Bicameralism AP Gov Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Congress

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 🏛️ Bicameralism: Refers to a two-chamber legislature. In the U.S., this is the House of Representatives and the Senate.
• ⚖️ The Great Compromise: Established bicameralism, balancing the interests of large and small states during the Constitutional Convention.
• 👨‍⚖️ Senate: Each state has two senators, ensuring equal representation regardless of population (100 total).
• 🏠 House of Representatives: Representation based on state population (435 total), ensuring proportional representation.
• 📜 Legislative Process: Bills must pass both chambers in identical form to become law.
• 💡 Checks and Balances: Bicameralism is a key component of checks and balances, preventing any single chamber from becoming too powerful.
• 🔑 Key Differences: The House has the power to initiate revenue bills and impeachment, while the Senate confirms presidential appointments and ratifies treaties.

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following best defines bicameralism?
   1. A. A one-house legislature
   2. B. A two-house legislature
   3. C. A system of direct democracy
   4. D. A parliamentary system
2. The Great Compromise during the Constitutional Convention led to the creation of which type of legislature?
   1. A. Unicameral
   2. B. Bicameral
   3. C. Tricameral
   4. D. Quadcameral
3. How many senators does each state have in the U.S. Senate?
   1. A. One
   2. B. Two
   3. C. Three
   4. D. It varies by population
4. The number of representatives a state has in the House of Representatives is based on what?
   1. A. Land area
   2. B. Equal representation
   3. C. State population
   4. D. Number of counties
5. Which chamber of Congress has the power to initiate revenue bills?
   1. A. The Senate
   2. B. The House of Representatives
   3. C. Both the House and Senate
   4. D. The Supreme Court
6. Which chamber of Congress confirms presidential appointments?
   1. A. The House of Representatives
   2. B. The Senate
   3. C. Both the House and Senate
   4. D. The Supreme Court
7. Why is bicameralism an important aspect of checks and balances in the U.S. government?
   1. A. It speeds up the legislative process.
   2. B. It ensures equal representation for all citizens.
   3. C. It prevents any one chamber from becoming too powerful.
   4. D. It allows for direct democracy.