Chapter 11
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Questions and Answers

What was the main reason for convening the Constitutional Convention of 1787?

  • To establish a monarchy.
  • To revise the Articles of Confederation. (correct)
  • To expand the powers of individual states.
  • To create a bill of rights.

    • What does bicameralism refer to in the context of Congress?

  • A two-chamber legislature. (correct)
  • A legislative body with no chambers.
  • A federal system of government.
  • A single-chamber legislature.

    • What historical event highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

  • Shays' Rebellion. (correct)
  • The drafting of the Federalist Papers.
  • The signing of the Declaration of Independence.
  • The Boston Tea Party.

    • What goal did the framers of the Constitution seek to achieve with bicameralism?

    <p>To balance the interests of populous and less populous states.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of powers are specifically granted to Congress?

    <p>Legislative, executive, and judicial powers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Articles of Confederation impact state relations?

    <p>They led to frequent interstate confrontations and trade battles.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which state did not send delegates to the Constitutional Convention?

    <p>Rhode Island</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a key outcome of the Constitutional Convention?

    <p>The establishment of a bicameral legislature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main reason Congress did not reapportion House membership after the 1920 census?

    <p>Deadlock on the issue within Congress</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many members are currently in the House of Representatives?

    <p>435</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following states has only one representative in Congress?

    <p>Vermont</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was George Washington's advocated ratio of citizens per congressional member for effective representation?

    <p>30,000</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do residents of Washington, D.C. not have voting representation in Congress?

    <p>They only have a non-voting delegate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concept refers to the manipulation of legislative district boundaries to favor a particular candidate?

    <p>Gerrymandering</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group was represented by counting enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person?

    <p>Southern slaveholding states</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major legislation helped to remove barriers to voter registration for African Americans in 1965?

    <p>Voting Rights Act</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one consequence of creating majority-minority districts?

    <p>Enhancement of minority electoral power</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What legal challenge can arise from gerrymandering efforts that dilute racial minorities' votes?

    <p>Voting Rights Act challenges</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which state is mentioned as having 'safe seats' for Democrats due to gerrymandering?

    <p>Maryland</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the boundaries of legislative districts every ten years?

    <p>They are redrawn based on population changes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the average number of citizens in a congressional district currently topping?

    <p>700,000</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The term 'gerrymandering' is derived from which historical figure?

    <p>Elbridge Gerry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one proposal made by Virginia’s delegates regarding legislative representation?

    <p>A bicameral Congress with representation based on population</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which proposal was put forward by smaller states like New Jersey?

    <p>A single-chamber Congress with equal representation for all states</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did the Connecticut Compromise propose?

    <p>A bicameral Congress with different representation in each house</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the minimum age requirement to serve in the House of Representatives?

    <p>25 years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many members are there in the U.S. Senate?

    <p>100</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What legislative power is granted to Congress based on Article I?

    <p>The power to levy taxes and borrow money</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was established as a result of the framers' intentions for different representative memberships?

    <p>The two houses would pass identical bills</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the impact of the bicameral legislative system on the legislative process?

    <p>It created a challenge for legislation to become law</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which amendment changed the way senators were elected?

    <p>Seventeenth Amendment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term length for a member of the House of Representatives?

    <p>2 years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What triggered the need for a new legislative structure in the United States?

    <p>Failures of the Articles of Confederation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is congressional apportionment achieved today?

    <p>Using the equal proportions method</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was designed to ensure large-scale reform is difficult to achieve?

    <p>The bicameral legislative system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do the names of the houses in the UK Parliament reflect?

    <p>Different types of representation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What ensures that no single faction can easily dominate legislation in Congress?

    <p>The bicameral structure and difficult legislative process</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What powers are considered essential for any functioning government that the framers did not spell out?

    <p>The power to control borders and defend against internal revolutions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which clause in Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to regulate commerce?

    <p>The commerce clause</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what era did the Supreme Court first narrow its interpretation of the commerce clause during the 20th century?

    <p>The Great Depression</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the outcome of United States v. Lopez in 1995?

    <p>It struck down a law as unconstitutional under the commerce clause</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why did President Abraham Lincoln stretch the bounds of his legal authority during the Civil War?

