Untitled Flashcards Set

How has technology impacted redistricting?

Technology allows precise mapping, enabling gerrymandering.

What is Article I of the Constitution about?

Article I establishes Congress’s structure, powers, and lawmaking authority.

How does bicameralism relate to factions?

Bicameralism limits faction power by requiring chamber agreement.

Why is the House of Representatives closer to the people than the Senate?

The House has shorter terms and smaller districts for greater accountability.

What does Table 4.1 discuss?

Table 4.1 outlines the structural differences between the House and Senate.

How does the Senate provide stability to the government?

The Senate's longer terms and staggered elections create stability.

What are the three most common occupations for members of Congress?

Lawyers, businesspeople, and educators are the most common.

What impact did the 17th Amendment have on Congress?

It allowed for direct election of senators, increasing democracy.

What is considered the most important power of Congress?

The most important power of Congress is the power to make laws.

What does Table 4.2 outline?

Table 4.2 lists Congress's enumerated and implied powers.

What specific power does the House of Representatives have regarding economic policy?

The House can originate revenue-raising bills.

What is an earmark?

An earmark is a provision directing funds to specific projects.

What is pork-barrel spending?

Pork-barrel spending allocates government funds for local projects to gain support.

What is logrolling?

Logrolling is trading votes to pass each other's bills.

What are three arguments in favor of earmarks?

Earmarks target funding, foster bipartisanship, and address local needs.

How does Congress impact foreign policy?

Congress declares war, approves treaties, and controls foreign funding.

What role does Congress play regarding the judicial branch?

Congress establishes courts, sets salaries, and approves judges.

What role does Congress play regarding the bureaucracy?

Congress oversees funding, investigates agencies, and ensures effective law execution.

Which positions in the national government are subject to impeachment?

The President, Vice President, and civil officers can be impeached.

Who has the power to impeach?

The House of Representatives holds the power to impeach.

What is the Senate's role concerning impeached officials?

The Senate tries and decides whether to convict impeached officials.

What is a constituency?

A constituency is the group of people a legislator represents.

What does the 1842 Apportionment Act mandate?

It requires contiguous and equal-population congressional districts.

What do the authors mean by voters being unequally represented in the Senate?

Smaller states have the same number of senators as larger ones.

What is apportionment or reapportionment?

Apportionment distributes congressional seats; reapportionment adjusts after each census.

What is redistricting?

Redistricting redraws district boundaries to reflect population changes.

What is gerrymandering?

Gerrymandering manipulates district boundaries for political advantage.

How does redistricting connect to polarization in Congress?

Safe districts from redistricting lead to extreme candidates and polarization.

Why does Carol Swain argue majority-minority districts may harm African Americans?

They concentrate minority voters, reducing broader influence.

What precedent did Baker v. Carr (1962) establish?

It allowed federal courts to hear redistricting cases.

What was established by Gray v. Sanders (1963) and Reynolds v. Simms (1964)?

They established the 'one person, one vote' standard.

What did the Supreme Court rule in Shaw v. Reno (1993)?

Race cannot be the predominant factor in districting.

What is incumbency advantage?

Incumbents are more likely to win due to recognition and resources.

What contributes to incumbency advantage?

Name recognition, fundraising, and constituent services contribute.

Is incumbency advantage stronger in the House or Senate?

It’s stronger in the House due to smaller constituencies and frequent elections.