U4 Congressional Behavior Flashcards
What is Partisanship?
General partiality someone feels toward their own party.
What is Polarization?
Increasing ideological/policy divisions between Republicans and Democrats
What are the causes and effects of Polarization?
Causes:
- Clear differences on issues
- Mass media
Effects:
- Policy gridlock: A slow down/halt of action in Congress
- Tougher confirmation proceedings
- More ideological driven voters
What is a Divided Government?
When House, Senate, and Presidency arent all held by the same politcal party majority and it creates a need for compromoise and negotiation. It leads to a Policy gridlock and potentially shutsdown the government.
What is Reapportionment?
A change in the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives to create equal representation every 10 years with the census.
What is Redistricting?
A redrawing congressional disitrcts following reappointment that is done by party in power of State Legislature (Usually). Constitutioin requires it but does not outline specific process so States have the power to decide how to draw district lines.
What is the Due Process Clause?
Can’t deny someone life, liberty, or property without due process of law.
What is the Equal Protection Clause?
Laws of states must treat individuals similarly.
What is Gerrymandering?
Intentionally drawing distrcits in weird shapes to benefit political parties, protect incumbents, increase minority representation (or decrease).
What does Gerrymandering do?
-Increases Polarization (shrinks number of moderates in Congress),
-Benefits politicians but not citizens (lack of true representation like Brutus 1 warned us)
-Decreases political efficacy.
What causes a Government shutdown?
When Government misses funding deadlines and creates gaps in funds because they don’t reach an agreement amongst themselves and the President’s Proposal in time, the Government shutdowns.
What happens when the government shuts down?
Most jobs shutdown while some stay open (essential jobs) without pay if they’re a job that requires Government funding. It negatively impacts economy across the nation. If people don’t do their jobs we can be very vulnerable to accidents, foreign and domestic attacks, etc.
