Video #48
This video shows how the Query Filter works on a layer so you only draw the features that are of interest.
This is to compare with ArcMap's "Definition Query".
I also demonstrate a spatial query using Extract by Location tool from the QGIS toolbox.
This video is a great starting point to help you with all your attribute/spatial query requirements.
Please see the next video #49 which follows this one, demonstrating how to select features (rather than filter them)