PLSC 323 FINAL EXAM 2

What is the main idea behind the rise of careerism in Congress?

Increased interest in Congress, higher stakes, better career opportunities, and the formation of a Washington community attractive to members.

What is meant by 'Two Congresses'?

Members must distinguish themselves as lawmakers and in the eyes of local constituents, with electoral fortunes relying more on individual policy positions.

What is Fenno's Paradox?

Voters dislike Congress as a whole but typically support their own representative.

What is trustee representation?

Representatives act in the best interest of voters, independent of direct preferences.

What does delegate representation involve?

Representatives follow the expressed wishes of their voters.

What is incumbency advantage?

The electoral edge enjoyed by current officeholders.

How do voters typically decide whom to vote for?

They support candidates from their own party and favor incumbents.

What is Party ID?

A citizen's self-identified preference for a political party, accounting for about 90% of votes in presidential elections.

What factors explain incumbency advantage?

Districting, perks, personal votes, campaign financing, and candidate quality.

What was the ruling in Baker v Carr?

Established the principle of 'one person, one vote' to eliminate malapportionment.

What is gerrymandering?

The process of redrawing legislative boundaries to benefit the party in power.

What is packing in gerrymandering?

Concentrating partisan voters in a single district to maximize the opposition's representation elsewhere.

What is cracking in gerrymandering?

Distributing voters of one type across multiple districts to dilute their voting power.

What are the perks of office for members of Congress?

Benefits like free staff, office space, and publicity opportunities.

What is the personal vote?

The support a candidate receives due to personal qualities and activities.

What does Jacobson's Paradox state?

Incumbents who spend more money often do worse, indicating perceived challenges.

Why might good candidates avoid running for office?

Challenges include fundraising difficulties, chances of winning, and psychological barriers.

What phrase describes the importance of money in politics?

'Money is the mother’s milk of politics'.

What is the significance of the Tillman Act (1907)?

It banned corporate contributions to federal campaigns.

What did the Buckley v. Valeo (1976) ruling establish?

The 1st Amendment protects personal campaign spending but allows limits on contributions.

What was the outcome of Citizens United v. FEC (2010)?

It allowed corporations and unions to engage in express advocacy.

What roles do campaigns serve?

Introduce/tear down candidates, raise issues, and mobilize voters.

What is persuasion in a campaign context?

The effort to convince undecided or weakly committed voters.

What is the purpose of mobilization in campaigns?

To ensure that supporters actually vote on Election Day.

Why is campaign finance reform challenging to achieve?

Due to legislators' interests, public inattentiveness, and complex issues.

What were the 1994 elections significant for?

It marked the end of unified Democratic control of Congress under a Democratic president.

What are the three meanings of elections?

Electoral consequences, policy consequences, and procedural/organizational consequences.

What characterized the contemporary Congress from 1994 onward?

Party discipline, powerful leaders, aggressive procedural tactics, and intraparty conflict.

What did Fenno describe as a failure for Republicans in the 104th Congress?

He believed their confrontational approach led to struggles.

What was a consequence of inexperienced members in Congress?

Overzealous behavior, poor party cohesion, and mismanagement of key issues.

What was a major problem for Republicans in 1995?

Their lack of experience interpreting victories hindered effective governance.

Why couldn't Republicans win the budgetary standoff with Clinton?

They underestimated Clinton's veto power and failed to articulate a strong public narrative.

What similarities exist between the new Democratic House and the past Republican majority?

An internal divide between ideological hardliners and moderates.

What lesson should today’s parties take from the 104th Congress?

Bold promises require compromise and realistic governance to avoid backlash.

What are Big-I institutions?

Organizations that create, enforce laws and mediate conflict, like Congress and the Presidency.

What are Small-i institutions?

Established rules and norms structuring political interactions.

What is the median voter theorem?

The idea that the median voter represents a stable equilibrium in policies under majority rule.

Why do legislators value committees?

They signal priorities, allow credit claiming, and influence policymaking.

What distinguishes standing committees from select committees?

Standing committees are permanent, while select committees are temporary.

What is the seniority system in Congress?

Long tenured members automatically become chairs of committees.

What biases does the committee system induce?

Geographical and ideological biases that may misrepresent policy outcomes.

What are Fenno's three goals for lawmakers?

Reelection, good public policy, and influence in Congress.

How are committee assignments decided?

Requests from members, reviewed and incorporated into a plan by committees on committees.

What is jurisdiction in the context of committees?

The informal rules determining who considers a bill when multiple committees overlap.

