Political Representation and Congressional Processes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to political representation, legislative processes, and the inherent contradictions present in government actions.

Trustee Representation

A type of representation where legislators act in the interest of the general public rather than their constituents when making decisions.

Delegate Representation

A type of representation where legislators act strictly in accordance with the preferences of their constituents.

Inherent Contradiction of Representation

The dilemma faced by legislators as they try to balance conflicting demands from their constituents and the broader public.

NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) Problem

A phenomenon where individuals support policies but oppose their implementation near their own homes.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group.

Incumbent

An incumbent is a current office holder who is often favored in elections due to advantages such as name recognition and fundraising.

Veto Point

Any step in the legislative process where a bill can be halted or eliminated from consideration.

Markup Session

A committee session in which a bill is reviewed, examined, and modified before being put to a vote.

Campaign Contributions

Financial donations made to political campaigns, which can influence the re-election prospects of incumbents.

Public Trust in Committees

The expectation that committee members will carry out their duties responsibly, which is crucial for the legislative process.