Social Studies: AP Government: Congressional Structure and Powers Worksheet

Question 1

Explain why the Framers created a bicameral Congress. In your answer, describe how representation differs in the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Accepted Answer

The Framers created a bicameral Congress as part of the Great Compromise between large and small states. The House is based on population, which benefits larger states, while the Senate gives each state two senators, which protects equal state representation.

Question 2

Identify two powers that are specifically given to Congress in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, and explain why these powers are important.

Accepted Answer

Congress has the power to tax and the power to regulate interstate commerce. These powers are important because taxation funds the national government, and commerce regulation allows Congress to create rules for economic activity that crosses state lines.

Question 3

Describe the difference between enumerated powers and implied powers. Use the Necessary and Proper Clause in your explanation.

Accepted Answer

Enumerated powers are powers directly listed in the Constitution, such as the power to coin money. Implied powers are not specifically listed but are considered necessary to carry out enumerated powers. The Necessary and Proper Clause allows Congress to pass laws needed to execute its constitutional responsibilities.

Question 4

A bill to raise revenue is introduced in the Senate. Explain the constitutional problem with this situation and how it should be corrected.

Accepted Answer

The constitutional problem is that revenue bills must originate in the House of Representatives. The bill should first be introduced in the House, though the Senate may later amend or debate it.

Question 5

Compare the term length and constituency of a House member with those of a senator. Explain how these differences can affect policymaking.

Accepted Answer

A House member serves a two-year term and represents a district within a state, while a senator serves a six-year term and represents an entire state. House members may be more responsive to immediate local concerns, while senators may have more time to consider statewide or long-term policy goals.

Question 6

Explain how congressional committees influence the lawmaking process.

Accepted Answer

Committees influence lawmaking by reviewing bills, holding hearings, gathering expert testimony, revising language, and deciding whether bills should move forward. Because committees specialize in policy areas, they often shape the final content of legislation.

Question 7

A member of Congress wants to bring a bill to the House floor quickly. Explain the role of the House Rules Committee in this process.

Accepted Answer

The House Rules Committee sets the terms for debate on many bills in the House. It can determine when a bill reaches the floor, how long debate will last, and which amendments may be considered.

Question 8

Describe the role of the Speaker of the House and explain why the position is powerful.

Accepted Answer

The Speaker of the House is the presiding officer and a major leader of the majority party in the House. The position is powerful because the Speaker helps set the legislative agenda, influences committee assignments, and guides party strategy.

Question 9

Analyze how the filibuster affects the legislative process in the Senate.

Accepted Answer

The filibuster can slow or block Senate action by extending debate and preventing a final vote. It gives the minority party more influence because most legislation needs a supermajority of 60 votes to invoke cloture and end debate.

Question 10

Explain the difference between impeachment by the House of Representatives and conviction by the Senate.

Accepted Answer

Impeachment by the House is the formal accusation that a federal official has committed misconduct. Conviction by the Senate occurs after a trial and requires a two-thirds vote, which can remove the official from office.

Question 11

Identify two checks Congress has over the president and explain how each one limits executive power.

Accepted Answer

Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers, which limits the president's ability to block legislation. The Senate can also confirm or reject presidential appointments, which limits the president's control over the executive branch and federal courts.

Question 12

Explain how the power of the purse gives Congress influence over the federal bureaucracy.

Accepted Answer

The power of the purse allows Congress to decide how federal money is raised and spent. By increasing, reducing, or placing conditions on funding, Congress can influence how agencies carry out laws and programs.

Question 13

A congressional committee holds a public hearing to question agency officials about the implementation of a law. Identify this function of Congress and explain its purpose.

Accepted Answer

This is congressional oversight. Its purpose is to monitor the executive branch, investigate whether laws are being properly implemented, and hold agencies accountable to Congress and the public.

Question 14

Use the following scenario to explain divided government: The president belongs to one political party, while at least one chamber of Congress is controlled by the other party. Describe one likely effect on policymaking.

Accepted Answer

Divided government occurs when different parties control the presidency and at least one chamber of Congress. One likely effect is gridlock, because the branches may disagree on policy goals and find it harder to pass major legislation.

Question 15

Explain how Congress can use both its commerce power and its taxing power to address a national policy issue, such as environmental protection or public health.

Accepted Answer

Congress can use its commerce power to regulate activities that affect interstate markets, such as pollution that crosses state lines or products sold nationally. It can also use its taxing power to encourage or discourage behavior, such as taxing harmful products or funding public health programs.

Social Studies: AP Government: Congressional Structure and Powers

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