Legislative Branch & Political Philosophy Flashcards
What do Republicans tend to be like?
conservative, maintain Status Quo
Who do Republicans appeal to?
Rural/suburban areas
Midwesterners
White Collar
Higher educated
Higher income
Evangelical Christians
Business owners
What do Republicans support?
Smaller federal government, more state/local rights
Controlled spending
Strong crime control
Strict interpretation of the constitution
Building/maintaining defense
Lower taxes
What do democrats tend to be like?
liberal, promote change
Who do Democrats appeal to?
Urban Areas
Blue Collar
Minorities
Lower educated
Intellectuals
Young voters
Catholics
Lower income
Immigrants
What do democrats support?
Bigger Federal government
Spending more on programs
Protection of civil liberties
Welfare programs
Government regulation of business
Loose interpretation of Constitution
Higher taxes for the wealthy
Bicameral
2 chamber (Senate & House of Representatives)
House of Representatives
The “Lower House” or “The People’s Voice” fast paced
Term of HoR
2 year term, no limit
HoR Leader
Speaker of the House
Senate
The “Upper House” or “The world’s greatest deliberative body” slow or deliberate
Term of Senate
6 year term, no limit
HoR Requirements
25 year old, reside in the state, 7 years a citizen
Gerrymandering
manipulating boundaries in favor of one party
Senate Requirements
30 years old, reside in the state you represent, 9 years a citizen
Filibuster
Senate power to prolong talking to avoid making a decision
Senate cloture
Senate vote to end filibuster
Committees
Groups of people in the congress that work on bills specific to there area like Environment, Abortion, etc..
President Role in Bills
Sign = becomes law
Veto = reject. Congress can override with 2/3 vote of both houses
Pocket Veto
indirect way for president to reject bill. Congress takes recess within 10 days of submitting bill and president doesn’t sign it, it dies.
Interest Groups
Organizations that share a common political goal and work to influence public policy.
Interest Group Duties
They represent the interests of their organization in Congress
They educate both Congress and the public on issues
They monitor how legislation is carried out and whether or not it is effective
They provide a way for citizens to get involved
in the political process
PAC
Formed by businesses groups or large companies, or labor Unions in order to sponsor legislation that would benefit them
Super Pacs
Unlimited $ for elections, no coordination with campaigns
