1.
Who was the chairman of the Judiciary Committee during Clinton's second term?
Correct Answer
A. Henry Hyde
Explanation
During Clinton's second term, Henry Hyde was the chairman of the Judiciary Committee.
2.
What state did Senator Jeremiah A. Denton, Jr. represent?
Correct Answer
A. Alabama
Explanation
Senator Jeremiah A. Denton, Jr. represented Alabama.
3.
After the 1986 November elections what was the breakdown in the Senate?
Correct Answer
A. 55-45 Democratic Advantage
Explanation
After the 1986 November elections, the breakdown in the Senate was a 55-45 Democratic Advantage. This means that there were 55 Democratic senators and 45 Republican senators in the Senate at that time.
4.
What U.S. Senator changed his political affiliation from Republican to Independent on June 5, 2001?
Correct Answer
D. Jim Jeffords
Explanation
Jim Jeffords is the correct answer because he changed his political affiliation from Republican to Independent on June 5, 2001. This change had significant implications as it shifted the balance of power in the Senate, giving control to the Democrats. Jeffords cited disagreements with the Republican Party's stance on various issues, particularly education, as his reason for leaving the party. This move had a lasting impact on American politics and highlighted the importance of party loyalty and political alliances.
5.
What was the name of the Minnesota Senator who was killed in a 2002 plane crash near Eveleth, Minnesota?
Correct Answer
A. Paul Wellstone
Explanation
Paul Wellstone was the Minnesota Senator who tragically died in a plane crash near Eveleth, Minnesota in 2002. This event was a significant loss for Minnesota and the political community as Wellstone was known for his progressive values and advocacy for social issues. His death had a profound impact on the state and his legacy continues to be remembered.
6.
Who became the first woman to lead a party in Congress when she became House Minority Leader?
Correct Answer
B. Nancy Pelosi
Explanation
Nancy Pelosi became the first woman to lead a party in Congress when she became House Minority Leader. This historic achievement broke barriers and paved the way for more women to hold leadership positions in American politics. Pelosi's leadership skills and experience in Congress made her a qualified candidate for this role, and she has since gone on to become the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House.
7.
A Representative in the House must be at least how old?
Correct Answer
B. 25
Explanation
In order to be a Representative in the House, one must be at least 25 years old. This age requirement ensures that individuals have gained enough life experience and maturity to effectively represent their constituents and make important decisions on their behalf. Younger individuals may not have had enough time to develop the necessary skills and knowledge required for this role. Therefore, the age of 25 is deemed appropriate to ensure that Representatives possess the necessary qualifications and abilities to serve in the House.
8.
How many members does the Senate have?
Correct Answer
A. 100
Explanation
The Senate in the United States has 100 members. Each state is represented by two senators, regardless of its population size. This ensures equal representation for all states in the Senate. Therefore, the correct answer is 100.
9.
Who would cast a tie breaking vote in the Senate?
Correct Answer
B. The Vice-President
Explanation
The Vice-President would cast a tie-breaking vote in the Senate because according to the United States Constitution, the Vice-President serves as the President of the Senate and has the authority to vote in the case of a tie. This is an important role as it ensures that there is a mechanism to break deadlocks and make decisions when there is an equal division of votes among senators.
10.
Which actor was elected to the U.S. Senate from Tennessee in 1994?
Correct Answer
A. Fred Dalton Thompson
Explanation
Fred Dalton Thompson was elected to the U.S. Senate from Tennessee in 1994.
11.
What years was Al Gore in the Senate?
Correct Answer
B. 1985-1993
Explanation
Al Gore was in the Senate from 1985 to 1993. This can be inferred by looking at the given options and identifying the range of years that includes both 1985 and 1993. The other options either start or end before or after these years, making them incorrect.
12.
Actor George Clooney's father ran for Congress in the 2004 elections for what state?
Correct Answer
B. Kentucky
Explanation
George Clooney's father ran for Congress in the 2004 elections in Kentucky.
13.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist's 2005 insider trading scandal involved what company?
Correct Answer
A. HCA, Inc.
Explanation
In 2005, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist was involved in an insider trading scandal. The company implicated in this scandal was HCA, Inc. Insider trading refers to the illegal practice of trading stocks based on non-public, material information. In this case, Frist was accused of selling his shares in HCA, Inc. just days before the company's negative earnings announcement. This suggests that Frist had access to confidential information about the company's financial performance, which he used to his advantage in making the decision to sell his shares.
14.
James Traficant, Congressman from what state, was found guilty of bribery and tax evasion in 2002?
Correct Answer
A. Ohio
Explanation
James Traficant, a former Congressman, was found guilty of bribery and tax evasion in 2002. He represented the state of Ohio during his tenure.
15.
What U.S. Senator is the grandson of Mormon Church President Heber J. Grant?
Correct Answer
A. Bob Bennett
Explanation
Bob Bennett is the correct answer because he is the U.S. Senator who is the grandson of Mormon Church President Heber J. Grant.