11. Legislature Part I Flashcards
What is Congress?
Congress is the legislative branch of the government tasked with passing laws, and setting the federal budget. Philosophically, congress is the voice of the people
Which Branch did the founding fathers intend to be the main branch?
Legislative Branch because they wanted Congress to be in charge in all areas of life like creating the federal laws, managing the economy by laying and collecting taxes, and providing for the common defense.
How has Congress delegated much of its authority to the executive branch?
The War Powers Act 1973(which stated that the President can declare war without permission from congress), President Budget Priorities(which means the President can send his budget requests to Congress) and the House of Union address
What are the two different views on how legislatures represent their constituents? (con-stiii-tuents)
Delegates vs Trustees
What does having Representatives as Delegates mean?
A perspective in which legislators are viewed as the delegates of the voters, acting directly on their behalf.
What are the 2 points of the Representatives as Delegates model?
- The people empower representatives to speak for them
2. Voter preferences & Legislator preferences are the same
What does having Representatives as Trustees mean?
A perspective in which Legislators are viewed as largely independent from voters, acting on their OWN interpretation of the public good
What do Representatives as trustees typically do?
First, the representative’s act then AFTER they act voters affirm or denounce those actions by voting in the Congressional elections
What are the 2 points of the Representatives as Trustees model?
- Representatives largely act independent from voters.
2. Voters elect representatives for their judgment and expertise
How did Legislatures work before?
Previously, they used to follow voters because, in order for legislatures to get reelected, they had to follow voter’s desires
What does the Median Voter Theory by Anthony Downes 1957 say?
That policy outcomes are usually towards the political center
Are groups accurately represented in Congress?
African Americans make up 13% of the population and Congress. Hispanics make up 16% of the population but only 4% of Congress (it’s important to note that only 8.6% of the Hispanic population are actual citizens). Asian Americans make up 5% of the population & 3% of Congress. And women who make up half the population only constitute 24.5% of congress
What are the Professional and Economic Demographics of Congress?
Most of them are lawyers, businessmen, and career politicians. They are INCREDIBLY wealthy and have 10x more wealth than the average American home
What is incumbency status?
Holding a political office while also running for that same political office
Who is more likely to win an election–an incumbent candidate or a first-time candidate?
Incumbent candidates are significantly more likely to win reelection. 90% incumbents in the House win reelection, and 75% of incumbents in the Senate win reelection
