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Quiz about Whod Have Thunk It
Quiz about Whod Have Thunk It

Who'd Have Thunk It? Trivia Quiz


Elections are coming (aren't they ALWAYS?). We know our Congresspersons get incredible perks in the job, but "who'd have thunk" what they really get? Take this quiz, review some basics, and separate a few facts from fiction. WARNING - US ORIENTED.

A multiple-choice quiz by goatlockerjoe. Estimated time: 6 mins.
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Time
6 mins
Type
Multiple Choice
Quiz #
378,654
Updated
Dec 03 21
# Qns
10
Difficulty
Tough
Avg Score
6 / 10
Plays
363
Awards
Top 35% Quiz
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Question 1 of 10
1. You've decided to get the true facts on our lawmakers. But first, let's review our 9th grade Civics. What's the OFFICIAL definition of "Congresspersons"? Hint


Question 2 of 10
2. Which of the following requirements DOES NOT apply to candidates for US representative? Hint


Question 3 of 10
3. Which of the following requirements DOES NOT apply to candidates for the Senate? Hint


Question 4 of 10
4. The Congressional Reform Act (CRA) demands reduction of the very large paychecks earned by congresspersons. But just exactly how much was the "standard" salary for these politicians in 2014? Hint


Question 5 of 10
5. A part of the so-called Congressional Reform Act demands that all members of Congress start earning their (currently free?) pensions by paying Social Security taxes, like us mere mortals. As of January 2015, what rule on the matter applies to Congress? Hint


Question 6 of 10
6. I was amazed to learn that Congressional salaries are automatically adjusted (that means "increased") yearly, using a sort of "cost-of-living" formula. That seems a bit shady to me! BUT - what very surprising fact applied to these increases between 2009-2015? Hint


Question 7 of 10
7. Free mail? Congress gets FREE mailing privileges? Some versions of the Congressional Reform Act want to stop this "perk". What do our DC politicos really get? Hint


Question 8 of 10
8. "Someone told me..." congressional lawmakers have free use of a private gym. What's the real story? Hint


Question 9 of 10
9. Everyone "knows" that Congress has a "free" outrageously juicy retirement plan. But the deal may not be a taxpayer ripoff, as some would believe. I'll bet a five spot you don't know this one. What is the MINIMUM number of years Congressional service required to qualify for a pension? Hint


Question 10 of 10
10. The final "perpetual" complaint about congressfolk is that they are eligible for burial in any National Cemetery because of their political position. Do you know the true story? Hint



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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. You've decided to get the true facts on our lawmakers. But first, let's review our 9th grade Civics. What's the OFFICIAL definition of "Congresspersons"?

Answer: Senators and representatives

The US Congress is a legislative body with two separate chambers: the Senate, and the House of Representatives. Officially, both senators and representatives are part of Congress. But standard usage of "congressman/woman" is almost always limited to members of the House (representatives). Senators are referred to as "senators."

To avoid confusion in this quiz, the term "Congress" refers to both chambers collectively; members of the House will be called "the House", or "representatives."
2. Which of the following requirements DOES NOT apply to candidates for US representative?

Answer: Be a native-born US citizen

As stated in the US Constitution, eligibility to serve as a representative requires at least seven years US citizenship. Many present and former representatives were born in foreign countries to American parents, thus acquiring citizenship by birth. But at least three representatives (from Taiwan, Japan, and Guatemala) were naturalized US citizens.

In 2015, the youngest Representative was Elise Stefanik (R-New York), aged 31. The youngest person EVER elected to the House was William C.C. Claiborne of Tennessee. Claiborne won two consecutive terms in 1797 and 1799 at ages of 22 and 24, but failed to meet official age requirements. The House seated him anyway. Who'd have thunk it?
3. Which of the following requirements DOES NOT apply to candidates for the Senate?

Answer: Be at least 27 years of age

Senatorial eligibility is somewhat more stringent than requirements for the House. A senator must be at least 30 years old when sworn in (five years older than House requirements), and must have at least nine years citizenship (compared to the representative's seven). Several senators were born outside the US.

In 1818, John Henry Eaton of Tennessee became the youngest senator ever sworn in - aged 28 years and 2 months. According to one reference, it was an oversight - no one thought to ask him his age. Doh!
4. The Congressional Reform Act (CRA) demands reduction of the very large paychecks earned by congresspersons. But just exactly how much was the "standard" salary for these politicians in 2014?

Answer: $174,000 per year

The standard salary for most of Congress in 2014 was $174,000 per annum. The very few exceptions include majority and minority leaders in both Houses, and president pro tem of the Senate ($193,400), and the Speaker of the House ($223,500). While a salary of $174K sure does seem like a lot to me personally, I have to keep in mind that many mid-level business executives earn FAR more.

Members of Congress DO get several allowances in addition to their salaries. Some of these are: a "Representational Allowance" - approx. $1.26 million!; a home state furniture and furnishings allowance - $40K; and an annual cost of living tax deduction of $3000.

Incidentally - the so-called "Congressional Reform Act" is a myth. Various versions have made frequent internet rounds since 1995. Like so many other online hoaxes, the CRA is a mix of fact, fable, and spleen venting.
5. A part of the so-called Congressional Reform Act demands that all members of Congress start earning their (currently free?) pensions by paying Social Security taxes, like us mere mortals. As of January 2015, what rule on the matter applies to Congress?