    <p>To ensure swift military action</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one major consequence of the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act in 2012?

    <p>It reinforced the commerce clause as a basis for regulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What resulted from the struggles for power between Congress and the presidency historically?

    <p>Congress delegating authority to the president</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The Twenty-Second Amendment limits a president to how many terms in office?

    <p>Two full terms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which major conflict did President Franklin D. Roosevelt increase presidential power significantly?

    <p>World War II</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What issue arose regarding the commerce clause in the 1960s?

    <p>The rollback of racial segregation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What contributes to the executive branch being seen as a more efficient governmental machine than Congress?

    <p>Its hierarchical structure with the president at the top</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect did the Cold War have on the power dynamics between the branches of government?

    <p>It enabled the presidency to heighten its authority, especially in foreign affairs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major decision by the Supreme Court in 2012 surprised many regarding the ACA?

    <p>It was upheld based on Congress's power to tax</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant impact of Marbury v. Madison on the balance of government power?

    <p>It established the Supreme Court's authority for judicial review</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the general trend in the Supreme Court's interpretation of the commerce clause from the 1930s to the 1970s?

    <p>Consistently broadened interpretations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action did President Harry Truman take regarding the military that bypassed Congress's authority?

    <p>He sent troops into battle without a declaration of war.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the intended effect of the War Powers Resolution?

    <p>To clarify and strengthen congressional war powers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary issue caused by racially gerrymandered congressional districts?

    <p>They reduce pressure on representatives to consider minority interests.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one fundamental difference between how members of the House and Senate are elected?

    <p>House members are elected every two years, whereas senators serve six-year terms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT considered an enumerated power of Congress?

    <p>Establishing interstate commerce regulations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the structure of Congress affect the behavior of its members?

    <p>House members face more frequent election pressures than senators.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by the 'power of the purse' in the context of Congress?

    <p>The ability to collect taxes and control spending</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic contributes to the House's tendency to be more partisan than the Senate?

    <p>House members' districts allow for stronger party loyalty.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the necessary and proper clause affect Congress's powers?

    <p>It provides a basis for Congress to create laws that support its enumerated powers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect has the War on Terrorism had on the balance of power between Congress and the presidency?

    <p>It has strengthened presidential authority in military matters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why was the Buffett Rule ultimately not passed in the Senate?

    <p>There was not enough support from the Senate to bring it to a vote.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following powers is classified as an inherent power of Congress?

    <p>Conducting foreign relations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major impact has the creation of majority-minority districts had on Congress?

    <p>Decreased enthusiasm for minority-specific issues among representatives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of the Senate's rules allowing individual members to delay or stop legislation?

    <p>It can lead to significant delays in passing major initiatives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has been a consistent trend in presidential foreign policy authority since the 1950s?

    <p>The presidency has largely assumed responsibility for creating foreign policy.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is true about implied powers of Congress?

    <p>They must be inferred from the enumerated powers.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What requirements must a candidate meet to serve as a U.S. Senator?

    <p>Must be a U.S. citizen for 9 years and at least 30 years old.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does Congress play in the impeachment process?

    <p>It formally accuses federal officials of wrongdoing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is the power to levy taxes considered crucial for Congress?

    <p>It enables other powers to be practically executed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has influenced the modern political campaign funding landscape in the U.S.?

    <p>Political campaigns have become increasingly expensive.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What demographic factors differentiate the membership of the House from the Senate?

    <p>Senators usually represent a broader age range than House members.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which power is exclusive to the Senate regarding presidential actions?

    <p>Final approval of nominations and treaties</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a direct consequence of Congress's attempt to assert itself as a coequal branch of government?

    <p>The power struggle between Congress and the president has intensified.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one significant long-term effect of majority-minority districts on Congressional representation?

    <p>Diminished attention to minority issues from other representatives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the major intentions behind the Federal Election Campaign Act passed in the early 1970s?

    <p>To create the Federal Election Commission and require financial disclosures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do the terms of office influence the electoral strategies of House and Senate members?

