debates around congress USP Flashcards
(24 cards)
how is LAWMAKING a key role and power of congress
public will is translated into actionable laws that govern the country
how is REPRESENTATION a key role and power of congress
- represents the views and voices of their constituents
- is subject to scrutiny every mid-term
how is OVERSIGHT a key role and power of congress
responsible to oversee and investigate actions of other branches
how is POWER OF THE PURSE a key role and power of congress
- influences national foreign policy
significance of congress’ role in - LAWMAKING
- under united government = ability more more legislation to be agreed on
- under divided government = moderate, watered-down legislation
significance of congress’ role in - OVERSIGHT
- democrat controlled house’s scrutiny of trump’s administration, including investigations and impeachment proceedings, exemplifies the heightened oversight in a divided government
significance of congress’ role in - POWER OF THE PURSE
- led to 35 day government shutdown
significance of congress’ role in - POWER OVER APPOINTMENTS
- rapid confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett under Trump administration illustrates smoother confirmation process which happens under unified government
- would not say the same for Merrick Garland though
significance of congress’ role in - POLARISATION AND PARTISANSHIP
- legislative gridlock has worsened dramatically
- investigations often become contentious and politically charged rather than for the pursuit of responsibility and accountability
what was interesting about the the relationship between the storming of the capitol and congress
- 8 republican lawmakers/ 139 republican Reps objected to the certification of the 2020 Presidential Election = backing electoral fraud which Trump had accused the democrats of with no evidence
significance of congress’ role in - STRONGER PARTY DISCIPLINE
- 2021, Liz Cheeny, republic representative was removed from leadership position as the House Republican Conference Chair due to public disagreement with Trump
- 2021, House democrats uniformly voted to pass American Rescue Plan, major COVID 19 relief package
significance of congress’ role in - CHANGES IS LEGISLATIVE STRATEGY
- tendency for major legislation to be passed with little to no support from opposing party = seen under ACA and CARES act
significance of congress’ role in - IMPACT ON GOVERNANCE
- often lead to legislative gridlock and partisan disagreements
- gridlock can also lead to reliance on executive actions circumventing the legislative process
- affects also public trust in congress
what are the main causes as to how gridlock is created
- primary election system = encourages more ideological extreme candidates who are less inclined to bipartisanship (AOC)
- filibusters = become a tool for minority party to block legislation
what is the impact of gridlock
- crucial legislative matters will have been stalled or blocked (ACA)
- inability to pass comprehensive legislation and has led to reliance on executive orders (Trump and trying to ban 7 Muslim countries citizens from entering US)
how does one overcome gridlock
- congress is able to overcome gridlock to pass significant legislation driven by urgent circumstances, strong party discipline and successful cooperation
- National Defence Authorisation Act (senate 84, HOR 335)
arguments FOR that the ‘POWER OF THE PURSE’ is significant and effective
- authority to allocate government spending = fundamental check on executive branch [democratic accountability and oversight in financial matters]
- CARES ACT = substantial financial package demonstrating ability to respond swiftly and significantly in crises
- power gives ability for congress to influence domestic and foreign policy
arguments AGAINST that the ‘POWER OF THE PURSE’ is NOT significant and effective
- undermined by increase in executive actions
- frequent use of continuing resolutions, rather than passing proper budgets, reflect diminished role in fiscal planning
arguments that congress’ power over appointments is significant and effective
- vital check over executive branch
- allows congress to influence long term direction of federal judiciary and key administrative positions
- ensures that appointees are qualified [ Kavanaugh congress rigourously examined after SA allegations]
arguments that congress’ power over appointments is NOT significant and effective
- increase in partisanship = more contentious and politically driven confirmation processes
- Presidents circumvent this power by appointing acting officials or using recess appointments
- erosion of professionalism when partisanship takes a hold of process
arguments that congress’ power over Foreign policy is significant and effective
- power to declare war [e.g. WW2]
- controls the budget
- can ratify international treaties
arguments that congress’ power over Foreign policy is NOT significant and effective
- executive orders trump fiscal powers of congress
- congress faces challenge of showing united front on foreign policy
- State Department and President’s Role as Commander-In-Chief takes lead in foreign policy
what was the almost government shutdown like in 2025
- spending bill : $6B on military spending, cut non-defence funding by $13B (healthcare, education and social services)
- Chuck Schumer broke filibuster, allowing republicans to pass spending bill
- AOC said it was a ‘wild sense of betrayal’
why is pete heggseth an example of congressional oversight
- allegations of SA, alcholism and very limited military experience
- a former fox news presenter
- confirmed as defence secretary by 50-50
