Congress - Debates

Question 1

Changing role of congress

Answer 1

Declaration of war - Technology now means formal declarations are replaced with auths of military force - Obama Syria airstrike
Passing the budget - Arguments over budget are so frequent standing agreements are followed
Passing legislation - Because of increased partisanship and low output, president now seen more as head of government and legislation - Removal of abortion from Obamacare
Low approval ratings - If a president has low ratings, congress is more likely to challenge them

Question 2

Significance of parties +/-

Impact on congress functions

Answer 2

• Increased partisanship has led to fall in legislative output - Sen Rep 2012 only 80% unity
• Differing parties control the presidency and congress
• They control important appointments

However,

• Parties are board, and have factions wide reaching
• Party discipline is weak due to state loyalty
• Single senators can reject a procedure acceleration (Unan consent)

Question 3

Effectiveness of Congress + Then -

Scrutiny and abilities - Investigations, Conformations, Const. Powers

Answer 3

Investigations - Can investigate the executive however only result in recommendations
Ratifying justices - Senate approves nominees however this is a reactive power
Electing the president if the house is deadlocked - It is a just in case power
Ratifying treaties - Senate START Treaty arms reduction approval, rejection of Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2012 however the president can work around this by rephrasing, as obama did with iran deal
Impeachment - Formalises allegations of wrongdoing however in all cases the president was found not guilty
Declaring war - Used 11 times however constituents have the real say, 9/11

Question 4

Congress legislation good:

Where the power comes from and what it results in/prevents

Answer 4

Article 1 Vests all legislative powers of constitution in congress
High level of scrutiny - via three readings
Protects states rights - Its state representatives voting
Prevents tyranny of the majority - ? it doesn’t
Bipartisanship is required

Question 5

Congress legislation bad:

Answer 5

Incredibly slow - Of 11K bills, 3% of legislation passed in trump’s congress
Lack of bipartisanship leads to gridlock
Congress often focus on re election rather than legislation
Overcrowded - Legislative labyrinth