Congressional Powers and Influences

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Questions and Answers

What is one way Congress can influence the federal judiciary?

It can prohibit judicial activism

It can implement mandatory retirement age for judges

It can conduct public hearings on judicial decisions

It can change appellate jurisdiction of federal courts (correct)

What significant role was acknowledged by the Supreme Court in Baker v Carr (1962)?

The requirement for states to draw districts without federal oversight

States' power to regulate all forms of commerce

The ability of Congress to dictate state legislative boundaries

The authority of the Court to resolve issues regarding legislative districts (correct)

How has the role of the federal government in interstate commerce changed?

It has been greatly expanded through the interpretation of the interstate commerce clause (correct)

It now only regulates transactions involving out-of-state companies

It has remained static since the founding of the nation

It has been limited exclusively to transportation issues

What action did Shaw v Reno prohibit state legislatures from taking?

Drawing legislative districts based solely on race Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions represents an example of 'pork barreling' by a congressional representative?

Securing funding for local infrastructure projects Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a limitation of the federal government's role in regulating interstate commerce?

It cannot regulate purely local activities that affect trade Signup and view all the answers

What requirement regarding district drawing was upheld by the Supreme Court in Baker v Carr?

Districts must be of equal population size Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects the power of Congress over the federal judiciary?

Congress can revise laws based on Supreme Court interpretations Signup and view all the answers

What typically happens to most bills introduced in the House and the Senate?

Passed by one chamber but not the other Signup and view all the answers

What authority does the Rules Committee in the House of Representatives primarily have?

Place a bill on the legislative calendar, limit time for debate, & determine the type of amendments allowed Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reason incumbents in the House enjoy an electoral advantage?

Always receive substantial financial support from their party's national committee Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately compares the House of Representatives and the Senate?

House operates on a rigid, rules-based system; Senate is not bound by strict rules Signup and view all the answers

Who holds the role that involves maintaining order and presiding over floor action in the House?

Speaker of the House Signup and view all the answers

In the Senate, who is responsible for organizing votes on the floor?

Majority Whip Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered the most powerful member of the Senate?

Majority Leader Signup and view all the answers

Which power does Congress use to approve presidential nominees?

The power to ratify treaties Signup and view all the answers

Which individual is NOT part of Tennessee’s Congressional delegation?

Governor Bill Lee Signup and view all the answers

What describes congressional standing committees?

Permanent committees based on subject matter Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about gerrymandering is NOT accurate?

Drawing districts based on race is allowable Signup and view all the answers

Members of Congress adopting the delegate role typically vote based on which criterion?

Preferences of the majority of constituents Signup and view all the answers

Which act allowed Congress to regain control over powers lost to the executive branch?

The Budget & Impoundment Control Act Signup and view all the answers

What is the most accurate statement about incumbency based on the provided graphs?

Incumbents have very different chances of reelection in different chambers Signup and view all the answers

How might federal term limits impact the makeup of Congress?

More open seat elections without term limits Signup and view all the answers

What requirement does the War Powers Resolution impose on the President?

To notify Congress within 48 hours of military deployment Signup and view all the answers

Which statement might a critic of term limits make?

Representatives need experience to serve effectively Signup and view all the answers

Why is the committee system more significant in the House of Representatives compared to the Senate?

The House operates under stricter rules that necessitate committee involvement Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about Congressional member caucuses is most accurate?

Influential interest groups within Congress Signup and view all the answers

How does 'pork barrel' legislation benefit a member of Congress?

It allows them to claim credit for local projects Signup and view all the answers

What formal tool does Congress use for oversight of the bureaucracy?

The review of agency budgets Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument likely presented by a cartoonist regarding Congress?

Partisan divisions hinder legislative progress Signup and view all the answers

Which groups form an 'iron triangle'?

Executive department, Congressional committee, interest group Signup and view all the answers

Who determines the boundaries of congressional districts in the United States?

State legislatures Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of the filibuster and cloture in legislative practice?

Filibuster allows a debate to continue indefinitely, cloture ends it Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes voting behavior based on data trends?

Incumbents in the House tend to face less electoral turnover than those in the Senate Signup and view all the answers

Which constitutional clause is pivotal in debates about federal power?

The Necessary and Proper Clause Signup and view all the answers

In which setting are the details of legislation primarily developed?

During committee meetings Signup and view all the answers

How can a bill become a law without the president’s signature?

Congress can override the veto with a 2/3 vote in both houses Signup and view all the answers

What is a good example of congressional casework?

Helping a constituent negotiate the benefits process with the Veterans Administration Signup and view all the answers

What concept describes legislators making policy decisions based on their best judgment for the public good, as advocated by Edmund Burke?

Trustees Signup and view all the answers

What does Congress's oversight failure regarding the banking industry suggest?

Oversight Signup and view all the answers

Why might incumbents want to deemphasize their policy positions during a reelection campaign?

If their previous support for that policy aligns them with a president who is polling low among Americans Signup and view all the answers

What role do interest groups primarily play in the political landscape?

Interest groups advocate for controversial issues and influence policy-making Signup and view all the answers

What might be a consequence of more lobbyists being elected to Congress?

Potential conflicts of interest in policymaking Signup and view all the answers

What does 'jurisdiction fragmentation' refer to in the context of Congress?

The division of legislative responsibilities among different committees Signup and view all the answers

What is likely a characteristic of the diverse interests Congressmen represent?

A mix of local and national concerns Signup and view all the answers

What is congressional oversight primarily concerned with?

