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.
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?
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Which form of representation is closest to direct democracy?
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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?
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In a fast-moving international crisis where there is little time to act, which would probably be the best model of representation?
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When does the Texas Legislature meet?
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Who is arguably the most powerful official in the Texas Legislature?
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Because the Texas Legislature has an unusual meeting schedule, what must happen for bills to have any chance of passage?
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What type of committee is charged with reconciling the differences between two versions of the same bill?
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Who is elected by all the voters of Texas?
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Identify three similarities that the Texas Legislature shares with the U.S. Congress.
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Identify three ways in which the Texas Legislature is different from the U.S. Congress.
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What sort of powers does a state senator (in Texas) have to block a bill?
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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.