Congress

Question 1

How many representatives are in Congress?

Answer 1

535

Question 2

How many Senators are in the senate?

Answer 2

100

Question 3

How many representatives in the HoR?

Answer 3

435

Question 4

Why are there more representatives in the HoR than the Senate?

Answer 4

It was decided by the framers, under the Connecticut compromise that their would be a representative chamber in proportion to state size.

Question 5

What was the Connecticut Compromise?

Answer 5

It ensured that there would be a bicameral congress (two chambers)

Question 6

Which article of the Constitution does congress fall in?

Answer 6

Article 1

Question 7

How often are senators elected?

Answer 7

Every 6 years, with a third happening every 2 years.

Question 8

How often are HoR elected?

Answer 8

every 2 years.

Question 9

Why does incumbency give advantages for congressional elections?

Answer 9

They are able to use congress resources such as their email, and send out post to suggest what they have done over the prior 6 years.
People often don’t know their senator, as they cover a lot more constituents so don’t really care about congressional elections.
Established donors, so can raise more for election campaigns.
Gerrymandering- The party in power in the state can benefit their incumbents.

Question 10

arguments for the bicameral structure in congress

Answer 10

Stronger legislation scrutiny
Better checks upon actions of officials
Stronger representation of the people, as they don’t have a singular representative

Question 11

arguments against a bicameral structure of congress

Answer 11

Can lead to a roadblock in legislation passing
Can create a rivalry between the two houses, benefitting no-one
Members of the second chamber are often older, therefore not representing the demographic of the country and its values.

Question 12

What powers are exclusively given to the Senate?

Answer 12

Impeachment trials.
Ratification of treaties.
Confirm judicial appointments made by the executive.
Electing the VP if there is deadlock.

Question 13

What type of system is Congress?

Answer 13

Bicameral (two chambers).

Question 14

Where do Representatives represent?

Answer 14

A congressional district.

Question 15

Where do Senators represent?

Answer 15

Their entire state.

Question 16

What are the requirements to become a senator?

Answer 16

Be at least 30 years old.
Must be a US citizen for at least 9 years.
Must be a resident of the state they represent.

Question 17

What are the requirements to become a Representative?

Answer 17

Be at least 25 years old.
Must be a US citizen for at least 7 years.
Must be a resident of the state they represent.

Question 18

What does representation in the House vs the Senate look like?

Answer 18

House- 120 women
House- 26% of ethnic backgrounds
House- 40% are between the age of 28 and 58.

Senate- 24 women (1/4)
Senate- 11% are of ethnic backgrounds
Senate- 68% are over the age of 58.

Question 19

Why is the House a better representation of the US?

Answer 19

They are re-elected more frequently so are more in line with people’s current opinions, as they are elected every 2 years.
Senators usually derive from state legislatures, meaning if they are not particularly diverse then congress will be less diverse.

Question 20

Where did Gerrymandering originate?

Answer 20

Massachusetts, with state governor Gerry.

Question 21

What are the powers given to both Congressional houses?

Answer 21

Law making.
Overriding the President’s veto.
Initiating constitutional amendments.
Declaring war.
Oversight of the executive branch.
‘Power of the purse’
Confirming the appointed Vice President.

Question 22

What powers do the House exclusively have?

Answer 22

Begin the impeachment process through accusing the official.
Confirming a President if there is deadlock.
Begin the consideration of all bills involving money.

Question 23

What are the functions of Congress?

Answer 23

Representation
Legislation
Oversight.

Question 24

What are the two methods of representation in Congress?

Answer 24

Trustee model
Delegate model

Question 25

What is the Trustee model?

Answer 25

The legislator has the formal responsibility to make decisions on behalf of others across the nations.
Many members of Congress see their role in this way.
Advocated by Madison and Burke.

Question 26

What is the Delegate model?

Answer 26

The delegate is not a free-agent as they are elected to act on behalf of others.
Many legislators follow this model, meaning that their decisions are solely based upon their constituents.
Many argue that members follow this model as they fear repercussions from their voter base.

Question 27

What is pork barrel politics?

