Congress Exam 1

US

Jeanette Rankin

First female elected to congress in the United States. She held a federal office during WW1 and WW2, in which she was the only outlier to vote against war.

Politico

A model of representation. Used to describe a politician or someone who is actively involved in politics. The model states that, this specific model is a hybrid between two other models of representation.

Trustee

A model of representation in which one represents their constituents by using their own judgment in setting priorities and choosing policy positions. EX: Blanche Lincoln voting yes on ACA.

Delegate

A model of representation. One that faithfully represents the views of their district or state in Congress and vote accordingly. EX: a senator voting yes on a bill that the population of their state agrees with.

Virtual Representation

Great Britain claimed the US had this; colonists wanted representatives they voted on (direct representation), coined the term ‘no taxation without representation’

Casework

Refers to the response or service that members of Congress provide to constituents who request assistance. EX: Explaining government activities or decisions.

Unitary Model of Representation

Requires a great deal of discussion and participation of all legislators who have relevant perspectives. EX: Madison believed this was the best form of representation, through extensive deliberation.

Adversarial Model of Representation

The system we are most used to today. When lawmakers disagree because they represent different interests, they express those differences, and the issue is decided based on which side has more votes. EX: Often framed as a contrast between different factions; Republican and Democrat

House of Burgesses

First elected legislative assembly in the colonies. This is where we see the development of the representative government in the US. Burgesses were chosen by eligible voters; they convened to discuss local laws and colonial affairs.

Articles of Confederation

Served as the US’s written document detailing the functions of the government. This established state sovereignty while having a weak central government, thus the government had little powers under this. EX: Govt couldn’t regulate commerce or tax its people, paving the way for the Constitution.

Disappearing Quorum

Tactic used to delay legislation by refusing to participate in a vote. Thomas Reed changed the House rules which allowed the Speaker to call roll even if they refused to vote. EX: Democrats would hide under their desks in order to not vote.

“Uncle” Joe Cannon

Considered as one of the most dominant Speakers of the House. There was a growing opposition towards Cannon’s leadership, thus causing those against him to pass several reforms, limiting his power.

Thomas Reed

Famous for his reforms to House rules. He challenged the disappearing quorum tactic by establishing Reed Rules. This allowed the Speaker to take roll even if one is refusing to vote.

Political Entrepreneurs

People who create ideas and innovations, and act as new leaders in the field of politics.

John C. Calhoun

From South Carolina, a proponent of states rights and slavery. He and Daniel Webster butted heads especially pertaining to these two topics.

Pork Barrel Politics

The practice in which government officials allocate public funds for localized projects that are designed to benefit their constituents. EX: Alaska’s Bridge to Nowhere; Congress approved this highway bill, however, there were hardly any residents that would have benefitted from this highway.

Incumbency Advantage

Basic name recognition, funding assistance, resources such as sending mail to homes within ones district.

Henry Clay

Known as the ‘Great Compromiser’, served as the Secretary of State during the John Quincy Adams administration. EX: Helped negotiate the Missouri Compromise which admitted Missouri as a slave state, and Maine as a free state.

Daniel Webster

A representative and prominent figure within the Whig party. Ardently fought for the preservation of the Union. Calhoun’s political enemy. EX: Helped negotiate the Compromise of 1850, which admitted California as a free state while passing the fugitive slave act.

McCain Feingold Act

Sought to eliminate the use of soft money in federal elections, while increasing the use of hard money, and limiting individual donations. EX: Money donated to political parties is referred to as soft money, while hard money is funds donated directly to a candidate.

Citizens United v. FEC

Altered the landscape of campaign finance. Allowed for increased spending by corporations, as it is included in one’s first amendment rights. This paved the way for SuperPACs, which can financially aid campaigns unlimitedly.

Super PACs

Can raise and spend an unlimited amount of money to advocate for or against political candidates. EX: WinSenate spending $100m to denounce Donald Trump.

Gerrymandering

Practice of redrawing the boundaries of electoral districts to favor a particular political party. EX: Conservatives redrawing district lines to create an electoral advantage.

Durverger’s Law

Claims that when elections are held in single-member districts and the winner is determined by plurality, a two-party system emerges. EX: Voting for whoever stands a chance of getting elected compared to one the voter supports the most.