Cram Time

Question 1

What are the two chambers of the U.S. legislative branch?

Answer 1

The Senate (upper) and the House of Representatives (lower).

Question 2

What are the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives roughly equivalent to in the UK?

Answer 2

Senate ≈ House of Lords; House of Representatives ≈ House of Commons.

Question 3

Main job of the legislative branch?

Answer 3

To make laws (Acts of Congress) and ensure the executive branch carries them out properly.

Question 4

How many Senators does each state have?

Answer 4

2 per state, regardless of size.

Question 5

How is representation in the House of Representatives decided?

Answer 5

Based on population, allocated through the census.

Question 6

How many members are in the House of Representatives and the Senate?

Answer 6

House: 435; Senate: 100.

Question 7

How often are federal elections held?

Answer 7

Every 2 years.

Question 8

How often is the entire House of Representatives up for re-election?

Answer 8

Every 2 years.

Question 9

How long is a Senator’s term?

Answer 9

6 years.

Question 10

How are Senate elections staggered?

Answer 10

1/3 of Senators are up for re-election every 2 years.

Question 11

Since when have Senators been directly elected by the people?

Answer 11

Since 1913 (before that, chosen by state legislatures).

Question 12

Main role of the President?

Answer 12

To execute and enforce the laws passed by Congress.

Question 13

What ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful?

Answer 13

Separation of powers and checks and balances.

Question 14

Why were checks and balances created?

Answer 14

To prevent tyranny and avoid one person (like a king) being too powerful.

Question 15

Does presidential power stay constant?

Answer 15

No, it varies by circumstances, historical context, and the personality of the president.

Question 16

What is the highest court in the U.S.?

Answer 16

The Supreme Court.

Question 17

How many Supreme Court justices are there?

Answer 17

9 (by tradition).

Question 18

How are Supreme Court justices appointed?

Answer 18

Nominated by the president, confirmed by the Senate.

Question 19

How long do Supreme Court justices serve?

Answer 19

For life (unless impeached for high crimes).

Question 20

What document protects individual rights and liberties?

Answer 20

The Bill of Rights (first 10 amendments).

Question 21

Who benefits from the Bill of Rights?

Answer 21

All people in America, not just citizens.

Question 22

What does the 10th Amendment state about federalism?

Answer 22

Powers not explicitly given to the federal government remain with the states.

Question 23

Why was state power significant after the Civil War?

Answer 23

States could resist Reconstruction and restrict Black Americans’ civil rights despite federal laws.

Question 24

What is judicial review?

Answer 24

The Supreme Court’s power to interpret the Constitution and strike down laws or actions that violate it.

Question 25

What three amendments were crucial for Civil Rights after the Civil War?

Answer 25

13th (abolished slavery), 14th (equal protection under the law), 15th (no denial of voting rights).

Question 26

What is a presidential veto?

Answer 26

When the president refuses to sign a bill into law.

Question 27

How can Congress overturn a presidential veto?

Answer 27

With a 2/3 majority in both the House and the Senate.