Answer 27

Used to refer to funds used to fund very large within a congressional representative’s district.
They are designed to benefit constituents, in the hope that they will re-elect them to congress.
In 2019 $15.3 billion was wasted on these projects.

Question 28

What factors affect representatives voting in Congress?

Answer 28

Parties
Congressional caucuses
TheExecutive
Constituencies
Pressure groups
Lobbyists.

Question 29

How do political parties influence voting in congress?

Answer 29

Due to polarisation between parties, this usually has the largest influence to a person’s way of voting.
A party vote occurs on matters that are usually highly contentious.
There are minimal sticks and carrots, due to the separation of powers and the fact that all representatives are elected.

Question 30

How do congressional caucuses influence voting in congress?

Answer 30

Caucuses are the place that party whips get chosen for both houses, along with electing the minority and majority leaders.
They represent a small percentage of views within congress, meaning that they can direct votes on their topics.
They can provide information on topics, and work together to boost their legislative agenda.

Question 31

What is a Congressional caucus?

Answer 31

A collection of members from different parties that share views on a specific topic. This is usually to advance legislation in that area.

Question 32

What are the 4 congressional caucuses?

Answer 32

House Republican Caucus
House Democratic Caucus
Senate Republican caucus
Senate Democratic Caucus.

Question 33

What are the three main functions of congressional caucuses?

Answer 33

Educational
Agenda setting
Encouraging support for their cause.

Question 34

How can the Executive influence congressional voting?

Answer 34

Cabinet members are able to contact congress members, to persuade them to vote in favour of their cause.
The State of the Union Address aims to establish a new legislative agenda, aiming to persuade representatives.
Bi-partisan and frequent meetings with caucuses and leaders to persuade them to vote in favour of legislation.

Question 35

How do constituencies influence congressional voting?

Answer 35

Due to living in their constituency, they have a connection to what is wanted “back at home”.
Most congressional representatives have lived, grown up and experienced their constituency well.
Some states can request a “locality” meaning HoR have to reside within their specific district.
House members have to face the polls every 2 years, so can easily be replaced.

Question 36

How do interest groups influence congressional voting?

Answer 36

They have large public backing meaning they have to be considered.
They can make calls, organise rallies and provide evidence to committees.
Money raised by groups tend to be used to fund politician’s campaigns, meaning that they support their cause.
On debates that are highly polarised, members are mindful of groups that have supported their campaigns.

Question 37

How do Lobbyists influence congressional voting?

Answer 37

Providing up-to-date and accurate information to a people that require it.
Due to being busy, lobbyists are often members only source of information on specific topics, making them incredibly important.
They can produce research that is designed to support their cause, presenting a distorted picture to legislators.

Question 38

What is the legislative process in congress?

Answer 38

Legislation is introduced.
Committee stage.
Timetabling.
Floor debate.
Conferenced committee (if required)
Presidential signature.

Question 39

What is the Committee stage in legislation?

Answer 39

The most important stage.
Bills are taken to standing committees within their respective houses, with some put to one side and ones with large support are given hearings.
Committee members are regarded as highly knowledgeable in certain areas, meaning that the democratic process can be brought into question if not done properly.
More bills are referred than can be heard.
They report on the legislation, which evaluates the bill as a whole including its financing.

Question 40

How do both chambers deal with timetabling legislation?

Answer 40

To avoid legislative traffic jams each house has a procedure to remove all issues.
The senate uses unanimous consent agreement, which agrees which order legislation will be debated on the floor.
The house has the House Rules Committee, which prioritises bills for the debate process.

Question 41

What is the House Rules Committee?

Answer 41

It establishes the ‘rules’ for a debate on legislation, and prioritises certain pieces of legislation.
It is made up of 13 members.
The choices tat they make can have a huge impact upon the flow of Congress.

Question 42

What are the rules that can be used to debate of the House’ floor?

Answer 42

Open Rules-permit unlimited amendments as long as they are relevant.
Closed rules- no amendments can be made.
modified rules- Limit the amount of amendments that can be made, and who can propose them.

Question 43

What is a filibuster?

Answer 43

Used in the Senate.
A senator uses the right to unlimited debate to delay any action upon a bill.
Usually carried out by a group of senators.
To end a filibuster 16 senators must petition, and then 3/5 must agree.