    <p>Senators can afford to ignore constituent concerns due to their longer terms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following powers ensures that Congress can monitor other branches of government?

    <p>Oversight powers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of campaign financing did the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act aim to limit?

    <p>Soft money contributions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are inherent powers significant for Congress?

    <p>They are necessary for the functionality of government.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significant outcome of the Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission?

    <p>It removed spending limits on corporations based on free speech rights</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What criticism has been levied against majority-minority districts?

    <p>They may create further polarization in politics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which constitutional section outlines the enumerated powers of Congress?

    <p>Article I, Section 8</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true regarding the role of super PACs?

    <p>Super PACs can raise and spend unlimited funds independently of a campaign</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What practice did the McCain-Feingold Act prohibit?

    <p>Coordination between candidates and PACs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How much may an individual contribute to a PAC per election cycle?

    <p>$5000</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant reform occurred in U.S. campaign finance just before the 2010 election cycle?

    <p>Unlimited spending by corporations was permitted</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a true statement regarding campaign contributions?

    <p>PACs created to support multiple candidates can contribute up to $5000 per candidate.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a primary concern raised due to the increased amount of money in politics?

    <p>It could lead to a corrupting influence in politics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of money is directly contributed to a candidate and heavily regulated?

    <p>Hard money</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What adjustment occurs with limits on individual campaign contributions every two years?

    <p>They are adjusted based on inflation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following measures was NOT included in the Federal Election Campaign Act?

    <p>Banning all contributions from corporations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did campaign financing practices change after the Citizens United ruling?

    <p>Unlimited corporate spending on ads and elections was allowed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of direct campaign contributions in congressional elections typically comes from individual donors?

    <p>Over 75%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary motivation behind the phrase 'All politics is local'?

    <p>Local concerns are the most significant drivers of voter decisions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the surge-and-decline theory propose about presidential and midterm elections?

    <p>Political stimulation is greater during presidential elections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which national event contributed to a significant shift in voting patterns in the 2006 and 2008 elections?

    <p>The Iraq War</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What trend has been observed in House and Senate elections since the 1980s?

    <p>Voters align party voting with presidential election preferences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the concept of collective representation refer to?

    <p>The collective interests of all constituents being represented.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How has the role of local issues in congressional elections changed over the decades?

    <p>They have become less relevant compared to national issues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the key influences on congressional approval ratings?

    <p>The economic performance of the country.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a consequence of the trend towards nationalization in congressional elections?

    <p>Voting patterns are more aligned with presidential elections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has been the impact of the Iraq War on voter behavior?

    <p>Motivation grew to vote for candidates promising to end the war.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one reason for the persistence of the midterm election pattern benefiting the president's opposition?

    <p>Decreased engagement from politically active voters.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a notable exception to the trend of midterm elections benefiting the president's opposition?

    <p>The 2002 election following 9/11.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What changed in the South's voting patterns since the 1960s?

    <p>Republicans began to dominate presidential elections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is most likely to sway voters during congressional elections?

    <p>Influential media representation of issues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is often referred to as the 'incumbency effect'?

    <p>The high rates of reelection for candidates currently in office</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do incumbents typically attract more campaign contributions than challengers?

    <p>They are seen as more likely to win</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about campaign contributions is correct?

    <p>Individual donors contribute most of the funds</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant advantage incumbents have over challengers in congressional elections?

    <p>Access to paid staff and constituent casework</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor does NOT contribute to the incumbency advantage?

    <p>Increased campaign funding from PACs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are 'safe seats' in congressional elections?

    <p>Seats held by incumbents who are unlikely to lose</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Eric Cantor’s primary election loss indicate about the political climate during that time?

    <p>Voter dissatisfaction with established politicians and insiders</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about constituent casework is true?

    <p>It often involves addressing complex problems for voters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a reason why incumbents may have an electoral advantage?

    <p>More innovative campaign strategies than challengers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In terms of fundraising, what was the difference between Senate incumbents and challengers in 2020?

    <p>Senate incumbents raised approximately $28 million compared to challengers' $5 million</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do political parties generally approach incumbents during elections?

