PSCI 1040 Chapter 3 - Legislative Branch

Questions and Answers

Explain the difference between the trustee and delegate models of representation.

The trustee model places the burden of policy making on elected representatives to ascertain what is best for their constituents, while the delegate model relies more heavily on responding to what constituents say they want from government.

Identify at least one cost and one benefit of both the trustee and delegate models.

Trustee model allows for informed decision-making.

Delegate model is always effective.

Delegate model ensures true democratic responsiveness. (correct)

Trustee model may misconstrue public opinion. (correct)

It is true that people typically have a more favorable opinion of their individual representative than Congress as a whole.

True

Which British political theorist is most associated with the notion of the trustee style of representation?

Edmund Burke Signup and view all the answers

Which form of representation is closest to direct democracy?

The delegate model of representation Signup and view all the answers

Which form of representation would probably be most effective at ensuring that the long-term best interests of the whole country are reflected in government policy?

Trustee representation Signup and view all the answers

In a fast-moving international crisis where there is little time to act, which would probably be the best model of representation?

The trustee model of representation Signup and view all the answers

When does the Texas Legislature meet?

The Texas Legislature meets for 140 days every other year. Signup and view all the answers

Who is arguably the most powerful official in the Texas Legislature?

The lieutenant governor Signup and view all the answers

Because the Texas Legislature has an unusual meeting schedule, what must happen for bills to have any chance of passage?

Bills must be introduced early in the legislative session. Signup and view all the answers

What type of committee is charged with reconciling the differences between two versions of the same bill?

The conference committee Signup and view all the answers

Who is elected by all the voters of Texas?

The lieutenant governor Signup and view all the answers

Identify three similarities that the Texas Legislature shares with the U.S. Congress.

Both have a larger House than Senate, both have shorter terms for the House than the Senate, both have directly elected members. Signup and view all the answers

Identify three ways in which the Texas Legislature is different from the U.S. Congress.

The Texas Legislature is nonprofessional, has fewer appointment powers, and has shorter terms for Senators. Signup and view all the answers

What sort of powers does a state senator (in Texas) have to block a bill?

Attempt to amend it and make it less favorable to supporters, filibuster it. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Representation Models

Trustee Model: Elected representatives make policy decisions based on their judgment about what is best for constituents.
Delegate Model: Representatives prioritize constituent opinions and desires, effectively acting on their behalf.
Trustee model benefits include informed action on public issues; however, it risks misinterpreting public opinion.
Delegate model ensures democratic responsiveness, but faces challenges due to public disengagement with politics.

Public Perception of Congress

Individuals generally hold a more favorable opinion of their personal representative compared to Congress as an institution.

Key Theorist

Edmund Burke: Noted for his association with the trustee style of representation.

Comparative Representation

Direct Democracy: The delegate model closely aligns with principles of direct democracy.
Long-term Interests: Trustee representation is likely to better reflect the long-term interests of the nation in policymaking.
Crisis Management: In urgent international crises, the trustee model is often more effective due to quicker decision-making capabilities.

Texas Legislature Insights

Meeting Schedule: The Texas Legislature convenes for 140 days biennially.
Power Structure: The lieutenant governor is considered the most influential official within the Texas Legislature.
Bill Passage: Early introduction of bills is essential for passage due to the legislature's limited meeting schedule.

Legislative Processes

Conference Committee: This committee reconciles differences between two versions of the same bill to facilitate agreement.

Elections and Voter Impact

The lieutenant governor is elected by the entire voting population of Texas.

Similarities with U.S. Congress

Both Texas Legislature and U.S. Congress have a larger House compared to the Senate.
House members serve shorter terms than Senate members in both legislatures.
Both bodies include a Senate that plays a significant advisory role, particularly in appointment approvals, and both feature directly elected representatives without term limits.

Differences from U.S. Congress

The Texas Legislature meets every two years, in contrast to the U.S. Congress, which meets annually.
Fewer appointment powers in the Texas Senate, since many state judicial and executive roles are elected rather than appointed.
Texas Senators serve four-year terms, unlike U.S. Senators, who serve six-year terms.
The overall size of the Texas Legislature is smaller than that of Congress.

Legislative Strategies

Powers available to Texas state senators to impede bill passage include amending bills to dilute support and utilizing filibusters during legislative sessions.

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Description

Test your understanding of the key concepts discussed in Chapter 3 of PSCI 1040, focusing on the Legislative Branch. This quiz covers important models of representation, including the trustee and delegate models. Prepare to enhance your knowledge of governmental structures and their functions.