Chapter 6 Flashcards
What is Congress designed to do?
Represent the interests of the people
Name two theories of representation in Congress.
- Delegate
- Trustee
What is the primary function of Congress?
Make laws
What are the tools of oversight used by Congress?
- Hearings
- Investigations
- Budget control
What role does Congress play in checks and balances?
Checks the power of other branches
What are the types of committees in Congress?
- Standing Committees
- Select Committees
- Joint Committees
- Conference Committees
What is the function of standing committees?
Permanent committees with jurisdiction over specific policy areas
What is the purpose of select committees?
Temporary committees created to address specific issues
What do conference committees do?
Reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of a bill
What is the significance of committee leadership?
Shapes committee agendas and decisions
Fill in the blank: Bills can be introduced in either the _______ or the Senate.
House
What happens during committee action in the legislative process?
Bills are referred to relevant committees for consideration
What is a filibuster?
A tactic used in the Senate to delay or prevent a vote
What is the role of the Speaker of the House?
Leads the House of Representatives
What characterizes the Senate’s rules and procedures?
Emphasize individual rights and debate
What is gerrymandering?
Manipulating district boundaries for political advantage
What does incumbency refer to?
Holding office
What are the key powers of Congress?
- Regulates interstate commerce
- Declares war
- Makes laws
- Appropriates funds
What is the relationship between representation and re-election?
Representation is tied to re-election (gerrymandering, incumbency)
What is the purpose of the whip system?
To enforce party discipline
Fill in the blank: Congress illustrates the challenges and solutions of _______.
Collective action
What influences decision-making in Congress?
- Constituents
- Interest Groups
- Party Discipline
- Presidential influence
What does the U.S. Constitution establish?
- Structure of government
- Rights
- Amendment process
