Congress and Policymaking Review

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the structures, powers, and functions of Congress, including the legislative process, budgeting, and relevant Supreme Court cases.

What are the different types of committees in Congress?

Standing Committees (always exist), Special/Select Committees (temporary), Joint Committees (involve both House and Senate), Conference Committees (reconcile House and Senate versions of a bill).

What is the Mark Up Process in congressional committees?

The process where amendments are proposed and added, and the bill is edited in committee.

What does the term 'Logrolling' refer to in Congress?

Trade-offs between legislators when amending a bill in committee.

Define 'Pork Barrel Spending'.

Funding in a bill that provides specific benefits for constituents/district.

What is a deficit?

When the government spends more money than it takes in.

What is the difference between mandatory and discretionary spending?

Mandatory spending is required by law (like Social Security), while discretionary spending is not required by law and can be adjusted.

What is the budget process in Congress?

Agencies submit requests to the Office of Management and Budget, which sends them to the President, who then submits to Congress for appropriations.

What happens if a budget resolution cannot be passed by the deadline?

A continuing resolution may be passed to extend previous appropriations levels, or else a government shutdown may occur.

What is the difference between Authorization and Appropriations?

Authorization is the approval for a program to exist, while appropriations is the actual allocation of money to that program.

What is Gerrymandering?

The manipulation of district boundaries to favor one party over another, named after Elbridge Gerry's salamander-shaped district.

What was the ruling in Baker v. Carr?

It ruled that redistricting is a justiciable issue that can be reviewed by the court, enforcing equal representation under the 14th amendment.

What was the outcome of Reno v. Shaw?

It ruled that creating Congressional districts based on race can violate the 14th amendment, leading to unconstitutional gerrymandering.

What does the term 'Gridlock' refer to in Congress?

When it becomes virtually impossible to accomplish government business, often due to partisan divisions.

What is a Trustee model of congressional behavior?

A model where a legislator votes based on what they think is best for their constituents, even if it differs from constituents’ immediate desires.

What is a Politico model of congressional behavior?

A model that acts as a trustee until an issue becomes politically unpopular, then acts as a delegate.