Identify 2 of the following terms and phrases and explain the significance for the study of Congress and the legislative process.Auxiliary precautions (Fed 51) Gatekeeping powerBicameralism The two Congresses (Davidson, Oleszek, et al)
Identify 2 of the following terms and phrases and explain the significance for the study of Congress and the legislative process.The Electoral Connection (Mayhew) Home StylePolitical Action Committees (PACs) Speaker of the House
The modern Congress is a complex institution with committees, subcommittees, party organizations, floor rules and procedures, and staffs working in both D.C. and district offices. None of these institutional adaptations is required by the Constitution and yet there they are. Compare the relative importance and influence of each of these institutional appendages in 1950 with …
One of the most obvious characteristics of the modern Congress is the stability of its membership. What are the (many) sources of the incumbency advantage in congressional elections? Is the incumbency advantage a good or bad thing from the perspective of democratic accountability? Is it good or bad for Congress’ lawmaking function? How and why …
Identify 2 of the following terms and phrases and explain the significance for the study of Congress and the legislative process.Gerrymandering The textbook Congress (Shepsle)Incumbency advantage Senatorial trust (Fed 62)
Political scientists argue that congressional elections can tell us a lot about the answers to three important questions: How do members of Congress behave, how do they organize the institution, and what policies do they produce. From what we’ve learned about congressional elections, what impact do the current partisan environment, the current rules (campaign finance …
According to Shepsle, committees are no longer the center of congressional action. Where does he say power has gone in Congress? Provide at least two reasons why this change occurred.
What are the 3 kinds of activities that Mayhew says “single-minded seekers of reelection” will pursue? Give an example of each.
In Federalist #10, James Madison argues American constitutional democracy will be more stable and long-lasting than previous efforts to create stable democratic republics. Based solely on Madison’s arguments in Federalist #10, why might it be hard to pass legislation in the U.S. Congress?
The Death Penalty is a hard area to talk about since many people have strong feelings on the issue. For this discussion board I want you to state the arguments for the death penalty AND against the death penalty. Then you can state your feelings on the death penalty and …
