Congress Notes Review: Introduction to the Legislative Branch

A set of practice flashcards capturing key concepts from the lecture notes on Congress, including incumbency, committees, redistricting, legislative process, and oversight.

Why are congressional incumbents reelected at high rates?

They enjoy advantages such as free food/publicity, access to more money, greater name recognition, and more legislative influence.

Name the three policy roles of Congress.

Lawmaking, representation, and oversight.

What is described as the backbone of Congress and key to whether a middle class can become law?

Standing committees.

Why does Congress often let the President lead on national issues?

Because Congress is fragmented with two chambers and diverse interests, so national issues are typically led by the President while Congress handles smaller, routine matters.

What is pork barrel spending?

Allocating funds in bills to projects in a legislator’s district to please constituents and boost reelection chances.

What is the 'service strategy' in Congress?

Using personal staff to perform services for constituents to provide information and aid, making lawmakers appear helpful and present.

How much funding and how many staff does a House member typically receive?

About $1 million per year to hire 18 permanent staff members.

How much funding and how many staff does a Senator typically receive?

About $3–5 million per year to hire 30–50 staff members.

What advantages do free trips and free mail provide incumbents?

They help incumbents stay connected to constituents, stay informed about ground realities, and demonstrate responsiveness.

How do incumbents use fundraising and PACs to their advantage?

Incumbents can outspend challengers, and PACs are often reluctant to oppose well-established incumbents due to solid support and influence.

What is gerrymandering?

Redistricting by state legislatures to favor incumbents or a party, often creating noncompetitive districts.

What is the typical fate of most bills in Congress?

About 90% die in committee or subcommittee and never reach the floor.

What roles do the House Rules Committee and the Senate Majority Leader play in floor debate?

House Rules Committee controls speaking time and amendments; Senate Majority Leader schedules floor debate and coordinates with the minority leader.

What is a filibuster, and how can it be stopped?

A senator can speak indefinitely to block a bill; it can be stopped by cloture, which requires 60 senators to end debate.

What is cloture and the 30-hour rule mentioned in the notes?

A Senate rule to limit debate to about 30 hours once cloture is invoked, achieved by 60 votes to end unlimited talking.

What is a pocket veto?

Presidential veto by not signing a bill within 10 days when Congress is adjourned, causing the bill to die.

What are the major powers of Congress mentioned?

Taxing, spending, regulating commerce, and declaring war.

How does Congress balance national and local representation when evaluating legislation?

Committees weigh local impacts for their districts while considering the broader national effects to balance local needs with national interests.

What is oversight in Congress?

Holding the executive branch accountable through hearings and investigations to ensure laws are enforced.

How has polarization affected Congress’s representation and policy focus?

Increased party polarization has moved major issues to the national level and led representation to occur largely through parties, with less cross-party collaboration.

What did the founders hope for regarding compromise?

A spirit of compromise and focus on the common good, rather than pure partisanship.