    <p>They primarily support incumbents due to their perceived advantages</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What could be a major impact if challengers defeated incumbents more frequently?

    <p>More competitive electoral races and shifts in party dynamics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do political action committees (PACs) play in campaign financing according to the content?

    <p>Their influence is declining compared to individual donors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of a representative who sees themselves as a delegate?

    <p>To enact the wishes of their constituents</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might be a consequence of incumbents losing their advantage?

    <p>Higher political engagement and competition among candidates</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the trustee model of representation emphasize?

    <p>Independently using good judgment for decision-making</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which model of representation combines elements of both delegate and trustee approaches?

    <p>Politico model</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant factor that can influence a representative's decision-making process?

    <p>Party leadership and powerful interests</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is descriptive representation focused on?

    <p>The demographics and identities of representatives</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant barrier to women's participation in democracy before the Nineteenth Amendment?

    <p>Lack of educational opportunities for women</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What organization was founded in 1985 to help elect pro-choice Democratic women to office?

    <p>EMILY’s List</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might lead representatives to adopt a delegate approach for particular issues?

    <p>Salient issues affecting their constituencies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the 2018 midterm elections, how many women endorsed by EMILY's List won election to the U.S. House?

    <p>34</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which historical advancement was a direct result of women's engagement in politics?

    <p>The formation of the National Organization for Women</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was the first Asian American woman elected to the House of Representatives?

    <p>Patsy Mink</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do constituents typically influence their elected representatives?

    <p>They vote regularly and engage in advocacy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What year was the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) founded?

    <p>1971</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one reason why Congress representation has evolved over time?

    <p>Demographic changes in the voting population</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What proportion of Congress is currently female, despite women making up more than half the U.S. population?

    <p>25%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the role of a trustee in Congress?

    <p>An official who makes decisions using their own judgment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What challenge do representatives face when balancing the demands of their constituents?

    <p>Contradictory demands from various stakeholders</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes federal spending on projects designed to benefit a particular district or group of constituents?

    <p>Pork-barrel politics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What group was pivotal in promoting women's representation in government?

    <p>National Women's Political Caucus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which metaphor is commonly used in politics to indicate the importance of appealing to constituents?

    <p>Bringing home the bacon</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about the diversity in Congress is accurate?

    <p>A significant percentage of Congress is composed of racial and ethnic minorities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what context may representatives lean towards a trustee model of decision-making?

    <p>When dealing with complex and less salient issues</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major shift did Republicans adopt regarding female candidates in the 2020 elections?

    <p>They made recruitment of quality female candidates a priority.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the original purpose of earmarks in Congress?

    <p>To direct funds to specific projects</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which member of the Congressional Black Caucus was the first African American woman elected to the House of Representatives?

    <p>Shirley Chisholm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of Congress is currently Christian?

    <p>88%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How has the African American representation in Congress changed in recent decades?

    <p>It has increased to fifty-seven members.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes the relationship between Democrats and Republican efforts in terms of female representation in Congress?

    <p>Both parties have made efforts to recruit female candidates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one option Congress has when a bill cannot be resolved between the chambers?

    <p>To send the bill to a conference committee</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is required for a bill to become law if the president vetoes it?

    <p>A two-thirds vote in both chambers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant change occurred in the legislative process as a result of the budget reforms of the 1970s?

    <p>Creation of an unorthodox legislative process</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did President Ronald Reagan's administration influence the legislative process in the 1980s?

    <p>By suggesting budget-related reforms for economic changes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'reconciliation' refer to in the legislative process?

    <p>A negotiation process accepted by both chambers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the budget process play in modern legislation?

    <p>It is used to create comprehensive policy changes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to a bill once the president signs it?

    <p>It is immediately enacted with no further action required</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In terms of legislative strategy, what advantage does attaching policy reforms to a budget resolution provide?

    <p>It allows for a straightforward yes or no vote</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary reason Republicans outlawed earmarks in 2011?

    <p>To avoid public disapproval.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did earmarks influence public perception of the health care reform bill passed during the Democrats' majority?

    <p>They were perceived as bribery, diminishing the bill's support.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one potential consequence of banning earmarks in Congress?

