THE LEGISLATIVE - CONGRESS

Question 1

Explain and analyse three ways in which members of Congress represent their constituents.

Answer 1

1. Delegate Model
   • Members act based on constituents’ preferences. - dan lipinski of Illinois voting against the impeachment of trump un 2020 - neglect national interest.
2. Trustee Model
   • Members use personal judgment to make decisions. - Joe manchin agiainst Build back better cus it was too expensive or something idk - Balance expertise, risk alienating constituents.
3. Pork-Barrel Politics
   • Securing funding - Maria cartwell of Washington who is in natural resources committee got funding for renewable energy integration woohoo yayayaysyau

Question 2

Explain and analyse three powers of Congress.

Answer 2

1. Legislative Power
   • Power to pass federal laws.
   • Example: Inflation Reduction Act (2022).
   • Analysis: Key to policymaking but subject to veto.
2. Power of the Purse
   • Controls federal spending.
   • Example: Threat of government shutdowns over budget disputes (2023).
   • Analysis: Ensures accountability but risks gridlock.
3. Impeachment Power
   • Can impeach the President and other officials.
   • Example: Trump impeached twice (2019, 2021).
   • Analysis: Demonstrates checks and balances but often partisan.

Question 3

Explain and analyse three roles performed by US congressional committees.

Answer 3

1. Legislation
   • Draft and amend bills.
   • Example: Senate Judiciary Committee reviewing Supreme Court nominations.
   • Analysis: Ensures expertise but can slow processes.
2. Oversight
   • Monitor the executive branch.
   • Example: Select Committee investigating the January 6th Capitol attack.
   • Analysis: Promotes accountability but often politically charged.
3. Investigation
   • Probe issues of public concern.
   • Example: 2023 TikTok hearings on data privacy.
   • Analysis: Highlights issues but outcomes often limited.

Question 4

Explain and analyse three ways that Congress and the President are linked.

Answer 4

1. Legislation
   • President signs/vetoes laws passed by Congress.
   • Example: Biden’s veto of a resolution targeting clean energy rules (2023).
   • Analysis: Collaboration needed but often contentious.
2. Appointments
   • Senate confirms presidential nominations.
   • Example: Amy Coney Barrett confirmed as Supreme Court Justice (2020).
   • Analysis: Ensures scrutiny but can be partisan.
3. Impeachment and Oversight
   • Congress investigates and can impeach the President.
   • Example: Trump impeached for abuse of power (2019).
   • Analysis: Balances power but disrupts governance.

Question 5

Explain and analyse three differences between the houses of Congress in the US.

Answer 5

1. Representation
   • Senate represents states equally (2 per state); House represents population.
   • Example: California has 53 House seats but 2 Senators.
   • Analysis: Balances equality and population, but over-represents smaller states.
2. Terms and Size
   • Senators serve 6 years; House members serve 2 years.
   • Example: Senators have broader mandates; House members focus on constituents.
   • Analysis: Senate provides stability, House reflects current opinion.
3. Powers
   • Senate confirms appointments; House initiates spending bills.
   • Example: Senate confirmed Ketanji Brown Jackson (2022).
   • Analysis: Different responsibilities ensure checks and balances.