Supervising executive agencies Signup and view all the answers

What is the practice of a legislator voting for a colleague’s bill with the expectation of reciprocal support known as?

Logrolling Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a significant power of the House of Representatives?

To originate revenue bills Signup and view all the answers

What situation likely necessitated the statement made by Mr. Brady regarding the conference committee?

A bill passed with amendments not approved by the Senate Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely outcome for the bill discussed in the context of past conference committee actions?

A compromise that leads to congressional approval and presidential signing Signup and view all the answers

In the House of Representatives, what does a 'closed rule' for debate mean?

No amendments can be proposed at all Signup and view all the answers

The primary focus of Federalist 10 is to argue for what aspect of the new government?

The importance of factions Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly reflects a power of the Senate regarding debate?

Senators may yield their time freely to others Signup and view all the answers

What is a common criticism of the conference committee process?

It lacks transparency and results are pre-determined Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when a bill is described as being in a 'conference committee'?

Negotiations are occurring between House and Senate members Signup and view all the answers

What role does the House Rules Committee play in regard to bills?

It sets the terms for debate and amendments Signup and view all the answers

Which action is NOT typically associated with congressional oversight?

Confirming presidential appointments Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'logrolling' imply in the context of legislative activities?

Trading votes among legislators for mutual support Signup and view all the answers

What is the chief responsibility of members of the House of Representatives?

To represent the concerns of their constituents Signup and view all the answers

How does a bill typically progress after being approved by the conference committee?

It faces additional voting in both chambers Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Congressional Influence and Powers

Congress can influence the federal judiciary by changing the appellate jurisdiction of federal courts.
Congress cannot prohibit judicial activism, filibuster court decisions, or review federal judges for reappointment every ten years.

Baker v Carr (1962)

The Supreme Court, in Baker v. Carr (1962), asserted its power to hear cases regarding legislative district drawing, rather than leaving these issues exclusively to the states.

Interstate Commerce Clause

The federal government's role in regulating interstate commerce has significantly expanded, as interpreted by the courts.

Shaw v Reno

Shaw v. Reno restricted state legislatures from drawing legislative districts solely based on race.

Pork Barreling

"Pork barreling" refers to directing federal funds into a representative's district through legislation.

Congressional Oversight

Congressional oversight involves Congress's supervision and control over executive agencies.

Logrolling

Logrolling is a practice where legislators trade votes for mutual benefit.

House Powers

The House of Representatives has the power to originate bills for raising revenues.

Conference Committees

Conference committees are formed when the House and Senate pass different versions of a bill. The goal is to reconcile the differences through compromises.
This is a necessary step for a bill to be sent to the President.
If past conferences are any indication, the final deal will likely be cut by Republicans in closed-door meetings

House Rules Committee

The House Rules Committee plays a vital role in shaping the proceedings of the House, controlling the legislative calendar, debate time, and permissible amendments for a bill.

Debate in the House

A "closed rule" in the House of Representatives restricts amendments during debate, typically on a bill.

Federalist 10

Federalist 10 argues for the need for a strong representative body to control factions in government

Senate Powers

The Senate holds the power to confirm presidential nominees, ratify treaties, and filibuster legislation.

Congressional Committees

Standing committees are permanent subject-matter committees in Congress.

Representative Roles

Delegates in Congress base votes on the preferences of their constituents.

Congressional Power Regaining

The Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 is an example of Congress regaining powers previously held by the executive branch.

War Powers Resolution

The War Powers Resolution requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours of troop deployments.

House vs Senate

The House's committee system is more significant due to the House's size, necessitating extensive committee work.

Incumbency Advantage

Incumbents in the House often have an easier time securing campaign funding and recognition, which is beneficial for re-election.

Congressional Divisions: House & Senate

The House and Senate represent different constituencies (broad vs homogeneous), operate under different rules, and consider state concerns differently

Congressional Leadership

The Speaker of the House presides over the House and directs its proceedings, also affecting his/her party's agenda.
The Senate Majority Leader is the most influential member in the Senate.

Congressional Delegation

Tennessee's Congressional delegation includes members of both Houses. (The given text does not include other details.)

Gerrymandering

Gerrymandering is the practice of drawing electoral districts to benefit a specific party or group, often resulting in the creation of "safe seats" while also influencing the proportion of voters of different viewpoints.

Incumbency and Congressional Elections

Incumbents have a noticeable advantage in the House compared to senators when it comes to winning reelection (indicated by the difference in election rates).

Term Limits

Term limits in Congress could result in fewer experienced representatives with institutional knowledge replacing them.

Congressional Caucuses

Congressional caucuses are groups of legislators who share common interests or political affiliations, impacting the shaping of legislation.

Lobbyists and Interest Groups

Cartoon suggests the possible overwhelming impact that interest groups can have on policymaking within Congress.

Presidential Veto Override

Congress can override a presidential veto with a 2/3 vote in both the House and Senate

Casework

Congressional casework includes assisting with processes like constituent benefits.

Representative Models

The trustee model posits that legislators should exercise their best judgment rather than strictly adhering to constituent preferences.

Congressional Oversight Failure

Congressional failure to monitor and regulate agencies may have contributed to issues that led to the 2008-2009 recession.

Incumbent Strategy

Incumbents sometimes deemphasize policy details during reelection campaigns to avoid alienating or confusing voters.

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Description

Explore the various powers and influences of Congress, including landmark Supreme Court cases like Baker v. Carr and Shaw v. Reno. This quiz covers key concepts such as congressional oversight, the Interstate Commerce Clause, and the implications of pork barreling in legislative processes.