Chapter 2 - Interpretations and debates around Congress

Question 1

What did the Sixteenth Amendment do?

Answer 1

Gave the legislature the power to levy federal income taxes.

Question 2

Wen was the Sixteenth Amendment passed?

Answer 2

1913

Question 3

What prompted the increase federal government?

Answer 3

The Great Depression and F.D.R.’s New Deal in 1933.

Question 4

When was the Civil Rights Act passed?

Answer 4

1964

Question 5

What did the Civil Rights Act do?

Answer 5

Prohibited racial, religious, and sexual discrimination.

Question 6

When is the era of party polarisation?

Answer 6

1980s - present

Question 7

What is the rate of success for passing legislation in the era of party polarisation?

Answer 7

2-3%

Question 8

What is the most recent example of bipartisan cooperation?

Answer 8

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act 2020 (CARES)

Question 9

When was the last time Congress declared war and against who?

Answer 9

1941 against Japan

Question 10

When was the War Powers Act?

Answer 10

1973

Question 11

What did Gene Healy say in 2008 about Congress’ power to check the president on matters of military involvement?

Answer 11

“When it comes to matters of war and peace, Congress now occupies a position roughly analogous to that of a student council”

Question 12

Why does the Constitution lead to party leaders having limited power?

Answer 12

• Separation of powers - even in united government, party leaders in Congress may have little influence over the executive.
• Federalism - party leaders in the federal government have no control over the party in the 50 state governments.
• Bicameralism - party leaders only operate in their own chamber.

Question 13

What was the ‘Contract with America’?

Answer 13

The ten-point programme that all Republicans campaigned on in the 1994 midterms. This was the first example of a nationalised campaign.

Question 14

Why is it hard for parties to control their members of Congress?

Answer 14

Political candidates raises their own funding, meaning they do not rely on the party to fund them; and the party has no control over candidate selection. This means members are incentivised to follow the needs of their constituents more than their party.

Question 15

Why can parties not reward their members in Congress?

Answer 15

The separation of powers means members of Congress cannot be rewarded with a cabinet role like they can in the UK.

Question 16

Why can it be argued that Congress fulfils its representative role?

Answer 16

• It has never been more diverse.
• The frequency of elections.
• The Senate represents a state while the House a district, meaning double representation.
• Congressmen tend to use the delegate model while Senators use the trustee model.
• Caucuses allow for greater influence.

Question 17

Why can it be argued Congress does not fulfil its representative role?

Answer 17

• Women and races are still underrepresented.
• Gerrymandering.
• Pressure groups distort the public interest.

Question 18

When is congressional oversight strongest?

Answer 18

In times of divided government.

Question 19

What is the criticism of congressional oversight in divided government?

Answer 19

It is claimed that rather than actually trying to improve legislation and the running of the state, oversight is just used to attack political opponents.

Question 20

Why was there so much oversight of Foreign Secretary Hilary Clinton by Republican Congress?

Answer 20

She was the front-runner to be the Democrat presidential candidate.

Question 21

What has caused Congress to become less effective in its legislative function?

Answer 21

• Length legislative process.
• Polarisation leading to partisanship.
• Gridlock of divided government.

Question 22

How many regular vetoes did F.D.R. make?

Answer 22

372

Question 23

Why might some consider the low rate of successful legislation a good thing?

Answer 23

The Founding Fathers wanted limited government, so the low pass rate suggests only the necessary legislation is being passed.

Question 24

What are the congressional checks on the president with regards to legislation?

Answer 24

• Vote against legislation supported or initiated by the president.
• Amend legislation.
• Power of the purse, giving them the influence of the funding of the president’s projects.

Question 25

What are the congressional checks on presidential power?

Answer 25

• Senate must ratify treaties by 2/3.
• Senate must approve presidential appointments.
• Congress can override a veto.
• Declare war.

Question 26

Who did the Senate refuse to even consider for the nomination to the Supreme Court in 2016?

Answer 26

Merrick Garland, Obama’s nomination.

Question 27

When was the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty rejected?

Answer 27

1999 - negotiated by Clinton.