Structure Flashcards
Appointing Senators
Before 1913, they were appointed by majorities in state legislatures
Changed because of cartelisation
- Fear of the rise of industrial monopolies
- Businesses can use their influence to dominate state legislatures and dominate
Now, 1/3 are elected every 2 years and each will belong to a ‘class’ to know which one is up to reelection
Senate
100 members
Represent a geographical area
Serves 6 yrs and a 1/3 are replaced every two years
Each state has 2 senators appointed by state legislature, so democracy is indirect
Senator’s Role:
- Defending the interest of the state
- Counteract majoritarianism as most people in US live in Coastal areas
House of Representatives
435
Elected via FPTP every 2 yrs
Numbers determined by the population of states
Mid Term Election
Viewed as de facto plebiscites (referendum) on the performance of the president
If control of congress falls to the opposition, a president is then known as a ‘Lame Duck’
- Passing any meaningful legislative programs will be more difficult
The Elastic Clause
Article 1, Section 8
Power to make laws that are necessary and proper
This is vague and up for interpretation
Congress is powerful they don’t have a cutoff point
