3A.2.2 Functions of Congress and the legislative process Quiz: Pearson Edexcel Politics, Unit 3

The 20 questions

1. Which group provides the primary democratic mandate that members of Congress represent when voting?

   • Lobbyists
   • Cabinet secretaries
   • Constituents
   • Supreme Court judges

2. Which core function of Congress involves members acting on behalf of the people in their state or district?

   • Scrutiny
   • Oversight
   • Legislation
   • Representation

3. In which representation model does a legislator use personal judgement to decide what is best for constituents?

   • Mandate model
   • Partisan model
   • Delegate model
   • Trustee model

4. In which representation model must a legislator strictly follow the express instructions of their constituents?

   • Delegate model
   • Trustee model
   • Partisan model
   • Mandate model

5. What is the first formal stage for a bill introduced in the US Congress?

   • Introduction and referral
   • Floor debate
   • Committee hearing
   • Presidential assent

6. Which committee reconciles different House and Senate versions of a bill?

   • Select committee
   • Conference committee
   • Standing committee
   • Rules committee

7. How many days does the US President have to sign a bill before it becomes law?

   • 14 days
   • 10 days
   • 30 days
   • 7 days

8. Which tool do congressional committees use to compel witnesses to give evidence?

   • Cloture motion
   • Subpoena
   • Executive order
   • Filibuster

9. What term describes a situation where one party controls the presidency and another controls Congress?

   • Gridlock
   • Unified government
   • Bipartisanship
   • Divided government

10. Which chamber of the US Congress allows members to use the filibuster?

    • The Senate
    • The Cabinet
    • The House
    • The Supreme Court

11. What effect do multiple veto points have on the US legislative process?

    • Prevents hasty legislation
    • Speeds up lawmaking
    • Eliminates gridlock
    • Increases executive power

12. Which committee in the House of Representatives sets time limits and rules for floor debate?

    • Judiciary Committee
    • Ways and Means
    • House Rules Committee
    • Conference Committee

13. Which model of representation occurs when members vote strictly according to constituent wishes?

    • Delegate model
    • Trustee model
    • Mandate model
    • Partisan model

14. Which body in Congress carries out detailed oversight of executive departments through public hearings?

    • Executive office
    • Standing committees
    • Electoral college
    • National Security Council

15. What reduces the effectiveness of congressional oversight during periods of unified government?

    • Filibusters
    • Constitutional limits
    • Partisan loyalty
    • Judicial review

16. What congressional power grants sole authority to approve federal government spending?

    • Impeachment power
    • Executive privilege
    • Treaty ratification
    • Power of the purse

17. What mechanism allows US presidents to bypass Congress to direct executive branch actions?

    • Executive order
    • Signing statement
    • Pardon power
    • Constitutional amendment

18. What type of legislation passed by Congress establishes federal laws and national policies?

    • Treaty
    • Constitutional amendment
    • Executive order
    • Statute

19. How often are all members of the House of Representatives elected by constituents?

    • Every six years
    • Every five years
    • Every four years
    • Every two years

20. Where does the detailed scrutiny and amendment of bills primarily take place in Congress?

    • Executive Cabinet
    • State legislatures
    • Congressional committees
    • Supreme Court

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