A TEST TO PROTECT VOTERS FROM IGNORANT POLITICIANS

 
Having observed politicians in Congress on the recent debt ceiling debate, I have decided that--for the good of the Goververned--ALL candidates for national office be required to pass a simple civics test. We need to know before they begin to campaign--and certainly before their possible election--whether or not they understand the very job they want us to elect them to perform.
 
(RELAX, Voters--you are exempt from this requirement unless and untill you decide to run for office.)
 
Okay, pencils ready--Here is the test for political candidates.  (Candidates, don't worry--this is a “take-home test;” you are welcome to “ask for help, if needed”.)  

It is multiple-choice. HINT: only one answer is correct. Ready?


1. The three branches of the US Government are:

A) the people, Congress and the President;
B) the House, Senate and the Press;
C) the President, Congress and Supreme Court.
D) the House, Senate and the President;

2. The US Debt Ceiling is the amount of money:

A) the President would like to spend;
B) the Democrats would like to spend;
C) the Republicans would like to spend;
D) the Congress has already spent, plus the projected amount owed over the period of time decided by Congress.

3. All spending bills originate in:

A) the President’s office;
B) the House;
C) the Senate;
D) a bipartisan committee from the House and Senate


4. A bill becomes law when:

A) the House passes it;
B) the Senate passes it;
C) both the House and Senate pass it, and if there is disagreement on details, a conference committee makes changes, and then the President signs it;
D) both the House and Senate versions of the bill are sent to the President and he decides which one he likes best.

5. If the President vetoes a bill:

A) it goes back to the Senate and House where it must get a 2/3 vote of both chambers to over-ride the veto:
B) it goes back to the Senate and House where they change it, and it automatically becomes law;
C) it goes back to the Senate where it must get 60 votes before it becomes law;
D) it does not become law no matter what.

6. The number of Congressmen/women in the US House currently is:

A) 50;
B) 100;
C) 435;
D) 550.

7. The number of members of the US Senate is:

A) 50;
B) 100;
C) 2;
D) 500.

8. If one party controls (has the majority of members) the House, they get to elect the "boss" of the house. This person is known as:

A) the Majority Leader;
B) the Speaker;
C) the Majority Whip;
D) the President

9. If one party controls the Senate, their "boss" is called:

A) the President;
B) the Majority Leader;
C) the Leader of the Caucus;
D) the Majority Whip.


10. Each state’s representatives in Washington include:

A) two Senators and a variable number of House members based on population;
B) two Senators (one from each party) and House members based on party ratios in each state;
C) two Senators and six Congressmen/women;
D) Senators and Congressmen from the political party in the majority in that state.

11. To amend the Constitution of the United States:

A) The proposed amendment must have a majority of votes in both houses of Congress;
B) The proposed amendment must have two-thirds of the votes in each House of Congress and then be sent to the President for his signature or veto;
C) The proposed amendment must pass each house of Congress by a two-thirds vote, and must then be ratified by three-fourths of the states;
D) The proposed amendment must be passed by both houses of Congress and signed by the President.
 
Pencils down!
The correct answers will appear in my next Blog.
Good luck, SC Congressional Delegation!