Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the main reason for women's underrepresentation in Congress?
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?
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?
Which of the following is most likely to hurt an incumbent legislator's chances for reelection?
When redrawing state district lines, the state party in the majority is likely to ________.
When redrawing state district lines, the state party in the majority is likely to ________.
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What would be the benefit of imposing term limits on Congress members?
What would be the benefit of imposing term limits on Congress members?
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Why may the filibuster be considered undemocratic?
Why may the filibuster be considered undemocratic?
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When the House and the Senate pass different versions of a bill, these versions are to be reconciled by which type of committee?
When the House and the Senate pass different versions of a bill, these versions are to be reconciled by which type of committee?
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Committee oversight of the executive branch _____
Committee oversight of the executive branch _____
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Which of the following describes a noteworthy development in Congress in the past 20 years?
Which of the following describes a noteworthy development in Congress in the past 20 years?
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Why are caucuses important to party alignment in Congress?
Why are caucuses important to party alignment in Congress?
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The long series of decision points in the lawmaking process _______________.
The long series of decision points in the lawmaking process _______________.
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Party politics have become more polarized over the last three decades. What accounts for this shift?
Party politics have become more polarized over the last three decades. What accounts for this shift?
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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?
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?
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Why are constituents in smaller states better represented in Congress than constituents in big states?
Why are constituents in smaller states better represented in Congress than constituents in big states?
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Some say the responsive nature of Congress's work predisposes it to increase the size of government. How can this be explained?
Some say the responsive nature of Congress's work predisposes it to increase the size of government. How can this be explained?
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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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
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.
