1 What is the purpose of a political action committee (PAC)?
2 Draw the political spectrum. Where on the political spectrum is the safest position for a candidate?
Where on the political spectrum do most citizens in the U.S. fall? Which major party is traditionally more conservative than the other?
Congress- The Legislative Branch
3 List 3 powers that the Senate has over the president. List the powers the President has over Congress. List 2 powers the House has over the president.
4 Outline the process of impeachment.
5 List two expressed powers Congress has.
6 Describe the economic role of Congress. Explain how raising and lowering specific taxes (such as income, payroll, and gasoline taxes) impacts the economy.
7 Why is it so hard for a bill to become a law? Where do most die?
8 What is the difference between a standing committee and a select committee?
9 What is the purpose of the conference committee?
10 What actions can the rules committee take on a bill?
11 Most bills may begin in either the House or Senate, which bill must start in the House?
12 Define filibuster and gerrymandering.
13 On what basis are committee chairmen chosen in the House and Senate?
14 What is representation in the House based on?
15 How can a veto be overridden?
The President: The Executive Branch
16 Give an example of the following roles of the president.
A chief diplomat -
B chief of state -C commander in chief -
D chief legislator - 19 Identify the purpose of each of the following independent agencies:
A NASA -
B EPA -
C OSHA -
D FCC -
17 What is the purpose of the Electoral College system? What is the total number of Electoral College votes? How many votes are needed to win? How are the numbers of electoral votes for each state determined?
18 Define foreign policy. Give 2 examples of presidential and Congressional power over foreign policy.
Identify which part of the executive branch assist in implementing these powers.
19 Analyze selected foreign policies and describe their impact on other nations, such as Open Door Policy-China, Détente-Russia, and Gunboat Diplomacy-Central America.
20 Compare and contrast executive order with executive agreement
21 Describe how historical events, such as Watergate and 9/11 have impacted the power of the President.
22 What group makes the laws for the state of Texas?
23 What is the difference and similarities between the Texas legislature and the national legislature?
24 What are the duties of the following executive offices in Texas?
25 Compare and contrast the roles and powers of the Governor and President.
26 Contrast how Texas and Federal judges are selected. What are the advantages and disadvantages for each method?
27 At the local level, (Harris county) which official prosecutes violators of state law?
28 At the local level within Houston city limits, which official prosecutes violators of state & local law?
29 What is the governing body for Harris County? For the city of Houston?
30 What is the highest civil court in Texas?