Congress: Powers, Representation, Redistricting & Voting Models

Why is Congress a bicameral legislature?

It was created as a compromise between states with large and small populations.

Why are coalitions harder to form in the House?

Shorter term lengths, more focus on re-election, and more partisan representation.

Why do coalitions form more often in the Senate?

Members are less partisan, serve longer terms, and have more stable membership.

What was the House designed to do?

Reflect the will of the people through direct elections.

What was the Senate designed to do?

Reflect the interests of the elites, originally selected by state legislatures.

What are unique powers of the House?

Initiate revenue bills, impeach officials, break electoral college deadlocks.

What are unique powers of the Senate?

Ratify treaties, try impeachment cases, advise and consent on appointments.

What is 'advice and consent'?

Senate's power to approve presidential appointments and treaties.

What is the 'power of the purse'?

Legislative influence over public policy through budget authorization.

What is the War Powers Act?

A law requiring presidential notification to Congress within 48 hours of troop deployment.

What is the elastic clause?

Allows Congress to use powers not explicitly named in the Constitution.

What is constitutionalism?

A set of arrangements requiring leaders to be accountable for their actions.

Why are senators more insulated from public opinion?

They serve longer terms and were originally chosen by state legislatures.

What is a caucus in Congress?

An informal group of members pursuing common legislative objectives.

What are the important powers of Congress?

Maintain an army, levy taxes, declare war, regulate commerce, create courts.

What are the military and foreign policy roles of Congress?

Declare war, ratify treaties, approve military budgets, confirm ambassadors.

What measures prevent an abusive legislative branch?

Direct elections, legislation must pass both chambers, presidential veto power.

What is gerrymandering?

Redrawing district lines to favor one political party over another.

What is reapportionment?

Redistribution of congressional seats based on census changes.

What is redistricting?

Redrawing district boundaries to reflect population changes.

What was the significance of Baker v. Carr (1962)?

Established that redistricting is a justiciable issue under the equal protection clause.

What was the ruling in Shaw v. Reno (1993)?

Race cannot be the sole factor in redrawing legislative district boundaries.

What is the primary reason for gerrymandering?

To create districts that give a party an electoral advantage.

Why is reapportionment important to states?

It affects their political power and representation in the House.

What are additional reasons for gerrymandering?

To protect incumbents, reward allies, and create majority-minority districts.

What are the legal rules for redistricting?

Districts must be equal in population, contiguous, and compact.

What is political or party polarization?

The growing divide between liberals and conservatives.

What are reasons for party polarization?

Clear political differences, lack of trust, gerrymandering, biased media.

What is party-line voting?

When a majority of a political party votes the same way.

What are 'safe seats'?

Electoral districts regarded as secure for a particular party or incumbent.

What are the congressional models of voting?

Delegate, Trustee, and Politico models based on constituent wishes and judgment.

What does the Equal Protection clause of the 14th amendment do?

Prevents government from treating individuals differently without a compelling reason.

What is divided government?

When control of the executive and legislative branches is split between parties.