section 4: elections and meetings\nwhen did a regular session (\opening day\) of congress begin?\nwhat is…

Brief Explanations:

1. When did a regular session ("opening day") of Congress begin? - Historically, the regular session of Congress has had different start - dates. Currently, the new session of Congress begins on January 3rd of odd - numbered years.
2. What is a "quorum"? - A quorum is the minimum number of members of a legislative body (or other group) that must be present to conduct business legally. In Congress, a quorum is a majority of members (218 in the House of Representatives and 51 in the Senate).
3. Which house has more formal rules of procedure (when a bill becomes a law)? - The Senate has more formal rules of procedure in some aspects. For example, the filibuster in the Senate can significantly delay or block a bill, while the House has more structured and time - limited debate rules.
4. Who pays Congress? - Members of Congress are paid by the federal government. Their salaries are part of the federal budget and are funded through taxpayer dollars.
5. Explain the speech and debate clause and its purpose ("congressional immunity") - The speech and debate clause (Article I, Section 6, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution) protects members of Congress from being questioned in other courts or bodies about their legislative activities. Its purpose is to ensure that members can freely express their opinions and perform their legislative duties without fear of retaliation.
6. What is a "revenue" bill? - A revenue bill is a bill that deals with government revenues, such as taxes, tariffs, and other sources of income for the government.
7. Where/With whom must a revenue bill originate? - Revenue bills must originate in the House of Representatives, as per Article I, Section 7, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution.
8. What must happen in order for a bill to become a law? - A bill must be introduced in either the House or the Senate. It then goes through committee review, debate, and voting in both houses. If passed by both houses in identical form, it goes to the President. The President can sign it into law, veto it, or do nothing (in which case it becomes law after 10 days if Congress is in session). If vetoed, Congress can override the veto with a two - thirds majority vote in both houses.

Answer:

1. Currently, the regular session of Congress begins on January 3rd of odd - numbered years.
2. A quorum is the minimum number of members of a legislative body that must be present to conduct business legally (218 in the House, 51 in the Senate).
3. The Senate has more formal rules of procedure in some aspects.
4. Members of Congress are paid by the federal government (taxpayer dollars).
5. The speech and debate clause protects members' legislative activities from outside questioning to ensure free expression in their duties.
6. A revenue bill deals with government revenues like taxes and tariffs.
7. Revenue bills must originate in the House of Representatives.
8. A bill is introduced, goes through committee review, debate, and voting in both houses, then to the President who can sign, veto, or do nothing; a veto can be overridden by a two - thirds majority in both houses.