2.3 Interpretations and Debates around Congress

Question 1

When was the Constitution first written?

Answer 1

1789

Question 2

What did the 16th Amendment give to Congress?

Answer 2

Gave the legislature the power to levy income tax, marking a great increase in the power and scope of the federal government

Question 3

Under Franklin Roosevelt, what happened to the scale of the federal government?

Answer 3

Expanded greatly as part of the New Deal and into the 1960s under Lyndan Johnson

Question 4

Since the 1980s, what has happened to the role of Congress?

Answer 4

Parties have become increasingly polarised in their ideological makeup. The Republicans has no interest in working with Obama on his healthcare reform.

Question 5

How has the appointment process become even more polarised?

Answer 5

The Republican controlled Senate failed to even consider Obamas nomination to the Supreme Court in 2016.
In 2020, Trumps nomination of Amy Coney Barrett rested on the shoulders of the Democrats

Question 6

Can we say that Congress has much power within domestic policy?

Answer 6

Yes, increasingly with party polarisation.

Question 7

For much of its history, was the USA a foreign power?

Answer 7

No - the USA was isolationist meaning it didn’t interfere much with foreign affairs.

Question 8

Is Congress, specifically, able to carry out foreign policy?

Answer 8

No, since Roosevelt the power of Congress has been eroded. The Constitution gives the power to Congress to carry out acts of war. The last time this happened was 1941. President Nixon was carrying out wars Congress didn’t even know about.

Question 9

What was the War Powers Act (1973), and what did it try to do to foreign policy in relation to the President?

Answer 9

The act tried to reassert power to Congress in relation to foreign policy. The act, however, meant that the President could carry out war proposals for 90 days without Congress’ approval.

Question 10

What are the arguments to suggest that Congress is successful in its representation role?

Answer 10

1. composition of Congress has never been more representative
2. frequency of elections means electorate are successful in holding to account
3. members of Congress offer both a delegate and trustee model of representation
4. pressure groups broaden representation

Question 11

What are the arguments to suggest that Congress is not successful in its representative role?

Answer 11

1. composition of Congress is still not representative
2. gerrymandering and incumbency undermine representation
3. FPTP reinforces two party system
4. pressure groups distort representation function

Question 12

Has party significance increased or decreased over time and why?

Answer 12

Party significance has increased. In the past, there was little ideological difference between the parties and party strength was weak. However, now polarisation has kicked in, party affiliation has become increasingly important.

Question 13

How does party leadership affect Congress?

Answer 13

Because of the Constitution

• Seperation of Powers. Congress may hold little sway if the White House is occupied by a President
• Federalism. Party leaders in Congress have little sway over the 50 states
• Bicameralism. Party leaders only operate in their chamber

Question 14

What are the reasons for party renewal within Congress?

Answer 14

• theories of party decline were exaggerated
• nationalisation of party campaigns
• centralisation of power by party leadership
• increased partisanship
• a lack of incentives
• communication with voters
• emergence of ‘movements’