the legislative function 2.2

Question 1

what are the 4 key functions of the legislative process

Answer 1

• initiation
• compromise
• weak party/ party leaders
• obstacles to success

Question 2

how is ‘initiation’ a key function of the legislative process

Answer 2

• leaders and individuals of congress can initiate legislation
• congress sort of becomes more powerful if president’s party has recently lost control of Congress in a mid-term election or if bipartisan control exists.

Question 3

how is ‘compromise’ a key function of the legislative process

Answer 3

• compromise is necessary to circumnavigate congressional gridlock
• Legislation does not pass in a linear manner, travelling sometimes a bill being in the two chambers at the same time

Question 4

how is ‘weak party/ party leaders’ a key function of the legislative process

Answer 4

• Due to the separation of powers and federalism, parties tend to be weak, with many factions.
• Party leaders also have limited power over their own party, with ineffective patronage and whipping
• many focus on their constituents rather than being in the camber

Question 5

how is ‘obstacles to success’ a key function of the legislative process

Answer 5

• overriding presidential veto requires 2/3 of chambers
• Legislation has to pass through several congressional committees, each of which can amend or obstruct a bill.
• Senate and House roughly share power and have equal law-making powers.