exam 3

Question 1

What is the size of the House of Representatives?

Answer 1

435 members

The House of Representatives is comprised of 435 voting members, with representation based on state population.

Question 2

What is the size of the Senate?

Answer 2

100 members

The Senate consists of two senators from each state, totaling 100 members.

Question 3

What are the Qualifications for the House?

Answer 3

Must be at least 25 years old, U.S. citizen for 7 years, and a resident of the state represented.

These qualifications ensure that House members have a connection to their constituents.

Question 4

What are the Qualifications for the Senate?

Answer 4

Must be at least 30 years old, U.S. citizen for 9 years, and a resident of the state represented.

The Senate’s qualifications are stricter to ensure greater experience.

Question 5

What powers are given to the legislative branch (Congress) in Article I?

Answer 5

To make laws, regulate commerce, declare war, and levy taxes.

Article I of the Constitution outlines the primary functions and powers of Congress.

Question 6

What is the Term of Office for the House?

Answer 6

2 years

Members of the House serve two-year terms, with all members up for election every two years.

Question 7

What is the Term of Office for the Senate?

Answer 7

6 years

Senators serve six-year terms, with approximately one-third of the Senate up for election every two years.

Question 8

What is a standing committee?

Answer 8

A permanent committee that meets regularly.

Standing committees focus on specific areas of legislation, such as finance or foreign affairs.

Question 9

What is a conference committee?

Answer 9

A temporary committee formed to reconcile differences in House and Senate versions of a bill.

Conference committees ensure that both chambers agree on the final text of legislation.

Question 10

What is a select committee?

Answer 10

A temporary committee established for a specific purpose.

Select committees often investigate particular issues or events.

Question 11

What is pork barrel politics?

Answer 11

The practice of funding projects that benefit a specific district to gain political support.

Pork barrel politics often involves allocating government funds for local projects to please constituents.

Question 12

What is incumbency?

Answer 12

The holding of an office or the period during which one is held.

Incumbents often have advantages in elections, such as name recognition and established donor networks.

Question 13

How does a Bill Become a Law?

Answer 13

It must be approved by both the House and Senate and signed by the President.

The process includes committee reviews, debates, and potential vetoes.

Question 14

Who holds the leadership positions in the current Congress?

Answer 14

Speaker of the House, Majority Leader, Minority Leader, Senate Majority Leader, Senate Minority Leader.

Leadership positions are crucial for guiding legislative agendas and managing party strategies.

Question 15

What is a filibuster?

Answer 15

A tactic used to delay or prevent a vote on a bill by extending debate.

Filibusters can be ended by invoking cloture, requiring a supermajority vote.

Question 16

What is cloture?

Answer 16

A procedure to end a filibuster and bring a bill to a vote.

Cloture requires 60 votes in the Senate to limit further debate.

Question 17

What are the Qualifications for the Presidency?

Answer 17

Must be at least 35 years old, a natural-born citizen, and a resident of the U.S. for 14 years.

These qualifications are outlined in Article II of the Constitution.

Question 18

What is the term of Office for the Presidency?

Answer 18

4 years

A President can serve a maximum of two terms, as established by the 22nd Amendment.

Question 19

What is contained within the 22nd Amendment?

Answer 19

Limits the President to two terms in office.

This amendment was ratified in response to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four-term presidency.

Question 20

What are the formal powers of the President in Article II?

Answer 20

Serve as Commander in Chief, grant pardons, make treaties, appoint federal officers, and ensure laws are executed.

Article II outlines the executive powers and responsibilities of the President.

Question 21

What is an executive agreement?

Answer 21

An international agreement made by the President without Senate approval.

Executive agreements are generally used for routine matters and can be easily reversed by future administrations.

Question 22

What is executive privilege?

Answer 22

The right of the President to keep certain communications private.

This privilege is often invoked to protect national security or sensitive information.

Question 23

What is the War Powers Act (Resolution) of 1973?

Answer 23

A law intended to check the President’s power to commit the U.S. to armed conflict without Congressional consent.

The Act requires the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops and limits military engagement to 60 days without Congressional approval.

Question 24

What is a bureaucracy?

Answer 24

A system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.

Bureaucracies are essential for implementing and managing government policies.

Question 25

What is the civil service system?

Answer 25

A system that includes federal employees hired based on merit and qualifications. ## Footnote This system aims to ensure that government jobs are filled by competent individuals.

Question 26

What is the Pendleton Act?

Answer 26

A law established in 1883 that created the civil service system. ## Footnote The Pendleton Act aimed to eliminate the spoils system and promote merit-based hiring.

Question 27

What is the spoils system (patronage)?

Answer 27

The practice of giving government jobs to friends and supporters after winning an election. ## Footnote This system often led to corruption and inefficiency in government.

Question 28

What is merit system?

