American Government 11

The Great Compromise

Successfully resolved differences between large and small states.

Members of the House are apportioned

According to the state's population.

Redistricting problems

Districts are often drawn to benefit partisan groups.

Implied power of Congress

The power to regulate the sale of tobacco in the states.

Benefits of a bicameral system

Demands careful consideration and deliberate action by legislators.

Drawbacks of a bicameral system

Tougher overall to pass legislation and difficult to push large-scale reforms.

Enumerated powers of Congress

Includes imposing taxes, borrowing money, regulating commerce, establishing currency, and maintaining a navy.

Effect of a strong presidency on Congress

A strong presidency saps power from Congress as both branches check each other.

Senate races tend to inspire

Broad discussion of policy issues.

Meaning of 'All politics is local'

Local constituents care about issues affecting them.

Campbell's surge-and-decline theory

Explains differences in turnout and results during midterm elections.

Incumbency advantage factors

Incumbents raise more money and are better known due to previous wins.

Strict delegate model of representation

Legislate in the way constituents think is best.

Descriptive representation effect

Increases the number of minority members in Congress.

Influence of earmarks as corruption

Leads to location-specific benefits that are highly visible.

Polling data on congressional approval

Peaks observed during the start of U.S. military involvements overseas.

House leaders' power compared to Senate leaders

House leaders are more powerful due to the constitutional position of the House.

Select committee difference from standing committee

Select committees are temporary, while standing committees are permanent.

Committees in Congress

Demonstrate a division of labor based on specialization.

Stopping a filibuster

Requires the chamber votes for cloture.

Marking up a bill

Means the bill is being amended.

Key means of advancing modern legislation

The budget process.

Classic Legislative Process

Involves multiple steps including committee debates and reconciliations before a bill is passed.

Modern Legislative Process

Large pieces of legislation passed through budgeting, empowering leadership over committees.

Bill after House Rules Committee

Goes to the full floor of the House of Representatives.

Gerrymandering

Manipulation of electoral districts to serve the interests of a group.

Importance of House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Finance Committee

Jurisdiction over taxes, trade, and entitlement programs.

Incumbency advantage contributing factor

Constituency service.

True statement about the Senate

Only one-third of the membership is up for election at a time.

When two members of Congress disagree but support each other

Occurs through mutual agreement on bills.

Closed or open rule in Congress

These refer to provisions on floor debate for a bill.

Overriding a president's veto

Requires a two-thirds vote in both chambers.

President pro tempore of the Senate

Usually the majority party member with the greatest seniority.

Committee markup

Session where a congressional committee rewrites legislation to incorporate changes discussed.