Government Chapter 11 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the main reason for women's underrepresentation in Congress?

Fewer women than men become major party nominees for office.

What historical evidence is there to support the belief that members of Congress who are from predominantly wealthier and more advantaged backgrounds can effectively represent their constituents from less advantaged backgrounds?

Historically, there were many white members of Congress who fought against slavery and segregation.

Which of the following is most likely to hurt an incumbent legislator's chances for reelection?

The incumbent undergoes a scandalous and public divorce. (correct)

The incumbent has high approval ratings.

The incumbent is a minority member of Congress.

The incumbent has strong party support.

When redrawing state district lines, the state party in the majority is likely to ________.

move two of the opposition party's representatives into a single district. Signup and view all the answers

What would be the benefit of imposing term limits on Congress members?

It would make members less insulated from social and political change in their jurisdictions. Signup and view all the answers

Why may the filibuster be considered undemocratic?

It is used by the minority to defeat the majority. Signup and view all the answers

When the House and the Senate pass different versions of a bill, these versions are to be reconciled by which type of committee?

Conference committee Signup and view all the answers

Committee oversight of the executive branch _____

is mostly reactive to problems. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a noteworthy development in Congress in the past 20 years?

The increased importance of the House leadership. Signup and view all the answers

Why are caucuses important to party alignment in Congress?

Party caucuses provide opportunities to align interests of members in both houses to build support for legislation and lobby for hearings for particular bills. Signup and view all the answers

The long series of decision points in the lawmaking process _______________.

favors the status quo. Signup and view all the answers

Party politics have become more polarized over the last three decades. What accounts for this shift?

Preferences, behavior, and distribution of congressional voters have changed. Signup and view all the answers

The politico model of representation holds that representatives can alternately fulfill the role of trustee or delegate depending on the issue. Which of the following is an example of this model?

A senator who follows his own judgment on a matter that does not attract much public interest, but mirrors his constituents' views on an issue of major public concern. Signup and view all the answers

Why are constituents in smaller states better represented in Congress than constituents in big states?

Senate seats are equally divided among the states. Signup and view all the answers

Some say the responsive nature of Congress's work predisposes it to increase the size of government. How can this be explained?

Congress responds to many different interests and influences, and expanding government services helps members get reelected. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Women's Representation in Congress

Underrepresentation of women in Congress largely stems from fewer major party nominations for office compared to men.

Historical Context of Representation

Historically, white members of Congress, even from wealthy backgrounds, have effectively represented less advantaged constituents by opposing slavery and segregation.

Incumbent Reelection Challenges

Incumbent legislators face serious reelection risks if they undergo public scandals, such as a contentious divorce.

Redistricting Tactics

When redrawing district lines, majority state parties may consolidate opposition party representatives into a single district to weaken their influence.

Term Limits Impact

Implementing term limits for Congress members could decrease their detachment from current social and political dynamics within their jurisdictions.

Filibuster Critique

The use of filibusters by minority parties to obstruct majority decisions raises concerns about democratic fairness.

Reconciliation of Legislative Versions

Discrepancies between House and Senate versions of a bill are reconciled by a conference committee.

Committee Oversight Function

Congressional oversight of the executive branch tends to be reactive, addressing issues as they arise rather than proactive.

Changes in Congressional Dynamics

Over the last two decades, the role and significance of House leadership within Congress have notably increased.

Importance of Party Caucuses

Caucuses are essential for aligning the interests of congressional members across both houses, helping to garner support for legislation and advocate for specific bills.

Lawmaking Process and Status Quo

The intricate lawmaking process has many decision points that typically favor maintaining the status quo.

Polarization of Party Politics

Increased polarization in party politics over the last thirty years is attributed to changes in voter preferences, behavior, and congressional demographics.

Politico Model of Representation

The politico model indicates that representatives adapt their approach, acting as delegates on high-stakes issues while exercising their judgment on less public matters.

Representation in Smaller States

Constituents in smaller states enjoy better representation in Congress due to the equal distribution of Senate seats among states.

Congress and Government Expansion

Congress's responsiveness to varied interests and its influence leads to expanding government services, which can aid members in gaining reelection.

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Description

Explore key concepts from Chapter 11 of Government through these flashcards. Test your knowledge on topics such as women's representation in Congress and the effectiveness of wealthier representatives. Perfect for students looking to review important ideas.