Answer 28

A system of hiring and promoting based on ability and performance. ## Footnote The merit system contrasts with patronage and seeks to ensure fairness in government employment.

Question 29

What is a Cabinet department?

Answer 29

A major administrative unit with responsibility for a broad area of government operations. ## Footnote Each Cabinet department is headed by a Secretary who is a member of the President's Cabinet.

Question 30

What is a government corporation?

Answer 30

A government agency that operates like a business to provide a service. ## Footnote Government corporations are created by Congress and can charge for their services.

Question 31

What is an independent executive agency?

Answer 31

A federal agency that is not part of a Cabinet department. ## Footnote Independent executive agencies are established by Congress to address specific issues.

Question 32

What is an independent regulatory agency?

Answer 32

An agency created by Congress to regulate specific areas of the economy. ## Footnote These agencies operate independently from the executive branch and have regulatory authority.

Question 33

What are transformers?

Answer 33

Individuals or entities that adapt and change their strategies in response to new information. ## Footnote Transformers are often contrasted with maintainers in policy discussions.

Question 34

What are maintainers?

Answer 34

Individuals or entities that focus on sustaining existing policies and strategies. ## Footnote Maintainers prioritize stability and consistency in governance.

Question 35

What is neo-conservatism?

Answer 35

A political movement characterized by an emphasis on free-market capitalism, a strong national defense, and a proactive foreign policy. ## Footnote Neo-conservatives often advocate for interventionist foreign policies.

Question 36

What is neo-liberalism?

Answer 36

An economic and political approach that emphasizes free markets, deregulation, and privatization. ## Footnote Neo-liberalism advocates for minimal government intervention in the economy.

Question 37

What is conservatism (in terms of foreign policy)?

Answer 37

A political ideology that emphasizes national sovereignty, military strength, and cautious engagement in international affairs. ## Footnote Conservative foreign policy often prioritizes traditional alliances and security.

Question 38

What is isolationist?

Answer 38

A foreign policy approach that advocates for a country to avoid international alliances and conflicts. ## Footnote Isolationism seeks to focus on domestic issues rather than foreign entanglements.

Question 39

What is the Monroe Doctrine?

Answer 39

A U.S. policy opposing European colonialism in the Americas. ## Footnote The Monroe Doctrine declared that any intervention by external powers in the politics of the Americas would be viewed as an act of aggression.

Question 40

What is the lesson of Vietnam?

Answer 40

The importance of understanding the limits of military power and the need for clear objectives in foreign interventions. ## Footnote The Vietnam War highlighted the consequences of prolonged military engagements without clear goals.

Question 41

What was the Cold War?

Answer 41

A period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States after World War II. ## Footnote The Cold War was marked by ideological conflict, military build-up, and proxy wars.

Question 42

What does Neustadt mean by the power to persuade?

Answer 42

The ability of the President to influence others through communication and negotiation. ## Footnote Neustadt argues that effective presidential leadership relies on the power to persuade rather than just formal authority.

Question 43

What does Schlesinger mean by the imperial (or modern) presidency?

Answer 43

A concept describing the expansion of presidential power and authority beyond constitutional limits. ## Footnote Schlesinger's idea reflects concerns about the concentration of power in the executive branch.

Question 44

According to Mayhew, what is the most important goal for members of Congress?

Answer 44

Re-election ## Footnote Mayhew argues that the primary focus of Congress members is to secure their positions and continue serving their constituents.

Question 45

What does Fenno mean by 'presentation of self'?

Answer 45

The way members of Congress present themselves to their constituents to build trust and support. ## Footnote Fenno emphasizes the importance of personal branding in political success.

Question 46

What is presidential character defined by Barber?

Answer 46

The psychological profile and temperament of a President that influence their decision-making. ## Footnote Barber categorizes presidents into four types based on their character and approach to governance.

Question 47

What is an active-positive?

Answer 47

A type of presidential character characterized by a proactive and adaptable approach to leadership. ## Footnote Active-positive presidents are generally effective and successful in their roles.

Question 48

What is an active-negative?

Answer 48

A type of presidential character marked by a driven but defensive approach to leadership. ## Footnote Active-negative presidents often struggle with public perception and effectiveness.

Question 49

What is a passive-positive?

Answer 49

A type of presidential character that is agreeable and seeks approval from others. ## Footnote Passive-positive presidents may lack decisiveness and strength in leadership.

Question 50

What is a passive-negative?

Answer 50

A type of presidential character characterized by withdrawal and reluctance to engage in leadership. ## Footnote Passive-negative presidents often avoid confrontation and decision-making.

Question 51

What was America’s Longest war?

Answer 51

The War in Afghanistan ## Footnote America's involvement in Afghanistan began in 2001 and lasted until 2021, making it the longest war in U.S. history.