What roles do staff play in Congress?

Draft proposals, organize hearings, and negotiate with stakeholders.

What is the importance of coverage in House races?

Lower interest means less media coverage, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.

How do you assess if a district is winnable?

By analyzing past election margins, partisanship, and voter sentiment.

What indicates a non-incumbent's viability?

Their fundraising ability and visibility.

What strategic approach should one take if running for Congress in the future?

Raise money early, build local networks, and craft district-specific messages.

What does Krasno argue about political parties?

Political parties are generally ineffective at politics.

What is important about Germaneness requirements?

Amendments must address the same subject as the bill being amended.

What do restrictive rules set by the Rules Committee do?

They limit time, amendments allowed, and decision-making order.

What is the difference between positive and negative power in Congress?

Negative power prevents actions while positive power allows actions to occur.

What are the implications of scarce time in Congress?

Most activities occur away from the floor, indicating efficiency challenges.

What distinguishes coalitions from parties?

Coalitions are temporary alliances for specific proposals, unlike lasting party structures.

Why did parties form in the U.S.?

To reflect philosophical orientations, behavioral patterns, and citizen demands for clearer choices.

What is Mayhew's view about party power?

He argues that parties are weak, but evidence shows stronger party control today.

What happens to committees when parties gain power?

Committees may lose influence as party power increases.

What is the Cartel Agenda Theory?

Members support their party to improve electoral fortunes through agenda setting.

What does Conditional Party Government Theory suggest?

Party unity and agreement on policy empower leaders to influence members more effectively.

What is the significance of agenda setting in Congress?

It serves the majority party's interests through a screening process.

How does arm twisting function in a congressional context?

Using rewards and penalties to influence member choices and foster party loyalty.

What factors contribute to increased partisan polarization?

Socialization among partisans, committed members, and external ideological activism.

What did Mayhew claim about the motivations of incumbents and challengers?

Incumbents seek reelection while challengers are driven by passion or frustration.

How have local vs. national conditions changed in elections according to Mayhew?

Elections have become more nationalized, diminishing local issue importance.

What structural features aid reelection for legislators?

Committees focusing on district issues, casework, franking privileges, and media access.

What are the components of advertising in political campaigns?

Building name recognition and creating a positive image.

What does credit claiming involve?

Taking credit for benefits delivered to the district.

What is the process of position taking?

Making public statements to appeal to voters on issues.

What do particularized benefits refer to?

Specific favors or funding delivered to win district support.

What is the difference between work and show horses in Congress?

Work refers to legislative duties while show horses seek fame and publicity.

What influences politicians' decisions in roll call votes?

Constituent interests, personal policy ideas, and lobbying.

What distinguishes final passage votes from other types of votes?

Final passage votes assess a bill against the status quo, while procedural votes determine conducting business.

What was a key feature of FDR's presidency?

Active participation in legislation and the utilization of mass communication.

What limited formal roles do presidents have in legislation?

Messages like the State of the Union and veto powers to shape congressional agendas.

What are the dynamics affecting presidential approval ratings?

Factors include honeymoon periods, rally-around-the-flag effects, end-of-term improvements, and polarization.

What do the concepts of domestic and foreign policy power refer to in presidential contexts?

Domestic policy is about party leadership; foreign policy involves extensive formal powers.

What is the concept of a plebiscitary presidency?

A president claims to represent all people, enhancing their public opinion advantage.

Why is the bureaucracy significant in the legislative process?

Implementation of vague legislation and broad regulatory authority.

What is Principal-Agent Theory in bureaucratic contexts?

It describes the dynamics between principals who delegate authority to agents and potential agency costs.

What does impoundment refer to in Congressional funding?

Presidential refusal to allow agency spending of authorized funds.

What is the difference between police patrols and fire alarms in bureaucratic oversight?

Police patrols involve direct monitoring while fire alarms trigger responses from interested parties.

What might happen if Republicans believe their 2026 prospects are bleak?

Some may choose to retire, possibly opening opportunities for Democrats.

What was Redman's strategy for passing S. 4106?

Initially focused on securing earmarks and building support before formally proposing the bill.

Why was Sen. Magnuson's sponsorship crucial for S. 4106?

His respected status and political connections helped legitimize and push the bill forward.

What qualities made Redman an asset on Magnuson's team?

He was young, hardworking, loyal, politically savvy, and collaborative in strategy.

What makes some lobbyists more effective than others?

Greater resources, stronger relationships, specialized knowledge, and issue framing abilities.