Unit 4 Flashcards
Presidency and their role
The power of the cabinet:
The Cabinet consists of the heads of executive departments appointed by the President and serves to advise the President on matters relating to their respective departments. The power of the Cabinet lies in its ability to influence presidential decision-making and policy implementation within specific areas of government administration.
The constitutional powers of Congress and the President:
Congress, as outlined in Article I of the Constitution, holds powers such as legislating, taxing, spending, declaring war, and regulating commerce. The President, detailed in Article II, holds powers including vetoing legislation, serving as commander in chief, appointing officials, negotiating treaties (with Senate approval), and granting pardons.
Why presidents claim mandates
Presidents claim mandates to assert a popular endorsement of their policy agenda following a successful election. They argue that their victory signals public support for their proposed policies and initiatives, enhancing their ability to enact their agenda.
The most underrepresented groups in Congress:
Historically, underrepresented groups in Congress include women, racial and ethnic minorities, and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
The incumbency advantage
Incumbency advantage refers to the electoral advantage enjoyed by sitting members of Congress due to factors such as name recognition, access to campaign funds, constituent services, and gerrymandering.
Congressional leadership structure
Congress is led by the Speaker of the House (House of Representatives) and the Senate Majority Leader (Senate), who oversee legislative agendas and guide party strategy. Each chamber also has minority leaders and various committee chairs who play crucial roles in shaping legislation.
How casework affects members’ attention to legislation
Casework involves members of Congress assisting constituents with issues related to federal agencies or programs. Casework demands significant attention from members, potentially diverting their focus from legislative matters.
What influences the votes of congressmen/congresswomen
Congressional votes are influenced by various factors, including constituent preferences, party affiliation, ideological beliefs, interest group pressure, personal convictions, and the desire for reelection.
Each section of how a bill becomes a law
The process of a bill becoming law involves introduction, committee review, floor debate and voting in both chambers, conference committee reconciliation (if necessary), presidential approval, and potentially, overriding a veto by Congress.
Differences between how the House and Senate operate
The House operates with stricter rules, larger membership, shorter terms, and more centralized leadership, while the Senate allows for filibusters, has longer terms, and grants more individual power to its members.
How each branch of government can check and balance the other two
Each branch has specific constitutional powers that enable them to check and balance the others. For example, the President can veto legislation passed by Congress, Congress can override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority, the judiciary can declare laws unconstitutional, and Congress has the power to impeach and remove the President or federal judges.
What appointments the Senate confirms
The Senate confirms presidential appointments including federal judges, cabinet secretaries, ambassadors, and other high-ranking officials.
How gerrymandering affects Congressional elections
Gerrymandering, the manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one political party, can result in distorted representation, reducing competitive elections and potentially disenfranchising certain groups of voters.
Checks and balances among the 3 branches
Checks and balances ensure that each branch of government can limit the powers of the other branches, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful. Examples include the President’s power to veto legislation, Congress’s power to impeach the President, and the judiciary’s power of judicial review.
Factors that contribute to the incumbency advantage and the consequences of incumbency
Factors such as name recognition, fundraising ability, and constituent services contribute to the incumbency advantage. Consequences include reduced electoral competition and potentially decreased responsiveness to constituent needs.
