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US Government > Congress > Flashcards

Congress Flashcards

1
Q

How many representatives are in Congress?

A

535

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2
Q

How many Senators are in the senate?

A

100

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3
Q

How many representatives in the HoR?

A

435

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4
Q

Why are there more representatives in the HoR than the Senate?

A

It was decided by the framers, under the Connecticut compromise that their would be a representative chamber in proportion to state size.

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5
Q

What was the Connecticut Compromise?

A

It ensured that there would be a bicameral congress (two chambers)

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6
Q

Which article of the Constitution does congress fall in?

A

Article 1

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7
Q

How often are senators elected?

A

Every 6 years, with a third happening every 2 years.

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8
Q

How often are HoR elected?

A

every 2 years.

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9
Q

Why does incumbency give advantages for congressional elections?

A

They are able to use congress resources such as their email, and send out post to suggest what they have done over the prior 6 years.
People often don’t know their senator, as they cover a lot more constituents so don’t really care about congressional elections.
Established donors, so can raise more for election campaigns.
Gerrymandering- The party in power in the state can benefit their incumbents.

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10
Q

arguments for the bicameral structure in congress

A

Stronger legislation scrutiny
Better checks upon actions of officials
Stronger representation of the people, as they don’t have a singular representative

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11
Q

arguments against a bicameral structure of congress

A

Can lead to a roadblock in legislation passing
Can create a rivalry between the two houses, benefitting no-one
Members of the second chamber are often older, therefore not representing the demographic of the country and its values.

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12
Q

What powers are exclusively given to the Senate?

A

Impeachment trials.
Ratification of treaties.
Confirm judicial appointments made by the executive.
Electing the VP if there is deadlock.

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13
Q

What type of system is Congress?

A

Bicameral (two chambers).

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14
Q

Where do Representatives represent?

A

A congressional district.

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15
Q

Where do Senators represent?

A

Their entire state.

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16
Q

What are the requirements to become a senator?

A

Be at least 30 years old.
Must be a US citizen for at least 9 years.
Must be a resident of the state they represent.

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17
Q

What are the requirements to become a Representative?

A

Be at least 25 years old.
Must be a US citizen for at least 7 years.
Must be a resident of the state they represent.

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18
Q

What does representation in the House vs the Senate look like?

A

House- 120 women
House- 26% of ethnic backgrounds
House- 40% are between the age of 28 and 58.

Senate- 24 women (1/4)
Senate- 11% are of ethnic backgrounds
Senate- 68% are over the age of 58.

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19
Q

Why is the House a better representation of the US?

A

They are re-elected more frequently so are more in line with people’s current opinions, as they are elected every 2 years.
Senators usually derive from state legislatures, meaning if they are not particularly diverse then congress will be less diverse.

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20
Q

Where did Gerrymandering originate?

A

Massachusetts, with state governor Gerry.

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21
Q

What are the powers given to both Congressional houses?

A

Law making.
Overriding the President’s veto.
Initiating constitutional amendments.
Declaring war.
Oversight of the executive branch.
‘Power of the purse’
Confirming the appointed Vice President.

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22
Q

What powers do the House exclusively have?

A

Begin the impeachment process through accusing the official.
Confirming a President if there is deadlock.
Begin the consideration of all bills involving money.

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23
Q

What are the functions of Congress?

A

Representation
Legislation
Oversight.

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24
Q

What are the two methods of representation in Congress?

A

Trustee model
Delegate model

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25
Q

What is the Trustee model?

A

The legislator has the formal responsibility to make decisions on behalf of others across the nations.
Many members of Congress see their role in this way.
Advocated by Madison and Burke.

26
Q

What is the Delegate model?

A

The delegate is not a free-agent as they are elected to act on behalf of others.
Many legislators follow this model, meaning that their decisions are solely based upon their constituents.
Many argue that members follow this model as they fear repercussions from their voter base.

27
Q

What is pork barrel politics?

