Chapter 8

Question 1

case that established the principle of one man, one vote; this decision created guidelines for drawing up congressional districts and guaranteed a more equitable system of representation to the citizens of each state

Answer 1

Baker v Carr

Question 2

the process in which it takes 60 senators to cut off a filibuster and is aimed at protecting minority interests

Answer 2

cloture

Question 3

a committee consisting of senators and representatives that meets to resolve differences in legislation

Answer 3

conference committee

Question 4

power used by Congress to gather information useful for the formation of legislation, review the operations and budgets of executive departments and independent regulatory agencies, conduct investigations through committee hearings, and bring to the public’s attention the need for public policy

Answer 4

congressional oversight

Question 5

results in the govt giving benefits directly to people, groups, farmers, and businesses; typical policies include subsidies, research and development funds for corporations, and direct government aid for highway construction and education

Answer 5

distributive policy

Question 6

state legislatures, based on political affiliation, create congressional districts, many of which are oddly shaped and favor the political party in power in the state making the changes

Answer 6

gerrymandering

Question 7

describes people’s perception that congress and the president are in a state of disagreement that results in little legislation passing

Answer 7

gridlock

Question 8

describes a congress that succeeds in establishing itself as dominant in legislative and foreign policy

Answer 8

imperial congress

Question 9

those elected officials who are running for new terms of office

Answer 9

incumbents

Question 10

a tactic used in Congress that is best illustrated by one legislator saying to another, “I’ll vote for your legislation, if you vote for mine.”

Answer 10

logrolling

Question 11

the practice of legislators obtaining funds through legislation that favors their home districts

Answer 11

pork barrel legislation

Question 12

temporary presiding officer of the senate

Answer 12

president pro tempore

Question 13

the process in which a state legislature redraws congressional districts based on population increases or declines

Answer 13

reapportionment

Question 14

act that provides for a permanent size of the House and for the number of seats, based on the census, each state should have

Answer 14

Reapportionment Act of 1929

Question 15

policy that results in the govt taking money from one segment of the society through taxes and giving it back to groups in need

Answer 15

redistributive policy

Question 16

policy that results in government control over individuals and businesses

Answer 16

regulatory policy

Question 17

specially created congressional committees that conduct special investigations, such as Watergate Committee

Answer 17

select committees

Question 18

the representative from the majority party in the House of Representatives who presides over House meetings, recognizes speakers, refers bills to committees, answers procedural questions, and declares the outcome of votes

Answer 18

Speaker of the House

Question 19

committees that deal with proposed bills and also act in an oversight function; they are permanent, existing from one Congress to the next

Answer 19

standing committees

Question 20

also known as assistant floor leaders, they check with party members and inform the majority leader of their status and feelings

Answer 20

whips