    <p>More frequent legislative deadlocks and stalemates.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which approach have some representatives taken to appear closer to their constituents post-2010 election?

    <p>Staying without a residential address in Washington.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'collective representation' refer to in the context of Congress?

    <p>The overall representation of the American populace by Congress.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has contributed to the high public disapproval ratings of Congress?

    <p>Flexibility and bargaining interpreted as corruption.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Republicans demonstrate their opposition to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) during the 112th and 113th Congresses?

    <p>By voting to repeal or limit the ACA more than sixty times.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact did the passage of the ACA have on the political landscape?

    <p>It exacerbated the divide between parties over health care.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is often seen as a necessary compromise for Congress to function effectively?

    <p>Flexibility and concessions among members.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best captures the general sentiment toward Congress as referred to in the content?

    <p>Congress is perceived as ineffective yet necessary.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What strategy did Democrats use to gain Republican support for the ACA?

    <p>They included favorable budgetary allocations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has been a historical challenge for Congress in terms of representation?

    <p>Balancing national interests with local needs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect did the contentious debates around the health care reform bill have on public opinion about Congress?

    <p>They fueled frustration and discontent among constituents.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What perception did constituents hold regarding the political maneuvering surrounding the ACA?

    <p>They interpreted it as a manipulation of political processes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What trend occurred in congressional approval ratings in the years immediately following the Watergate scandal?

    <p>They hovered between 30 and 40 percent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the paradox concerning American voters' feelings towards Congress and their own representatives?

    <p>Voters generally dislike Congress but are fond of their own representatives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the Speaker of the House?

    <p>To preside over the House and lead its proceedings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which event notably caused a spike in congressional approval ratings reaching 84 percent?

    <p>The 9/11 terrorist attacks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement is true regarding the Speaker of the House's constitutional requirements?

    <p>The Speaker is the only House officer mentioned in the Constitution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What commonly perceived issue has a negative effect on Congress's approval ratings?

    <p>Issues related to public spending and deficits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What powers does the Speaker of the House possess?

    <p>The power to assign bills to committees</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes the roles of the majority and minority leaders in the House of Representatives?

    <p>The majority leader holds a position closest to that of the Speaker</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which period did congressional approval ratings reach about 40 percent due to legislative actions?

    <p>In the first half of President Obama's first term.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of committees within Congress?

    <p>To specialize in specific issues and manage legislation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primary role do congressional committees serve in the legislative process?

    <p>To draft and advance legislation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the president pro tempore play in the Senate?

    <p>To function in a largely symbolic and powerless role</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mechanism can lead to a significant rise in Congress's approval ratings related to government actions?

    <p>Involvement in military conflicts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was cited as a potential reason for the decline in approval ratings following 2013?

    <p>The federal government shutdown.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a function of the whips in Congress?

    <p>To enforce party discipline and gather votes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what way does the Senate leadership differ from that of the House?

    <p>The Senate requires cooperation between leaders for legislative progress</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What tends to happen to congressional approval ratings when Congress fails to produce significant results?

    <p>They typically decline.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do party leadership structures operate within the House of Representatives?

    <p>They consist of a majority and minority conference.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How is the Speaker of the House chosen?

    <p>Voted in by the entire body of representatives</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one often exploited perception related to deficit spending?

    <p>Deficits are usually viewed as beneficial during economic downturns.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if a Speaker of the House's position is deemed in jeopardy?

    <p>They may choose to step down voluntarily</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What situation historically enhances the power of the Speaker of the House?

    <p>When the majority party holds the speakership</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What has historically affected congressional approval ratings negatively?

    <p>Excessive deficit spending during economic hardship.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What affect does the congressional leadership have on the legislative process?

    <p>They determine the strategies for policy advancement.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which position has the least power in the Senate hierarchy?

    <p>President pro tempore</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key responsibility of the majority leader in the Senate?

    <p>To be the chief spokesperson for the majority party</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What demographic change in 2021 impacted congressional approval ratings?

    <p>Narrow Democratic control of Congress.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the consequence of having specialized committees in Congress?

    <p>They enable Congress to efficiently address specialized issues</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of standing committees in Congress?

