Extra!: America Votes 2006 - Q&A

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(CNN Student News) -- On November 7, 2006, Americans will vote for federal, state and local officials. Use the information in this Extra! to help students understand what happens in midterm elections.

What are the two houses that comprise the United States Congress? How many members does each house have?

Congress is comprised of the House of Representatives, which has 435 members (allocated by population in each state), and the Senate, which has 100 members (two from each state, regardless of population.)

What are the terms for members of the House and Senate?

Representatives in the House serve two-year terms. Senators serve six-year terms. The U.S. Constitution mandates these terms. There are no term limits in the House and Senate; members of Congress can run for office as many times as they qualify to do so.

What are the terms for U.S. governors?

From the National Governors Association: "With the exception of New Hampshire and Vermont which retain a two year term, all states, commonwealths and territories provide for four year terms for governors. In all states, except Virginia, governors in their first term may run for re-election. In thirty-eight states, commonwealths and territories, governors may not serve more than two consecutive terms. While it is possible for governors in more than half of these term-limited states to run for the office again after a hiatus, it is very unusual for them to do so."

What is a "midterm election"?

A "midterm election" is a vote that takes place halfway within the term of a chief executive. For example, the national elections this November are taking place midway through George W. Bush's second term as president.

What offices are typically decided in midterm elections?

All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives are up for election, as well as one-third of the Senate -- 33 seats this year. In 2006, gubernatorial elections will be held in 36 states and two territories. In addition, many states hold important statewide and local elections in the midterm.

Which party currently controls the Senate?

At present, there are 55 Republican and 44 Democratic senators. Senator James Jeffords of Vermont is the sole Independent.

Which party currently controls the House of Representatives?

Republicans have dominated the House since their major victory in the 1994 elections, which heralded the start of the "Republican revolution." It was their first majority in the House of Representatives since 1954.

Currently, there are 230 Republicans, 201 Democrats and one independent in the House. Three seats are vacant. Democrats need to net 15 seats to win control of House.

Why is party control of one or both houses of Congress so important?

The political party that controls one or both houses of Congress dictates much of the legislature's actions. The majority party can

control committee assignments,

determine the success (or failure) of a president's legislative agenda by majority votes on specific bills,

approve or deny presidential appointments,

override presidential vetoes, or

serve as a real "check and balance" on the powers of the executive and judicial branches of government.

Which party holds a majority of governors' seats?

There are currently 28 Republican governors and 22 Democratic governors. Thirty-six states have gubernatorial races this year with 22 of the seats held by Republicans and 14 by Democrats.

Why are midterm elections so carefully watched?

Midterm elections are often seen as a referendum on the president's political party. Historically, midterm elections have not been kind to the president's party.