A

Used to refer to funds used to fund very large within a congressional representative’s district.
They are designed to benefit constituents, in the hope that they will re-elect them to congress.
In 2019 $15.3 billion was wasted on these projects.

28
Q

What factors affect representatives voting in Congress?

A

Parties
Congressional caucuses
TheExecutive
Constituencies
Pressure groups
Lobbyists.

29
Q

How do political parties influence voting in congress?

A

Due to polarisation between parties, this usually has the largest influence to a person’s way of voting.
A party vote occurs on matters that are usually highly contentious.
There are minimal sticks and carrots, due to the separation of powers and the fact that all representatives are elected.

30
Q

How do congressional caucuses influence voting in congress?

A

Caucuses are the place that party whips get chosen for both houses, along with electing the minority and majority leaders.
They represent a small percentage of views within congress, meaning that they can direct votes on their topics.
They can provide information on topics, and work together to boost their legislative agenda.

31
Q

What is a Congressional caucus?

A

A collection of members from different parties that share views on a specific topic. This is usually to advance legislation in that area.

32
Q

What are the 4 congressional caucuses?

A

House Republican Caucus
House Democratic Caucus
Senate Republican caucus
Senate Democratic Caucus.

33
Q

What are the three main functions of congressional caucuses?

A

Educational
Agenda setting
Encouraging support for their cause.

34
Q

How can the Executive influence congressional voting?

A

Cabinet members are able to contact congress members, to persuade them to vote in favour of their cause.
The State of the Union Address aims to establish a new legislative agenda, aiming to persuade representatives.
Bi-partisan and frequent meetings with caucuses and leaders to persuade them to vote in favour of legislation.

35
Q

How do constituencies influence congressional voting?

A

Due to living in their constituency, they have a connection to what is wanted “back at home”.
Most congressional representatives have lived, grown up and experienced their constituency well.
Some states can request a “locality” meaning HoR have to reside within their specific district.
House members have to face the polls every 2 years, so can easily be replaced.

36
Q

How do interest groups influence congressional voting?

A

They have large public backing meaning they have to be considered.
They can make calls, organise rallies and provide evidence to committees.
Money raised by groups tend to be used to fund politician’s campaigns, meaning that they support their cause.
On debates that are highly polarised, members are mindful of groups that have supported their campaigns.

37
Q

How do Lobbyists influence congressional voting?

A

Providing up-to-date and accurate information to a people that require it.
Due to being busy, lobbyists are often members only source of information on specific topics, making them incredibly important.
They can produce research that is designed to support their cause, presenting a distorted picture to legislators.

38
Q

What is the legislative process in congress?

A

Legislation is introduced.
Committee stage.
Timetabling.
Floor debate.
Conferenced committee (if required)
Presidential signature.

39
Q

What is the Committee stage in legislation?

A

The most important stage.
Bills are taken to standing committees within their respective houses, with some put to one side and ones with large support are given hearings.
Committee members are regarded as highly knowledgeable in certain areas, meaning that the democratic process can be brought into question if not done properly.
More bills are referred than can be heard.
They report on the legislation, which evaluates the bill as a whole including its financing.

40
Q

How do both chambers deal with timetabling legislation?

A

To avoid legislative traffic jams each house has a procedure to remove all issues.
The senate uses unanimous consent agreement, which agrees which order legislation will be debated on the floor.
The house has the House Rules Committee, which prioritises bills for the debate process.

41
Q

What is the House Rules Committee?

A

It establishes the ‘rules’ for a debate on legislation, and prioritises certain pieces of legislation.
It is made up of 13 members.
The choices tat they make can have a huge impact upon the flow of Congress.

42
Q

What are the rules that can be used to debate of the House’ floor?

A

Open Rules-permit unlimited amendments as long as they are relevant.
Closed rules- no amendments can be made.
modified rules- Limit the amount of amendments that can be made, and who can propose them.

43
Q

What is a filibuster?

A

Used in the Senate.
A senator uses the right to unlimited debate to delay any action upon a bill.
Usually carried out by a group of senators.
To end a filibuster 16 senators must petition, and then 3/5 must agree.

