CH 10

Question 1

The National Legislature:

Answer 1

Representative Democracy; republic

• Government by representatives of the people responsible for the day-to-day work of the government
• Job: To translate the public will into public policy in the form of law (lawmakers)
• Established in the first (and longest) Article of the Constitution

Question 2

Why Congress is bicameral?

Answer 2

• (Historical foundation and tradition) Bicameralism was familiar to most citizens
• (Practical compromise) A two-chambered body was made to settle conflict between Virginia and the New Jersey Plans
• (Theoretical) One house can act as a check on the other and it diffuses the power of Congress

Question 3

The difference between terms and sessions:

Answer 3

• Each term of Congress lasts for two years, starting “3rd of January” every odd-numbered year
• Each session of Congress is that period of time each year during which Congress assembles and conducts business

Question 4

Reapportionment Act of 1929:

Answer 4

• The permanent size of the House is 435 members
• After each census, the Census Bureau determines the number of seats each state should have
• President will send Bureau’s plan to Congress
• Plan becomes effective if there are no house rejections within 60 days

Question 5

Gerrymandering:

Answer 5

• Drawing voting districts to the advantage of the political party controlling the state legislation
• Goal is to make many safe districts
• Used to concentrate the oppositions voters in one or a few districts
• Used to limit the opposition’s ability to win anywhere in the region

Question 6

Qualifications for Senate:

Answer 6

• 30 years of age
• US citizen for 9 years
• Must live the State from which elected

Question 7

Qualifications for House members:

Answer 7

-25 years of age
-US citizen for 7 years
-Must live in State from which elected
-Resident of district
(-Vote getting abilities)

Question 8

Reasons for long and short terms.

Answer 8

Long:
-Gives senators job security
-Makes senators focus on the big pictures, also more influence
Short:
-House members are very responsive to voters at home
-Next election is around the corner for House members

Question 9

The job for members of congress:

Answer 9

-Legislators
-Representatives of the People
-Committee members
-Servants of their constituents
Politicians

Question 10

Representatives of the people:

Answer 10

Trustees- follow conscience
Delegates- follow wishes of constituents
Partisans- follows wishes of the Party
Politicos- Balance conflicting views

Question 11

Why are there so many non-salary benefits and low pay?

Answer 11

• The president has much veto power
• There is a fear of voter backfire, an angry reaction by voters at the ballot box
• Privileges and benefits are a better way to receive implied money

Question 12

Franking:

Answer 12

Congress men are allowed to mail letters postage-free by signing their facsimiles signatures for the postage.