PLSC 323 FINAL EXAM

Who did Redman work for during the Nixon administration in the 1970s?

Senator Magnuson from Washington.

What was the purpose of the NHSC (National Health Service Corps)?

It was a loan forgiveness program to pay off medical school debt for those who provided 2 years of service in medical shortage areas.

What legislative process starts with a bill being introduced?

The bill is assigned to a specialized committee or referred to a subcommittee for further study.

What is required for a bill to become law after being passed in both houses?

It needs to be sent to the President who can then either sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature.

What was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court regarding the line item veto?

The line item veto granted the President unilateral authority to veto parts of a bill.

What are signing statements used for by the president?

To strengthen the theory of executive powers and provide an unofficial line item veto.

What are some concerns related to merit mention in cabinet appointments?

1) Takes longer to fulfill cabinet positions, 2) Adds layers to bureaucracy, 3) Requires Senate confirmation.

What does the principal-agent theory describe?

It describes the relationship where a principal authorizes an agent to act on their behalf, and deviations from the principal's interest by the agent are called agency costs.

What is the 'rhetorical presidency'?

The concept of the president going public to build support, utilizing mass communication.

What is meant by the 'sophomore surge'?

An increase in the votes that congressional candidates usually receive when they first run for re-election.

What do the two legislative roles of the president include?

Formal legislative roles (like state of the union addresses and budget messages) and informal legislative roles (such as influencing the agenda).

What is the difference between the House and Senate regarding debate?

The House has structured debates and previous motions that can end debate, while the Senate allows unlimited debate.

What is the concept of logrolling in Congress?

Bargaining where members exchange support to achieve individual goals, often related to public works projects.

What is the meaning of 'senatorial courtesy'?

A presidential custom of submitting the names of prospective appointees for approval to senators from the states where they will work.

What is the impact of incumbency on congressional elections?

Incumbents often have advantages due to factors like districting, personal vote, campaign funds, and recognition.

What is the difference between explicit and implicit bargaining in legislation?

Explicit bargaining is a direct negotiation for compromises, while implicit bargaining involves actions that anticipate others' reactions without negotiation.

What does Fenno's paradox illustrate about constituents and their representatives?

People tend to disapprove of Congress as a whole but love their individual congressional representatives.

What was the significance of the 17th Amendment?

It requires the popular election of senators, making the Senate more stable and less subject to whims.

What key roles do committee chairs play in Congress?

They call meetings, manage the agenda, hire or fire members, and act as floor managers.

What was the outcome of Kelo v. New London (2005)?

The Supreme Court upheld the government's use of eminent domain to transfer private property for economic development.

What are standing committees within Congress?

Permanently established legislative committees responsible for legislation within specific subject areas.

What is the concept of the Iron Triangle in policymaking?

A mutually dependent relationship between congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and special interest groups.

What is a 'pair arrangement' in congressional voting?

An arrangement where if one member cannot attend a vote, they make a deal with another to cancel each other out.

What is the objective of the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974?

To centralize control of federal spending and reinforce Congress's role in the budget process.

What do committees serve as in the legislative process, according to Mayhew?

They provide efficiency and specialization, allowing for division of labor and effective checks on the executive government.

What did the Budget Accounting Act of 1921 require the president to do?

To prepare and submit an annual budget proposal to Congress.

What are the common types of committees within Congress?

Reelection committees, policy committees, and power committees.

What is the role of the Rules Committee in the House?

It structures debates and sets the rules for how bills are considered on the House floor.

What was the purpose of the Tillman Act of 1907?

To ban corporate contributions to federal campaigns.

What did the McCain-Feingold Bill of 2002 ban?

Party soft money contributions and required issue ads to be funded with hard money.

What are the effects of unlimited debate in the Senate?

Allows any senator to delay or prevent a vote through filibustering.

What is the term 'deck stacking' in the context of incumbency?

The tactics incumbents use to make it difficult for challengers to compete.

What are the five veto options available to the president?

Sign it, return with veto, take no action (becomes law), pocket veto (dies if not signed in 10 days), line item veto (unconstitutional).

What is the goal of collective action in politics?

To merge individual goals into collective achievements, often facing challenges in coordination.

What does the term 'poison bill' refer to in legislation?

A bill designed to make an underlying measure so unacceptable that it will kill it.

What does the 'median voter theorem' suggest?

In simple majority rule, the ideal proposal that satisfies the median voter is the most likely to win.

What demographics influence the impact of incumbency in elections?

Factors include campaigning strategies, district characteristics, and personal connections to constituents.

What did the Citizens United v. FEC decision establish?

It allowed corporations and unions to engage in express advocacy, overturning key limitations on campaign financing.

What does the term 'conditional party government' refer to?

When party leaders have more power to influence decisions when their members are in agreement on policies.

What does the term 'interest group pluralism' describe?

The theory that a variety of interest groups contributes to political balance and representation.

What is the 'psych out' factor in congressional elections?

It explains why potential challengers do not run against incumbents perceived as unbeatable.

What role do lobbying efforts play in the political process?

Lobbying involves advocating for specific interests, providing information and resources, and mobilizing voter support.

What is the significance of the Federalist No. 78?

Hamilton described the judiciary as the weakest branch of government, emphasizing its role in interpreting laws.

How does the legislative reorganization act of 1946 impact Congress?

It directed all committees to maintain continuous oversight over their areas of legislation.

What is 'agenda setting' in the context of Congress?

The process by which Congress members determine which issues to consider and vote on.

What is the 'arm twisting' strategy related to congressional leadership?

A technique used by party leaders to enforce party loyalty and influence members' voting decisions.

What did Buckley v. Valeo establish regarding campaign finance?

It distinguished between contributions and expenditures, reinforcing the notion of free speech in campaign financing.

What challenges does the 'collective action problem' pose for legislators?

It complicates achieving collaborative goals among individuals with varying interests.

What is the meaning of a 'subgovt' or 'iron triangle'?

The relationship among congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups working to influence policy.

What can be inferred about Fenno's three types of decision-makers?

They demonstrate varying degrees of commitment and strategies based on their positions in legislative debates.

What is the Electoral College's function in Presidential elections?

To formally elect the President and Vice President of the United States.

What is the significance of the signing statement as it relates to presidential power?

It allows the president to interpret laws in a way that aligns with their policy preferences.

What is the purpose of a concurrent resolution in Congress?

To express an opinion without the force of law, requiring approval from both houses but not the president.