U.S Congress Flashcards
US Foreign Policy – Congress vs. Presidency: What is the Power of the Purse, and how does it give Congress influence over US foreign policy?
Congress controls funding for foreign policy initiatives, including military actions and foreign aid.
Example: Congress blocked funding for military action in Nicaragua in the 1980s (Boland Amendment).
US Foreign Policy – Congress vs. Presidency: How does the War Powers Resolution (1973) limit presidential power in foreign policy?
It requires Congress to approve military deployments beyond 60 days.
Example: Barack Obama’s operation in Libya (2011) exceeded the 60-day limit set by the War Powers Resolution.
US Foreign Policy – Congress vs. Presidency: How can bipartisanship and veto power allow Congress to dominate foreign policy decisions?
If Congress is united against a policy, it can override presidential decisions.
Example: In 2017, Congress overrode Trump’s veto on sanctions against Russia.
US Foreign Policy – Congress vs. Presidency: What is the Commander-in-Chief Power, and how does it make the presidency dominant in foreign policy?
The president controls military forces and can deploy troops without immediate congressional approval.
Example: Obama’s airstrikes in Libya (2011) and Trump’s assassination of Qasem Soleimani (2020).
US Foreign Policy – Congress vs. Presidency: How do executive agreements enhance presidential dominance in foreign policy?
The president can bypass Senate treaty ratification by using executive agreements with foreign nations.
Example: The Iran Nuclear Deal (2015) under Obama was an executive agreement, not a formal treaty.
US Foreign Policy – Congress vs. Presidency: How does presidential control over the State Department and National Security Council influence foreign policy?
The executive branch directs diplomacy and intelligence operations.
Example: In early 2025, Trump announced plans to integrate the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) into the State Department.
US Electoral Procedures – Fit vs Not Fit for Purpose: What is a major issue with the Electoral College in presidential elections?
It can produce outcomes that do not reflect the national popular vote, undermining democratic legitimacy.
Example: In 2016, Donald Trump won the presidency despite losing the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes to Hillary Clinton.
US Electoral Procedures – Fit vs Not Fit for Purpose: How does the Senate’s representation lead to disproportionate influence?
The Senate gives equal representation to all states, regardless of population, which disproportionately empowers smaller states.
Example: California (~39 million people) has the same number of senators (2) as Wyoming (~580,000 people).
US Electoral Procedures – Fit vs Not Fit for Purpose: How does money influence elections in the US?
The high cost of running for office gives wealthy candidates and special interest groups disproportionate influence.
Example: Citizens United v. FEC (2010) allowed unlimited corporate and union spending in elections, increasing the role of Super PACs.
US Electoral Procedures – Fit vs Not Fit for Purpose: How does the Electoral College support federalism in the US?
It reflects the federal nature of the U.S. by ensuring smaller states have a voice in presidential elections, preventing dominance by populous states.
Example: Without the Electoral College, candidates might focus only on large urban areas, neglecting rural voters.
US Electoral Procedures – Fit vs Not Fit for Purpose: How does the Senate act as a check against majoritarianism?
The Senate’s equal representation protects minority interests and prevents “tyranny of the majority.”
Example: Smaller states like Vermont and Montana have equal power in the Senate, ensuring diverse regional interests are represented.
US Electoral Procedures – Fit vs Not Fit for Purpose: Why are US elections considered competitive and transparent?
The system allows for competitive elections, regular accountability, and peaceful transfers of power.
Example: Even controversial elections, like the 2020 presidential race, resulted in a peaceful transfer of power despite challenges.
Factors Affecting Voting Behaviour in Congress: What is partisan polarisation, and how does it affect voting behaviour in Congress?
Increasing ideological polarisation leads to strong party-line voting,
Example: In 2010, no Republicans in either chamber voted for the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), showing sharp party divisions.
Factors Affecting Voting Behaviour in Congress: How does party leadership influence affect congressional voting?
Party leaders control committee assignments, legislative scheduling, and political support, consolidating voting behaviour.
Example: Nancy Pelosi’s leadership secured Democratic votes for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021).
Factors Affecting Voting Behaviour in Congress: What is the impact of primary election pressure on voting behaviour?
The threat of primary challenges pushes legislators to vote along party lines to avoid being labelled disloyal or too moderate.
Example: The rise of the Tea Party pressured Republicans to adopt more conservative positions to avoid primary defeats.
Factors Affecting Voting Behaviour in Congress: How do personal beliefs and ideology influence congressional voting?
Some legislators vote based on personal convictions, even if these conflict with their party’s positions.
Example: Senator Joe Manchin voted against Biden’s Build Back Better plan in 2021 due to ideological differences.
Factors Affecting Voting Behaviour in Congress: How do interest groups and lobbyists shape voting behaviour in Congress?
Pressure from interest groups, lobbyists, and PACs can influence how legislators vote.
Example: Rep. Ritchie Torres’ support from AIPAC led him to back pro-Israel military aid packages in 2024 and vote to censure Rep. Tlaib.
Factors Affecting Voting Behaviour in Congress: How do constituency interests affect congressional voting behaviour?
Legislators often prioritise local interests over party loyalty, especially on issues affecting their districts or states.
Example: Senator Joe Manchin frequently voted against environmental regulations to support West Virginia’s coal industry.
Protection of Civil/Constitutional Rights – Congress vs. Supreme Court: How has Congress protected civil rights through legislation?
Congress has passed transformative laws that directly protect civil rights, addressing gaps left by the Supreme Court.
Example: The Voting Rights Act (1965) protected voting rights for racial minorities, tackling voter suppression despite earlier Court rulings.
Protection of Civil/Constitutional Rights – Congress vs. Supreme Court: Why is Congress more flexible in responding to social change?
Congress can quickly pass new laws in response to public demands for rights protections, unlike the slower judicial process.
Example: The Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) provided comprehensive protections against discrimination for people with disabilities.
Protection of Civil/Constitutional Rights – Congress vs. Supreme Court: How can Congress counteract Supreme Court decisions?
Congress can pass legislation to reverse or limit the impact of Court rulings that are seen as harmful to civil rights.
Example: The Civil Rights Act of 1991 strengthened workplace discrimination protections in response to Supreme Court rulings that weakened civil rights enforcement.
Protection of Civil/Constitutional Rights – Congress vs. Supreme Court: What role does judicial review play in protecting civil rights?
The Supreme Court interprets the Constitution, establishing binding precedents that protect civil rights nationwide.
Example: Brown v. Board of Education (1954) declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional, laying the foundation for the modern civil rights movement.
Protection of Civil/Constitutional Rights – Congress vs. Supreme Court: How does the Supreme Court’s independence from political pressure benefit civil rights?
Lifetime appointments and insulation from electoral politics allow justices to protect rights even when decisions are unpopular or politically sensitive.
Example: In Texas v. Johnson (1989), the Court upheld the right to burn the American flag as free speech, despite public opposition.
Protection of Civil/Constitutional Rights – Congress vs. Supreme Court: How does the Supreme Court act as a check on congressional overreach?
The Court can strike down laws passed by Congress if they violate constitutional rights.
Example: In United States v. Windsor (2013), the Court struck down the Defence of Marriage Act (DOMA) for violating the Fifth Amendment’s guarantee of equal protection.
