Unit 11

Question 1

Incumbents

Answer 1

Individuals who already hold office. In congressional elections, incumbents usually win because they are recognized.

Question 2

Advantages of Incumbency

Answer 2

1. Advertising — Incumbents can connect with their constituents pretty easily, especially with social media.
2. Ability to raise money — They may spend less on campaign funding compared to their opponents and still benefit.
3. Doing things for constituents — Incumbents serve their constituents through casework or federal funds.
4. Franking
5. Stronger name recognition — weaker opponents are scared of them, and more people are likely to reelect because they’re well-known.

Question 3

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Answer 3

A case that allowed federal courts to evaluate/review the boundaries of legislative districts.

Question 4

Wesberry v. Sanders (1964)

Answer 4

Supreme Court holds that each state should draw congressional districts so they are equal in population, enforcing the principle, “one person, one vote.”

Question 5

Bicameralism

Answer 5

The division of the legislature into two separate assemblies.

Question 6

Speaker of the House

Answer 6

Second in line to succession after the vice president. The Speaker is chosen by practice by the majority party and has both formal & informal powers.

Question 7

Majority Leader

Answer 7

A principle partisan ally of the Speaker of the House / the majority party’s manager in the Senate. The leader in each house is responsible for scheduling bills, influencing committee assignments, and rounding up votes on behalf of the party’s legislative positions.

Question 8

Party’s Whips

Answer 8

Party leaders who work with the majority and minority leader, making sure to convey the party’s position to rank-and-file congresspersons.

Question 9

Minority Leader

Answer 9

The principle party leader of the House of Reps or the Senate.

Question 10

Caucus

Answer 10

A group of members of Congress who share some interest or characteristic.

Question 11

Bill

Answer 11

A proposed law written in legal language.

Question 12

Legislative Oversight

Answer 12

Congress’ process of monitoring the executive branch bureaucracy and its administration of policies. Committees mainly handle oversight through congressional hearings.

Question 13

Filibuster

Answer 13

A strategy from the Senate that allows a member to use their right to unlimited debate to prevent the Senate from voting on a bill. Requires 60 members from the Senate to be present and vote to halt them on legislation.

Question 14

Cloture

Answer 14

Under Senate Rule 22, a filibuster debate may be ended by shutting off discussion on a bill when 60 Senators vote on it.