Question 44

What makes a bill difficult to pass?

Answer 44

It has to pass both chambers, so has lots of opportunities to be defeated.

Question 45

What involvement can a president have with a Bill?

Answer 45

Bills they fully support, they will sign into law.
Leave a bill on their desk, meaning that the bill will become law within 10 days without the president’s signature.
Regular veto to bills that they strongly oppose.
If a bill hasn’t been signed before a congressional session ends, it cannot become law. Meaning that the rush at the end of a session allows a President to decide between bills. (Pocket Veto).

Question 46

What are the strengths of the Legislative process?

Answer 46

Only 2/3 of bills become law, meaning the best ones are selected.
There are multiple opportunities for legislative scrutiny.

Question 47

What are the weaknesses of the legislative process?

Answer 47

Partisanship makes it impossible to pass relevant bills.
Due to the many steps, a bill can be easily defeated.
It is heavily outdated.

Question 48

What are standing committees?

Answer 48

They are permanent policy specialist committees. They are usually in proportion to the sizes of the parties in Congress at the time.
Their function is to conduct the committee stage of legislation, and to conduct investigations into their specific policy area.

Question 49

What is the difference between committees and caucuses?

Answer 49

Caucuses are informal gatherings of people with similar concerns.
Committees are formal and established as the purpose of considering legislation.

Question 50

How successful have Congress been in oversight of the President?

Answer 50

President can circumvent oversight by signing executive orders.
It is harder to veto a presidents veto as it requires a majority in agreement.
Has not been particularly successful in using its impeachment powers, as all accused by the house have been acquitted by the Senate.
It is dependant upon the mandate of a party within Congress.

Question 51

Arguments that Congress is representative.

Answer 51

Congress is diverse, and therefore has the interests of the people.
The frequency of elections ensures that members are focussed on their constituents.
Influence of caucuses allow for minority representation.
Pressure groups offer an important link between the public and congress.

Question 52

Arguments that Congress is not representative.

Answer 52

Congress still is not fully representative of the USA.
Gerrymandering has undermined the legitimacy of elections.
FPTP limits the representation as it encourages a two party system.
Caucuses are not the most effective way of providing representation, multi party systems are better.
Pressure groups can have better representation than the average person.

Question 53

What reforms have there been to filibusters?

Answer 53

The number required to end a filibuster as been brought down to 3/5ths.
Filibusters cannot be used on supreme court nominations since 2019.

Question 54

Why is the majority of executive oversight done in committees?

Answer 54

The president can only be questioned in committee rooms, as the president is not allowed in congress.

Question 55

What are the differences in legislation process between the two houses?

Answer 55

House- all amendments have to be relevant.
Majority party have more control as the speaker decides which committee to refer it to.
Time limits have to be adhered to due to the amount of bills.

Senate- Amendments can be on any topic.
Room for individual influence through the filibuster, but unanimous consent makes it difficult for party control.
Uses the idea of unlimited debate.

Question 56

How has congress been effective in passing legislation?

Answer 56

Major legislation has been passed.
Lengthy process ensures proper scrutiny of bills.
Requirement of supermajorities ensures a broad consensus.
Divided governments ensure legislative compromise.

Question 57

How has congress been ineffective in passing legislation?

Answer 57

The process is so lengthy many bills fail to pass in a congressional session.
The process can be dominated by individuals.
Divided governments can create gridlock on important bills.
United govt can lead to bills not being properly scrutinised.

Question 58

How has congress produced effective oversight?

Answer 58

Divided governments are more likely to produce extensive scrutiny of the executive.
Committees have overseen investigations into actions such as benghazi.
Impeachment has been used to a full extent.
Congress has challenged the president in the supreme court.

Question 59

How has congress not produced effective oversight?

Answer 59

It can appear in the interests of a party, rather than a good policy.
Veto is highly likely to fail.
Presidents have found ways around oversight, using executive orders.
Impeachment has proven difficult to enact effectively.
the power to declare war has gradually moved over to the president.

Question 60

Why is the Senate considered the higher chamber?

Answer 60

Until 1913, the chamber was unelected.(17th Amendment)