44
Q

What makes a bill difficult to pass?

A

It has to pass both chambers, so has lots of opportunities to be defeated.

45
Q

What involvement can a president have with a Bill?

A

Bills they fully support, they will sign into law.
Leave a bill on their desk, meaning that the bill will become law within 10 days without the president’s signature.
Regular veto to bills that they strongly oppose.
If a bill hasn’t been signed before a congressional session ends, it cannot become law. Meaning that the rush at the end of a session allows a President to decide between bills. (Pocket Veto).

46
Q

What are the strengths of the Legislative process?

A

Only 2/3 of bills become law, meaning the best ones are selected.
There are multiple opportunities for legislative scrutiny.

47
Q

What are the weaknesses of the legislative process?

A

Partisanship makes it impossible to pass relevant bills.
Due to the many steps, a bill can be easily defeated.
It is heavily outdated.

48
Q

What are standing committees?

A

They are permanent policy specialist committees. They are usually in proportion to the sizes of the parties in Congress at the time.
Their function is to conduct the committee stage of legislation, and to conduct investigations into their specific policy area.

49
Q

What is the difference between committees and caucuses?

A

Caucuses are informal gatherings of people with similar concerns.
Committees are formal and established as the purpose of considering legislation.

50
Q

How successful have Congress been in oversight of the President?

A

President can circumvent oversight by signing executive orders.
It is harder to veto a presidents veto as it requires a majority in agreement.
Has not been particularly successful in using its impeachment powers, as all accused by the house have been acquitted by the Senate.
It is dependant upon the mandate of a party within Congress.

51
Q

Arguments that Congress is representative.

A

Congress is diverse, and therefore has the interests of the people.
The frequency of elections ensures that members are focussed on their constituents.
Influence of caucuses allow for minority representation.
Pressure groups offer an important link between the public and congress.

52
Q

Arguments that Congress is not representative.

A

Congress still is not fully representative of the USA.
Gerrymandering has undermined the legitimacy of elections.
FPTP limits the representation as it encourages a two party system.
Caucuses are not the most effective way of providing representation, multi party systems are better.
Pressure groups can have better representation than the average person.

53
Q

What reforms have there been to filibusters?

A

The number required to end a filibuster as been brought down to 3/5ths.
Filibusters cannot be used on supreme court nominations since 2019.

54
Q

Why is the majority of executive oversight done in committees?

A

The president can only be questioned in committee rooms, as the president is not allowed in congress.

55
Q

What are the differences in legislation process between the two houses?

A

House- all amendments have to be relevant.
Majority party have more control as the speaker decides which committee to refer it to.
Time limits have to be adhered to due to the amount of bills.

Senate- Amendments can be on any topic.
Room for individual influence through the filibuster, but unanimous consent makes it difficult for party control.
Uses the idea of unlimited debate.

56
Q

How has congress been effective in passing legislation?

A

Major legislation has been passed.
Lengthy process ensures proper scrutiny of bills.
Requirement of supermajorities ensures a broad consensus.
Divided governments ensure legislative compromise.

57
Q

How has congress been ineffective in passing legislation?

A

The process is so lengthy many bills fail to pass in a congressional session.
The process can be dominated by individuals.
Divided governments can create gridlock on important bills.
United govt can lead to bills not being properly scrutinised.

58
Q

How has congress produced effective oversight?

A

Divided governments are more likely to produce extensive scrutiny of the executive.
Committees have overseen investigations into actions such as benghazi.
Impeachment has been used to a full extent.
Congress has challenged the president in the supreme court.

59
Q

How has congress not produced effective oversight?

A

It can appear in the interests of a party, rather than a good policy.
Veto is highly likely to fail.
Presidents have found ways around oversight, using executive orders.
Impeachment has proven difficult to enact effectively.
the power to declare war has gradually moved over to the president.

60
Q

Why is the Senate considered the higher chamber?

A

Until 1913, the chamber was unelected.(17th Amendment)

US Government (4 decks)

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