    <p>To serve as the first call for proposed bills</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of committee is specifically formed to resolve discrepancies between House and Senate bills?

    <p>Conference committee</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes select committees from other committee types?

    <p>They are formed for a limited time to address specific issues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which committee is responsible for confirming presidential appointments in the Senate?

    <p>Judiciary Committee</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are committee chair positions typically filled?

    <p>By leadership selection from the majority party</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of proposed bills are typically reported out of standing committees?

    <p>Less than 10%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do committee reports play in the legislative process?

    <p>They include majority and minority opinions on the bill</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might Congress skip the conference committee step in the legislative process?

    <p>In cases of urgency or expedience</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following committees only includes members from both the House and the Senate?

    <p>Joint committee</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of the committee structure in Congress?

    <p>Positions are filled to reflect the majority-minority ratio in the chambers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum duration a committee chair can serve in the House?

    <p>Six consecutive years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process follows the hearing stage in the legislative process?

    <p>Marking up the bill</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are committee hearings sometimes considered politically driven spectacles?

    <p>They can be used for gaining political advantage and grandstanding.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true regarding the power of committee chairs?

    <p>They can dictate the meeting schedules and agenda.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens if a committee chair decides not to hold a hearing on a bill?

    <p>The bill is tabled</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to most proposed bills in committee?

    <p>They commonly die and do not reach the floor for a vote.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about committee structure is true?

    <p>Each Senate committee must be filled due to its smaller size</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these committees is NOT a type of congressional committee?

    <p>Policy committee</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which chamber must revenue-raising bills originate according to the Constitution?

    <p>House of Representatives</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who typically advises Congress on the selection of committees for proposed legislation?

    <p>The parliamentarian</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is crucial for a bill to have a chance of becoming law?

    <p>It must be introduced by a member of Congress</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical result of a committee voting not to advance a bill?

    <p>The bill is considered dead, though it can be revisited</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What typically occurs during the markup stage of the legislative process?

    <p>Committee amendments are made and a vote is held</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes how Congress typically operates during the legislative process?

    <p>Committees often kill more legislation than they pass</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What must happen before a bill is sent to the chamber for consideration?

    <p>Committee hearings must be held and a vote conducted</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to a bill once it is printed after progressing through committee?

    <p>It is sent to the full chamber for further consideration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do senators typically view committee decisions compared to House members?

    <p>As recommendations that may require additional debate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary role of the House Committee on Rules regarding a bill?

    <p>To establish debate rules and amendments</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action can effectively end a filibuster in the Senate?

    <p>Cloture vote</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a major change to the filibuster rules in 1975?

    <p>Reduction of the cloture requirement from two-thirds to three-fifths</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant characteristic of the Senate compared to the House?

    <p>Fewer members and greater flexibility in rules for debate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which historical figure is known for a record-setting filibuster against civil rights legislation?

    <p>Strom Thurmond</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'filibuster' originally derive from?

    <p>A Dutch word meaning pirate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major legislation was passed using the budget reconciliation process in 2010?

    <p>The Affordable Care Act</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What tactic allows senators to prolong debate and delay voting on a bill?

    <p>Filibuster</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the purpose of the southern senators' fifty-seven-day filibuster in 1964?

    <p>To oppose the Civil Rights Act</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do the House and Senate both need to do for a bill to become law?

    <p>They must agree on identical final versions of the bill</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of Rule 22 passed by the Senate in 1917?

    <p>To allow for cloture votes to end filibusters</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might the filibuster be seen as a tool of obstruction?

    <p>It has been historically used to block civil rights legislation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What essential tactic was used by some senators to prevent the passage of anti-lynching legislation?

