POLS 3314: Chapter 1 on US Congress

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Questions and Answers

What was a primary concern of the Framers in designing the structure of the United States Congress?

Creating a system where states retained ultimate sovereignty.

Preventing the concentration of unchecked authority in one branch. (correct)

Establishing a powerful executive branch to lead the nation.

Ensuring efficient and rapid lawmaking processes.

The 'necessary and proper' clause, also known as the 'elastic' clause, grants Congress significant implied powers. How have courts generally interpreted this clause?

With strict limitations, restricting Congress only to powers explicitly listed in Article I, Section 8.

Narrowly, allowing Congress to act only when absolutely essential and in national emergencies.

Deferentially, acknowledging and respecting the broad scope of Congressional power. (correct)

Ambiguously, leading to frequent conflicts and uncertainty about the extent of Congressional authority.

Which congressional power is most directly related to its role as a check on the executive branch's independence?

The power to declare war and raise armies.

The power to regulate interstate commerce.

The power to impeach and remove federal officials.

The power of the purse, specifically appropriation and budgeting. (correct)

What is the primary focus of Congress's oversight function?

Monitoring and supervising the activities of the executive branch. Signup and view all the answers

Impeachment represents the most extreme form of congressional oversight. What does impeachment primarily involve?

The formal accusation of wrongdoing against federal officials, potentially leading to removal. Signup and view all the answers

Historically, since the founding of the United States, what has been Congress's role in policymaking?

The principal actor, taking the lead in shaping and creating policy. Signup and view all the answers

Contemporary analysis suggests that Congress's relationship with other political actors is constantly evolving. What is one significant characteristic of today's Congress compared to previous eras?

Increased party polarization and stronger partisan divisions. Signup and view all the answers

The study of Congress is recognized as a subfield within which academic discipline?

Political Science. Signup and view all the answers

What is identified as the primary imperative for Congress, both as an institution and for individual lawmakers?

Representing constituents within a system of separated powers to govern the nation. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of congressional representation, what is the core belief of the delegate model?

Representatives should strictly adhere to the expressed preferences of their constituents when acting and voting. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, who are considered 'constituents' in the context of congressional representation?

The people who geographically reside within the area represented by a member of Congress. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary justification for representative democracy as highlighted in Federalist 10?

Representatives chosen by the people are more likely to advance the public good. Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental purpose of separation of powers and checks and balances in the context of Congress?

To prevent any single branch of government from becoming too powerful. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the trustee model of representation?

Representatives make decisions based on their own judgment about what is best for their constituents. Signup and view all the answers

Considering the historical context implied by 'The Federalist 10', how might the concept of 'public good' be interpreted differently in contemporary Congress compared to the era of the founding fathers?

In the modern era, 'public good' is more likely to be shaped by diverse societal values and needs compared to the likely more homogenous view during the founding era. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT explicitly stated as a core democratic principle defining Congress in the provided text?

Judicial Review Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 1: Representing and Governing in a Separated System

This chapter discusses the US Congress
The book's authors are E. Scott Adler, Jeffery A. Jenkins, and Charles R. Shipan
The professor's name is Dr. Bianca Easterly
The course is POLS 3314 – Legislative Process
The main focus is on the core democratic principles of representation, separation of powers, and governing, as they relate to the US Congress.

Chapter Objectives

Explain core democratic principles defining Congress (representation, separation of powers, governing)
Identify key concepts emerging from congressional history
Compare modern and historical Congresses
Explain how political scientists study Congress

Congress and the Core Democratic Principles

The primary function of Congress is representing constituents and governing the nation
Lawmaking—passing laws, is a key function of Congress
Appropriating funds is essential for governing effectively
Oversight is the responsibility of Congress to monitor the executive branch.

Representation

Members of Congress can view their roles as delegates or trustees.
The delegate model emphasizes representing constituents' views
The trustee model emphasizes representatives acting in what they believe is best for constituents
Constituents are the people who support members of Congress geographically.
Representatives are chosen by the people, making them more responsive to the public good.

Separation of Powers

Separation of powers is a key concept to limit any branch's power
Checks and balances are also in place to prevent the concentration of power
Separation aims to limit unchecked authority and to ensure various constituencies are represented.
Authority is derived from diverse constituencies, requiring compromise and negotiation
Variation in term limits exists between branches to prevent excessive power accumulation.

Governing

Lawmaking was a primary concern for the Framers.
Congress has power to tax, spend, regulate commerce, and create necessary and proper laws.
Congress has considerable power regarding the budget (appropriations)
Oversight and the ability to impeach serve important controls on the executive branch.

Congress and American Politics Throughout History

Key insights emerge from congressional history, helping build a representative democracy
Congress is the primary policymaker in the US since the founding of the country.

This is Not Your Grandparents' Congress

Modern Congress differs considerably from its past (textbook portrayal)
Relationships with other actors are changing
Parties being more polarized than ever
The changing dynamic of the Congress

How Do We Know What We Know About Congress?

Congressional research is a subject of political science
Scholarly works are used to examine its operations and policies.
The research explains the behind-the-scenes workings and political aspects beyond Capitol Hill

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Description

This quiz covers Chapter 1 of POLS 3314, focusing on the representation and governing functions of the US Congress. Key themes include core democratic principles, historical comparisons, and the study of congressional operations. Assess your understanding of how Congress embodies separation of powers and represents constituents.