 

    The Government Accountability Office (GAO) does NOT

    • Perform oversight functions by reviewing the activities of the executive branch to ensure it is complying with congressional intent

    • Set government standards for accounting, provides legal opinions, and settles claims against the government

    • Analyze the president's budget and makes economic projections about the performance of the economy

    Correct Answer
    A. Analyze the president's budget and makes economic projections about the performance of the economy
    Explanation
    The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is responsible for performing oversight functions by reviewing the activities of the executive branch to ensure it is complying with congressional intent. It also sets government standards for accounting, provides legal opinions, and settles claims against the government. However, it does not analyze the president's budget and make economic projections about the performance of the economy. This task is typically performed by other organizations such as the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) or the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

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  • 20. 

    Critics argue that one of the effects of the continued reelection of incumbents in Congress is

    • The insulation of members from political change

    • That fewer policy experts win congressional seats

    • The trend toward less conservative policies

    • The trend toward less money spent on elections

    • That it takes longer to send a "message to Washington" when the representative is already working committees

    Correct Answer
    A. The insulation of members from political change
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the insulation of members from political change. This means that when incumbents are continuously reelected in Congress, they become less responsive to the changing political climate and are less likely to be influenced by public opinion or new ideas. This can lead to a lack of fresh perspectives and a resistance to change within the political system.

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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 19, 2023 +

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 19, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Jan 24, 2012
    Quiz Created by
    Arippee
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