    <p>Using the filibuster</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Institutional Design of Congress

    • U.S. Constitution emerged from the failure of the Articles of Confederation.
    • The Constitutional Convention of 1787 was called to revise the Articles, ultimately leading to its replacement.
    • The Articles featured a single-chamber legislature with equal state representation, which large states deemed unfair.
    • The Virginia Plan proposed a bicameral legislature with representation proportional to population.
    • The New Jersey Plan advocated a single-chamber Congress with equal state representation.
    • The Connecticut Compromise (Great Compromise) created a bicameral legislature with a Senate (equal representation) and a House of Representatives (proportional representation).
    • Article I of the Constitution outlines Congressional powers and limitations, including taxation, borrowing, commerce regulation, and others.
    • The bicameral system ensures complex legislation, deliberation, and prevents a single faction from enacting laws.
    • The Senate has two members per state (100 total); originally appointed by state legislatures, now elected by popular vote.
    • House members are elected by districts, each state guaranteed at least one representative (435 total).
    • Congressional apportionment is based on the decennial census using equal proportions for allocating seats.
    • Districts are redrawn every ten years to maintain similar voter counts.
    • Gerrymandering, the manipulation of district boundaries to favor a party, is a source of controversy.
    • Historical attempts to disenfranchise African American voters led to the Voting Rights Act and majority-minority districts.

    Congressional Powers

    • Congressional powers are enumerated, implied, and inherent.
    • Enumerated powers are explicitly listed in the Constitution, such as taxing, declaring war, regulating commerce, and creating courts.
    • Implied powers are necessary to execute enumerated powers, for example creating a national bank.
    • Inherent powers exist as part of a functioning national government, such as controlling borders and defending the nation.
    • The "necessary and proper clause" further expands Congressional power (to make laws necessary for executing other powers).
    • The commerce clause allows Congress wide latitude to regulate interstate and intrastate actions.
    • The Supreme Court's interpretation of the commerce clause has changed over time.
    • The struggle for power among the branches of government (especially Congress and the Presidency) has influenced this interpretation.

    Congressional Elections

    • House members serve two-year terms, are elected by districts.
    • Senate members serve six-year terms, are elected by state-wide vote.
    • Constitutional rules affect election characteristics among the two chambers.
    • Congressional campaign funding is significant and the costs have risen substantially.
    • Incumbency is a significant advantage in congressional elections due to fundraising, name recognition, and party support.
    • Political parties prioritize incumbents due to their track record of success.
    • Campaign finance reforms, such as the Federal Election Campaign Act and the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act/McCain-Feingold Act, were intended to limit influence and impose transparency.
    • Super PACs, created following the Citizens United ruling, are exempt from direct contribution limits.
    • National issues can sometimes overshadow local concerns in congressional elections.

    Congressional Representation

    • Representation involves constituents’ concerns with the representative’s actions, balanced with party demands, ideology, personal beliefs, and national trends.
    • The delegate model emphasizes enacting constituent wishes, whereas the trustee model focuses on judgment and broader national needs.
    • The politico model balances delegate and trustee approaches.
    • Descriptive representation considers the racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, gender, and sexual diversity of representatives.
    • Congress's descriptive representation has improved in recent decades, but demographic representation lags behind the overall population.
    • Pork-barrel politics, or securing funds for a district's needs, is a common legislative tactic, often generating controversy.
    • Earmarks (directed spending) were prevalent but are now banned.
    • The balance between local and national representation is still in flux, particularly evident in policy disputes or national crises.

    Congressional Organization

    • Party leadership (majority and minority conferences) controls actions within each chamber.
    • The U.S. House has a Speaker, who leads the chamber, who is the presiding officer, the administrative head of the House, and the partisan leader of the majority party.
    • Senate has a President (the Vice President) with limited power, the majority leader, and other roles.
    • Committees and subcommittees are crucial for dividing the workload, developing, and advancing legislation.
    • The committee system plays a vital role in the legislative process, though bills often die in committee.
    • Committee chairs hold significant power and influence the legislative process.

    Legislative Process

    • The classic legislative process involves drafting, committee referral, hearings, markup, chamber debate and voting, conference committee reconciliation, and presidential action.
    • Modern processes often deviate from the classic model, utilizing alternative strategies and budget reconciliation.
    • The filibuster is a unique Senate tactic of unlimited debate to block legislation.
    • Cloture can end debate.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and the framework it established for the U.S. government. This quiz covers key concepts such as bicameralism, the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, and important historical events. Dive deep into the formation of Congress and its powers.

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