Answer: Congressmembers all pay Social Security taxes

The myth of Congress getting a "free retirement for life" is just that - a myth. As far back as 1920, federal employees paid into the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) - and apparently DID get some impressive retirement packages. Through 1983, congressmen paid no Social Security (SS) tax. But in fairness, their term(s) in office were not creditable toward SS retirement either.

Starting in 1984, these lawmakers were REQUIRED to pay SS taxes. CSRS was not compatible with SS and began phasing out, being replaced by the Federal Employees Retirement System. There is some overlap in the two systems, but CSRS will eventually disappear through attrition.

The bottom line is - ALL members of Congress pay SS, and most also contribute to a pension plan. Once again, the nonexistent "Congressional Reform Act" raises false concerns over issues that don't exist.
6. I was amazed to learn that Congressional salaries are automatically adjusted (that means "increased") yearly, using a sort of "cost-of-living" formula. That seems a bit shady to me! BUT - what very surprising fact applied to these increases between 2009-2015?

Answer: Congress voted AGAINST their own pay increases

By joint resolution, both houses of Congress voted against their own pay raises since 2009, into 2015. A bit of a shock, eh? Who'd have thunk it?
7. Free mail? Congress gets FREE mailing privileges? Some versions of the Congressional Reform Act want to stop this "perk". What do our DC politicos really get?

Answer: A budgeted allowance for official business only

Congress (and other high officials) are given a budgeted postage allowance. The exact amount varies, depending on a complicated (of course!) formula. Commonly called "franking," or simply "the frank," the free mailing privilege has been a part of American politics since 1775, and a source of controversy ever since.

Franking was poorly managed in the past, but numerous reforms have reined in some of the worst abuses. The franking privilege may not be used to earn votes. It may only be used for matters of public service or public concern. One example of franking restriction forbids Congressional mass mailings within 90 days of a primary or general election, if the member is up for reelection. Of course, members can just mail things out earlier! Nevertheless, progress has been made. From 1988 to 2006, yearly Congressional franking costs DROPPED from $113 million to a "mere" $34 million.

Franking remains a controversial issue; opponents feel the frank still gives too much advantage to incumbents; proponents feel that without the frank, many congress members could not communicate important information to their district.

Did you know - former Presidents and widows of Presidents get franking privileges for LIFE?
8. "Someone told me..." congressional lawmakers have free use of a private gym. What's the real story?

Answer: There are two gyms; they are not free

Like everything on Capitol Hill, it's an intricate answer. There are several variations in the facts. But stripping away the pork (hehe), gives this essence: There are two gyms for lawmakers themselves. The Senate gym ("The Senate Staff Health and Fitness Facility") is said to be nicer than the House Gym. It sure sounds nicer! Membership in the gyms WAS free until 1992; recent fee quotes are $40/month for the Senate; $20/month for House members.

In 2004, a "Senate Staff Exercise Facility" in the Dirksen Office Building was offered ($20 monthly fee) for the use of nearly 6000! Senate staffers - worker bees. About 60 bees per senator? DANG! Costs for both Senate facilities are "offset" by funds from the Senate Recycling Program. Although House staffers seem to be left in the fitness outback, a "feasibility study is being done." Smiles.

Remember the budget crisis of 2013? All non-essential government services were shut down? The Senate staffers facility was closed, and the employees at the House and Senate gyms were furloughed. But the gyms themselves remained open for use by Congress. Who'd have thunk it?
9. Everyone "knows" that Congress has a "free" outrageously juicy retirement plan. But the deal may not be a taxpayer ripoff, as some would believe. I'll bet a five spot you don't know this one. What is the MINIMUM number of years Congressional service required to qualify for a pension?

Answer: Five years

After five years in Congress, a member "qualifies." Five years? Are you kidding me? That's obscene! Wait - it's not quite blatant robbery.

US senators luck out on this one; their term of office is six years, so they are vested after one term. A member of the House (a two year term of office) needs to be reelected twice more to qualify. With at least five years service, both can start drawing a pension - WHEN they are age 62! But that minimum term won't give them a cash cow; the 2014 MINIMUM retirement amount was about $16,000/year.

Of course, many Congressionals serve more than six years. Just as with almost any pension plan, additional service earns more benefits. Members with 20 years service may start drawing at age 50; those with over 25 years in Congress may take their pension at any age. And despite all the internet rumors, the retirement isn't free. Members pay Social Security AND pension plan premiums throughout their careers.

Congress doesn't get a totally free ride on the gravy train. Who'd have thunk it?
10. The final "perpetual" complaint about congressfolk is that they are eligible for burial in any National Cemetery because of their political position. Do you know the true story?

Answer: No - Congressional status alone does not qualify

Congressional status alone does NOT qualify a person for burial in a National Cemetery. There are some eight categories of individuals eligible for interment in National Cemetery. If a deceased senator or representative is in one of those categories, they would be eligible. For example - if Senator X had served in the military, she would be eligible.

This myth may have come into being because for many years after WW2, almost every congressman was a veteran, thus eligible. These days, very few in Congress have the military service to make the grade (or sub-grade, as it were) for National Cemetery burial.
Source: Author goatlockerjoe

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor stedman before going online.
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