AP US Government : Congressional Procedures

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP US Government

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Example Questions

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Example Question #515 : Ap Us Government

Most bills die in committee.

Possible Answers:

False, bills cannot be killed in committee

True, committees are the only point at which bills are killed

False, most bills are killed on the floor 

True, committees are the first point at which bills are delayed and eventually killed

Correct answer:

True, committees are the first point at which bills are delayed and eventually killed

Explanation:

This is an interesting question. The sad truth of the matter is that committees are a choke-point for bills—the first of many. Bills face a very tough uphill battle in the fight to become law, and this is the first instance where opponents of the bill can work to kill it. Technically speaking, a bill is “pigeonholed” when it is buried in committee (it happens so often there’s a word for it!). 

Example Question #516 : Ap Us Government

Only Congress can declare war.

Possible Answers:

True, only Congress can declare war, at which point the Joint Chiefs of staff direct the troops

False, only a direct vote by the electorate can enact a declaration of war

False, only the Commander-in-Chief can declare war 

True, only Congress can declare war, at which point the Commander-in-Chief directs the troops

Correct answer:

True, only Congress can declare war, at which point the Commander-in-Chief directs the troops

Explanation:

This should have been a very simple question. Although many presidents seem to act differently, the only government branch that can declare war is Congress (Art I, Sec. 8, Clause 11). That said, the President is commander-in-chief, a term with which you are hopefully familiar, thus the President is vested with the authority to lead the troops (that is, tell them where to go and what to do).

Example Question #521 : Ap Us Government

Which of the following is true of revenue bills?

Possible Answers:

Bills for raising revenue must originate in the House of Representatives

Bills for raising revenue must originate in the Senate

Bills for raising revenue can be passed independently by either the House of Representatives or the Senate

Bills for raising revenue can originate in either the House of Representatives or the Senate

Bills for raising revenue can originate and be passed by either the House of Representatives or the Senate

Correct answer:

Bills for raising revenue must originate in the House of Representatives

Explanation:

Bills for raising revenue must originate in the House of Representatives. This is only true for bills relating to revenue though. All other bills can originate from either the House of Representatives or the Senate. In order for a bill to be passed, the House and the Senate must both approve, and the bill must be identical in passing through both the House and the Senate.

Example Question #522 : Ap Us Government

What is required to override a presidential veto?

Possible Answers:

A vote of three quarters of the state legislatures in favor of overriding the veto

A two thirds majority of Congress voting to override the veto

A signed compromise between the Majority and Minority Leaders in both the House and Senate

A ruling by the Federal District Court of Washington D.C.

Correct answer:

A two thirds majority of Congress voting to override the veto

Explanation:

Article I, Section 7, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution states that in the event of a presidential veto, a 2/3 vote of both the House and the Senate in favor of the bill can override the veto and turn the bill into law.

Example Question #45 : Congressional Procedures

Who has the power to declare war?

Possible Answers:

The President 

The U.S. Congress

The Joint Chiefs of Staff

The Secretary of Defense

Correct answer:

The U.S. Congress

Explanation:

Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the U.S. Constitution grants Congress the power to declare war, as well as the ability to “grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water”

Example Question #41 : Congressional Procedures

Who has the power to confirm federal judges?

Possible Answers:

The Supreme Court of the United States

The U.S. Senate

The U.S. Congress

The U.S. Attorney General

Correct answer:

The U.S. Senate

Explanation:

 The U.S. Senate has the power to approve federal judges, as well as other presidential appointments.

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