Midterms 101: How Congress Works

1. 1.

   Why are the elections held in November 2026 called midterm elections?

   ABecause they happen in the middle of the school yearBBecause they fall halfway through the president's four-year termCBecause only half of the states vote in themDBecause the winners serve only half a term
2. 2.

   How many voting members does the House of Representatives have?

   A100B50C435D538
3. 3.

   How long is the term of a member of the House of Representatives?

   ATwo yearsBFour yearsCSix yearsDEight years
4. 4.

   The table compares the House and the Senate. What belongs in the blank cell?

   

   A2 yearsB4 yearsC6 yearsD10 years
5. 5.

   Who is allowed to vote in a federal election in the United States?

   AAnyone who lives in the United States and is over 16BAny adult who pays taxesCOnly people who voted in the last electionDU.S. citizens who are at least 18 and registered to vote
6. 6.

   The picture sorts powers that belong to only one chamber of Congress. Which power belongs in the blank?

   

   ASigns bills into lawBApproves treaties with other countriesCDecides whether laws follow the ConstitutionDCommands the armed forces
7. 7.

   Which branch of the federal government makes the laws?

   AThe executive branch, led by the presidentBThe judicial branch, led by the Supreme CourtCThe legislative branch, which is CongressDThe state governors meeting together
8. 8.

   How many senators does each state have, and why?

   ATwo, so every state has an equal voice in the SenateBOne for every million peopleCBetween one and ten, depending on the state's sizeDThree, one for each branch of government
9. 9.

   Which offices are on the ballot across the country in the November 2026 midterm election?

   AThe president and vice presidentBAll 435 House seats, about a third of the Senate, and 36 governorsCOnly the SenateDEvery judge on the Supreme Court
10. 10.

    If the president vetoes a bill, what can Congress do?

    ANothing; a veto ends the bill for goodBAsk the Supreme Court to overturn the vetoCPass the bill again with a two-thirds vote in both the House and the SenateDHold a new election

Midterms 101: How Congress Works — Answer key

1. 1.B — Because they fall halfway through the president's four-year term
   2.C — 435
2. 3.A — Two years
   4.C — 6 years
3. 5.D — U.S. citizens who are at least 18 and registered to vote
   6.B — Approves treaties with other countries
4. 7.C — The legislative branch, which is Congress
   8.A — Two, so every state has an equal voice in the Senate
5. 9.B — All 435 House seats, about a third of the Senate, and 36 governors
   10.C — Pass the bill again with a two-thirds vote in both the House and the Senate