American government

1. Describe what it means to say that our nation has a bicameral legislature. Identify the two houses of Congress, and describe how each state is represented in each house. Use this information to explain how one state may be represented by fewer than 5 persons in Congress while another may be represented by more than 50. Describe the terms of office in each house of Congress. [MO5.1] 

2. Describe what incumbency means, what a constituency is, and what pork-barrel legislation represents. How is incumbency both a positive and a negative for a legislator? [MO5.1] 

3. One of the functions of Congress is to represent the interests of the American people. In an effort to respond to changes in the population, every ten years the U.S. census results in the House of Representatives being reapportioned. What are reapportionment and redistricting? Explain gerrymandering. [MO5.1] 

4. What are the leadership positions in each house of Congress? What is a party conference (or caucus)? [MO5.1, 5.2] 

5. Briefly describe the representation models for members of Congress. [MO5.2] 

6. Since there are so many issues and potential pieces of legislation that Congress deals with daily, areas of interest are divided into several committees. Each committee is staffed by members of both parties. Explain the role and function of congressional committees. [MO5.1, 5.2] 

7. In order for a policy idea to become law, certain steps must occur. From a bill’s initial introduction, follow the process a bill must go through to eventually end up on the president’s desk for signature. Provide a full description of this process. What happens if the president fails to sign the bill into law? What are the positives and negatives related to the time it takes for a bill to become law? [MO5.3]