Political Science: Incumbency Effect Quiz

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Questions and Answers

How does gerrymandering contribute to the incumbency effect?

Apportioning districts to benefit a candidate already in office can help that candidate to be re-elected.

How do campaign donations contribute to the incumbency effect?

Donors want to give money to people who can win. Incumbents have already won, so they are more likely to get campaign donations.

How does franking privilege contribute to the incumbency effect?

The franking privilege allows incumbents to send mail for free, enabling them to campaign via mail without cost.

How does casework/constituents contribute to the incumbency effect?

Incumbents have the ability to act more in Congress and gain trust by providing personal service in the form of casework. Signup and view all the answers

How does the sophomore surge contribute to the incumbency effect?

The sophomore surge makes members of Congress more likely to be elected in their first time running for re-election. Signup and view all the answers

What are earmarks?

Special spending projects set aside for individual members of Congress for their constituents. Signup and view all the answers

What are riders?

Provisions added to bills that have nothing to do with the substance of legislation. Signup and view all the answers

What is pork barreling?

Appropriations made for local projects that often are not needed but aim to benefit local representatives. Signup and view all the answers

What is logrolling?

A practice where legislators make reciprocal agreements, usually in voting for or against a bill. Signup and view all the answers

What role do political parties play in terms of leadership roles?

The majority party chooses the Speaker, benefiting the majority party. Signup and view all the answers

What are the organizational differences between the House and the Senate?

The House has 438 members with 2-year terms; the Senate has 100 members with 6-year terms. Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of how a bill becomes a law?

It is introduced, then goes to committee, then to floor debate, then to the other chamber, then to the president. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Standing Committee?

A permanent legislative committee that considers legislation within its designated subject area. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Sub Committee?

A subdivision of a congressional committee that considers specific matters and reports back. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Senate Judiciary Committee?

This committee conducts hearings prior to Senate votes on confirmation of federal judges. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Appropriations Committee?

The committee dedicated to providing and regulating funds for the government. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Ways and Means Committee?

This committee creates revenue bills and is exclusive to the House. Signup and view all the answers

How do offices like the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) assist in the legislative process?

They draft bills, help constituents, and analyze the economic impact of federal programs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Speaker of the House?

Elected by the majority party, assigns Congressmen to committees and influences debates. Signup and view all the answers

What is Gatekeeping authority?

The right and power to decide if a policy will be considered. Signup and view all the answers

What is after the fact oversight authority?

The authority to follow up on the fate of a proposal once it has been approved by the full chamber. Signup and view all the answers

What does Congress have the power to do beyond passing laws?

Gives advice and consent to treaties, tries impeachment, and has gatekeeping authority. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the President in the legislative process?

The President can veto, sign, or let a bill sit; if it sits for more than 10 days, it may pass or be vetoed. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Gerrymandering and Incumbency Effect

Gerrymandering apportionments enhance re-election prospects for incumbents by creating favorable district boundaries.

Campaign Donations and Incumbency Effect

Incumbents attract more campaign donations as donors favor candidates who have previously won elections.

Franking Privilege

The franking privilege allows Congress members to send mail without postage, aiding incumbents in their campaign efforts through free communication.

Casework and Constituents

Incumbents build trust and loyalty among constituents by providing personal services through casework, strengthening their electoral support.

Sophomore Surge

New incumbents often experience a surge in electoral support due to voter approval of their prior actions.

Earmarks

Special spending projects designated for individual members of Congress, often unnecessary, function as political tools for garnering local support.

Riders

Amendments added to legislation that are unrelated to the bill's main purpose, often included to gain support for a bill.

Pork Barrelling

Legislative appropriations for local projects that serve political interests more than community needs, enhancing re-election for local representatives.

Logrolling

A practice where legislators agree to reciprocate support for each other’s legislation, fostering bipartisan cooperation based on mutual benefit.

Political Parties and Leadership Roles

The majority party in Congress selects the Speaker, consolidating power and control over legislative priorities.

Political Parties and Committees

Majority party dominance extends to committees, influencing legislative outcomes through majority control and appointment of committee chairs.

Political Parties and Bill Sponsorship

Party unity among Congress members fosters collaboration, steering votes toward legislation that benefits the party's interests.

Divided Government Impact

A divided government can complicate bill passage, as differing party control between Congress and the presidency may lead to vetoes or stalled legislation.

Organizational Differences: House vs. Senate

The House consists of 438 members with 2-year terms; the Senate has 100 members serving 6-year terms.

Enumerated Powers of Congress

Congress holds various powers including taxation, regulation of commerce, coining money, declaring war, and making necessary laws.

Forbidden Powers of Congress

Congress cannot suspend habeas corpus, pass ex post facto laws, grant titles of nobility, or favor one state's commerce over another.

Legislative Powers Over Judiciary

Congress can influence the judicial system by changing its size, proposing amendments, rejecting nominees, and controlling appropriations.

Legislative Powers Over Executive

Congress can override presidential vetoes, impeach the president, and investigate executive actions, while the Senate has approval authority for appointments and treaties.

Executive Powers Over Legislative

The president can veto laws, convene Congress in special sessions, and interprets laws enacted by Congress.

Judicial Powers Over Legislative

Courts may declare laws unconstitutional, maintaining checks on legislative actions.

Bill Passage Process

A bill undergoes multiple stages including committee review, debates, and approvals in both chambers, culminating in presidential action.

Standing Committee

Permanent committees in Congress that handle legislation related to specific subject areas.

Sub Committee

Divisions within congressional committees focusing on specific issues, reporting back to the main committee.

Joint Committee

Comprising members from both chambers, joint committees assess major policy issues rather than legislative proposals.

Select Committee

Temporary committees established for special purposes, such as investigations or focused studies.

Conference Committees

Committees formed to reconcile differing versions of a bill passed by both the House and Senate.

Rules Committee

A House committee that determines floor debate rules for legislation, impacting legislative procedures.

Appropriations Committee

This committee regulates and allocates government funds, playing a crucial role in financial legislation.

Senate Judiciary Committee

Oversees the confirmation process for federal judges nominated by the president, including Supreme Court justices.

Ways and Means Committee

A House committee responsible for crafting revenue bills, members cannot serve on other committees.

Additional Congressional Powers

Congress also provides advice on treaties, handles impeachment trials, exercises gatekeeping authority, and conducts oversight.

Gatekeeping Authority

The power to determine whether specific policies will be considered within Congress.

After the Fact Oversight Authority

Post-approval review of proposals to track their progress and overseeing implementation.

Congressional Support Offices

Agencies like the CBO and GAO assist with drafting, investigating, and evaluating legislation and federal spending.

Speaker of the House

Elected by the majority party to influence debate and committee assignments, holds significant agenda-setting power.

Majority Leader

Chosen for popularity, assists in legislative scheduling and committee assignments, and leads debates.

Minority Leader

Represents the minority party’s interests in the House and collaborates with majority leaders on agendas.

Party Whips

Assist the Speaker by counting votes and ensuring party members align with party positions.

President of the Senate

Oversees Senate proceedings, including breaking ties in votes.

President Pro Tempore

The longest-serving member of the Senate, presides when the Vice President is unavailable.

Role of the US President in Legislation

The President's actions on bills include signing, vetoing, or allowing a bill to pass without signature, leading to potential pocket vetoes.

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Description

This quiz explores the concepts surrounding the incumbency effect in politics, including gerrymandering, campaign donations, and the franking privilege. Test your knowledge on how these factors influence electoral support for incumbents and their strategies to maintain office. Dive into political mechanisms that shape election outcomes!