Chapter 5 - Congress

Covers Chapter 5 of American Government 16th Edition by James Wilson, John DeIulio, Meena Bose, and Matthew Levendusky.

Where in the Constitution lists the powers of Congress?

Where in the Constitution lists the powers of Congress?

Article 1 Section 8.

What is the difference in terms of who “runs/is selected” for Parliament vs. Congress?

In Parliament, someone is nominated by a certain political party. In Congress, members are elected directly through elections.

What is the difference in Congress vs. Parliament in terms of the people that make it up?

In Congress, it tends to be made up of people who think of themselves as independnet representatives of their states/districts. In Parliament, people tend to represent the entire national party.

What is the difference in Congress vs. Parliament in terms of selecting/making up the government.

In Congress, people are free to express their views and ideals as they wish. In Parliament, the people choose a government.

Why did the Framers choose to place legislative powers in the hands of a Congress?

It is because they feared that a concentration to one power would lead to mob rule.

What is a bicameral legislature?

A lawmaking body made up of two chambers/parts (this is Congress).

Explain how Congress has evolved over time…

Though there have been periods of strong central leadership in Congress, it has often been getting more and more decentralized.

Why is it hard for the House of Representatives to be powerful?

It is because of its size. It wanted to be incredibly big with individual people wanting to be powerful.

How has power mainly evolved in the Senate?

It has always had more power than the House of Representatives because of its size, but there were tons of disputes over how its members could be chosen.

What was another issue of the development of the Senate? Explain what it means :) How was this combatted?

It was a filibuster (a prolonged speech, or series of speeches made to delay action). It started to receive some combat in 1917 by Wilson who enacted Rule 22, which could limit someone’s speech if two thirds of senators vote. (it barely works)

How have the people in Congress changed, specifically in Gender and Race?

There have been more women and more diverse individuals, like African Americans, Latino members, and Native American members.

Why has there been a more diverse population in Congress?

Because of majority-minotiry districts, where a majority of voters are racial/ethnic minorities.

Since some majority-minority districts may be included to elect someone that has a similar race as them (descriptive representation), what might happen?

They might be less likely to engage in substantive representation (ability of citizens to elect people that will enact policies that citizens favor).

What are marginal districts?

Districts where candidates elected to the HOR win in close elections.

What are safe districts?

Districts where incumbents win by a safe margin.

What is a reason as to why incumbents generally have high success in getting re-elected?

Because they can use their power to get programs passed or funds spent to benefit their districts.

Why is it that the Democrats controlled Congress for so long?

It is becuase the democratic party was basically two different parties: a northern wing and a more conservative southern wing.

What was the main difference between Southern Democrats and Northern Democrats (other than their location silly)?

Southern Democrats were more republican in terms of voting on policy and formed a conservative coalition (alliance between Republicans and conservative Democrats).

What are the three theories about how Congress behaves?

representational, organizational, and attitudinal.

What is the representational explanation of Congress’ behavior?

It is the idea that members want to get reelected and therefore vote to please their constituents.

What is the organizational explanation of Congress’ behavior?

The idea that because most constituents do not know how their legislator has voted, it is not essential to please them.

What is the attitudinal explanation of Congress’ behavior?

It is the idea that the many conflicting pressures of Congressional members cancel one another out, leaving members virtually free to vote on their own beliefs.

How are the Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate organized?

They are organized by party leaders who are elected by the full party membership within the House and Senate.

What is a majority leader? What is their task?

The legislative leader elected by party members who hold majority in the House/Senate. Their task is to schedule the business of the Senate.

What is a minority leader?

A legislative leader elected by party members who hold a minority in the House/Senate.

What is a whip?

A senator/representative who helps the party leader stay informed about what the party is thinking.

What is the Speaker?

The presiding officer of the HOR and the leader of his/her party in the house.

What is a party vote?

A vote where most Democrats are on one side of the bill, and most Republicans are on the other.

Why is party formation not that important as it once was?

It is because people in the House are free to express their own views. They don’t need to strictly vote Republican on everything if they are one.

What is a caucus? (hint: also think of the four types)

When congressional members all meet to advocate for a political ideology, regional, ethnic, or economic interest.

What is a standing committee?

Permanent bodies with specific legislative responsibilites.

What is a select committee?

A congressional commitee appointed for a limited time.

What is a joint committee?

A committee where both senators and representatives serve.

Name an example of a joint committee…

A conference committee, which is made up of representatives ans senators appointed to resolve differences in the Senate and HOR over proposed bills.

How were committee members selected in the past? What about now?

In the past, they were selected by loyalty to the leader. Now they are selected via a secrete ballot.

Who is allowed to introduce a piece of new legislation?

Any member of Congress (not the president!).

What is a simple resolution?

A legislative measure that addresses a single issue and is passed by HOR/Senate. It does not require the approval of the other chamber.

What is a concurrent resolution?

A legistlative measure that requires the approval of both the HOR and Senate, but not the president.

What is a joint resolution?

A legislative measure that requires approval from the HOR, Senate, and President. It is used for constitutional amendments or to authorize specific actions.

Describe the entire process of how a bill can get approved…

A bill is first recognized by the House, which is transferred to a committee for consideration. The committee then reviews the bill and makes changes to it, where they can eventually push it out to the HOR/Senate. Then, the bill can either go to the president or a conference committee, where the Senate and HOR work to revision the bill. After this, it goes to the president where he can veto/approve it.

What happens most of the time when a bill is reviewed by a committee? What can the House do to avoid this???

It often becomes “dead” after 30 days. The house can sign a dischage petition if they get majority, which would bring the bill to the floor.

What is a quorum?

The minimum number of members who must be present for business to be conducted in Congress (218 representatives).

What is the cloture rule?

A rule used by the Senate to end/limit debate.

What are the three ways of voting in Congress? Define all of them…

Voice Vote: Involves members shouting “yea” or “nae” and whichever one is higher essentially wins.

Division Vote: Where members stand and are counted.

Roll-Call Vote: It consists of members answering “yea” or “nay” to their names. (electronic counting system)

Teller Vote: Involves members passing through two times, the first time only has people “yea” and the second, “nae”

What is a divided government?

When one party controls the White House and another controls both houses.

What is a unified government?

When the same party controls both the White House and the two houses.