Praxis Core Reading Test Prep

Category - Praxis Core Reading Practice Test

The U.S. Congress (Government and Civics 3­)

Did you ever wonder where federal laws come from? For example, who proposed that it be illegal to (1) operate a vehicle without a driver’s license? Who is responsible for making decisions about war? In the United States rules and decisions that affect its citizens (and visitors) are proposed and put into effect by what is known as the U.S. Congress.

The U.S. Congress is made of up two (2) bodies: the Senate and the House of Representatives. Both representatives and senators are elected by voters. Congress has 535 members: 435 members in the House of Representatives and 100 members in the Senate. Each member of the House of Representatives serves two-year terms and each state in the union has at least one representative. Each of the 50 states has two senators; therefore, there are 100 senators in Congress, and each member of the Senate serves a six-year (3) term.

Congress works together to create (4) bills that are then later signed into law by the President of the United States. It also has power over financial concerns. It is the Congress who has the authority to make and collect taxes. Congress also plays an important role in the decisions of the national defense. It alone has the power to (5) wage war on another country.

So, next time your hear someone say they dislike a President’s decision to go to war with another country, you can tell them that Congress has the ultimate say, and not the President, in how the country is run.

According to the passage, all of the following statements are false EXCEPT:

  1. The U.S. Congress is made up of the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the President.
  2. Each of the members of the House of Representatives is in office for a two-year duration.
  3. Congress lacks the authority to collect taxes from the U.S. citizens.
  4. Senators and representatives are elected by the President of the U.S.
Explanation

Answer: B - According to the passage, each of the members of the House of Representatives is in office for a two-year duration. The U.S. Congress is made up of ONLY the Senate and the House of Representatives. The President isn’t part of Congress. Congress HAS, NOT lacks, the authority to collect taxes. Finally, the members of Congress are elected by voters, NOT the President.

Was this helpful? Upvote!
Login to contribute your own answer or details

Top questions

Related questions

Most popular on PracticeQuiz