Study Guide PDF (Exam#4)

Study Guide 13. What is gerrymandering? When does this MoC = member of Congress occur? Why would this occur? Is it legal? Gerrymandering is redrawing lines to favor one “Congres...

Study Guide 13. What is gerrymandering? When does this MoC = member of Congress occur? Why would this occur? Is it legal? Gerrymandering is redrawing lines to favor one “Congress” group over another. It sometimes occurs when redistricting and is illegal. 1. What are some ways that today’s Congress differs from Congress in the 1800’s? Congress used 14. What percent of PAC contributions goes to to be more dominant but now there are larger staffs incumbents? 85% that deal with more legislation. 15. Why is there a difference in the number of 2. What is pork-barrel legislation? Parts of representatives from Texas versus the number from legislation that aren’t necessary but are sought over. Alaska? Texas has a higher population than Alaska. 3. Committees kill about what percentage of bills? 16. Who is the leader of the House of 90% Representatives? Who is the “real” leader of the Senate? Speaker of the House, Majority Leader. 4. What is a pocket veto? When does it occur? When a piece of legislation is not signed but is 17. Who is our representative from our district? considered vetoed and only happens when Congress Who are our 2 senators? Ralph Norman, Tim Scott, is adjourned. Lindsey Graham. 5. What are the three main functions of Congress? 18. # of members and qualifications for each Lawmaking, oversight, representing. chamber. Include the term length etc. House: 435 members, 25 y/o, 7 yr citizen, resident 6. A vote for cloture is a movement to do what? of state, 2 yr terms, no term limit, $175k. What fraction does it take? A movement to end Senate: 100 members, 30 y/o, 9 yr citizen, resident debate and it takes ⅗ of Senators. of state, 6 yr terms, ⅓ up for reelection every 2 years, no term limit, $175k. 7. What is a filibuster intended to do? Think of the movie “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”. What 19. The legislative process—the flow—what ends a filibuster? A filibuster is intended to block a happens where/when. Congress introduces a piece vote and cloture ends it. of legislation, it is given a title and number, sent to a standing committee, gets passed, ready for full 8. Who can introduce bills in Congress? Any debate, and the president signs/vetoes the bill. member of Congress can introduce a bill. 20. Difference in debate in the House and Senate. 9. Most of the work on legislation in Congress is The House has time limits and the Senate doesn’t. done by what? Committees 21. Why is the power to regulate interstate 10. What group is in charge of setting the schedule commerce the most sweeping power of Congress? for bill votes and debate times in the House of Commerce far exceeds the mere buying and selling Representatives? House Rules Committee of goods and services. 11. What is the pay for a member of the House of 22. Where must all revenue bills start? Why is Representatives or the Senate? $175k this? They originate from the House of Representatives since they represent the people. 12. What is the reelection rate in the House of Representatives? 94% 1 23. What is the difference between an implied power and an inherent power? Implied powers are created by the Necessary and Proper Clause and inherent powers are created by the government. 24. How did we explain the relationship between an expressed power and an implied power? Think of the example of the expressed power to declare war….. Expressed powers are written and implied powers are not. 25. What is legislative oversight and how is it used? Continued review of how effectively the executive carries out the laws Congress passes and it is used by the committee that passed the law. 26. Why is casework so important to a MoC? It helps them get reelected because they are helping the people. 27. What does the politico style combine? Trustee and instructed delegate. 28. What is a minority-majority district? What did Hunt v. Cromartie have to say about it? Districts in which a majority of the citizens is from a minority group and Hunt v. Cormartie says race can be a factor in redrawing lines but not the sole factor. 29. What are 3-5 things that could prevent a MoC from getting and staying elected? Issues, misconduct, turnout variation, strong challengers, money. 30. What is pigeonholing and how could one stop this from happening? Ignoring the bill and it can be stopped by voting it out of committee. 2