What is logrolling?
Logrolling is when lawmakers agree to vote for each other’s bills to help them pass.
This practice helps facilitate the passage of legislation by building coalitions.
What is pork barrel spending?
Pork barrel spending is government spending for projects in a member’s district to benefit constituents.
This type of spending is often used by incumbents to gain favor with voters.
Why do incumbents often support pork barrel spending?
Incumbents support pork barrel spending because it brings money to their district and helps them win reelection.
This strategy can enhance their visibility and approval among constituents.
What is gerrymandering?
Gerrymandering is drawing district lines to benefit a political party or group.
This practice can manipulate electoral outcomes by concentrating or diluting certain voter demographics.
What process happens after the census that can lead to gerrymandering?
Redistricting happens after the census and can lead to gerrymandering.
This process involves redrawing district boundaries based on population changes.
What is redistricting?
Redistricting is redrawing district lines after the census.
This is crucial for ensuring fair representation based on population shifts.
What is a filibuster?
A filibuster is when a senator delays or blocks a vote by extending debate.
This tactic is often used to prevent legislation from being passed.
What is cloture?
Cloture is a vote requiring 60 senators to end a filibuster.
This mechanism is essential for overcoming prolonged debate in the Senate.
How can the Senate stop a filibuster?
The Senate can stop a filibuster by passing cloture with 60 votes.
This requires a significant bipartisan agreement to proceed with legislation.
What is the delegate role?
The delegate role is when a representative votes based on what their constituents want.
This role emphasizes responsiveness to the electorate’s preferences.
What is the trustee role?
The trustee role is when a representative votes based on their own judgment.
This approach allows representatives to act in what they believe is the best interest of their constituents.
If a representative votes the way their district wants even if they disagree, what role are they acting in?
They are acting in the delegate role.
This reflects a commitment to represent the views of their constituents.
What is the politico role?
The politico role is when a representative balances personal judgment and constituent views.
This role combines elements of both delegate and trustee approaches.
What is gridlock?
Gridlock is when the government cannot pass legislation because of political disagreement.
This often occurs in a divided government where compromise is difficult.
What is the purpose of congressional oversight?
The purpose of congressional oversight is to ensure the executive branch is properly enforcing laws.
This function is vital for maintaining checks and balances in government.
What is apportionment?
Apportionment is dividing House seats among states based on population.
This process is conducted every ten years following the census.
What determines how many House seats a state receives?
A state’s population determines how many House seats it receives through apportionment.
This ensures representation is proportional to the number of residents.
What is divided government?
Divided government is when different political parties control different branches of government.
This situation can lead to legislative gridlock and challenges in passing laws.
How can divided government lead to gridlock?
Divided government can lead to gridlock because different parties may refuse to compromise on legislation.
This often results in stalled legislative processes.
Fed 70
Federalist No. 70, written by Alexander Hamilton, argues that an energetic, single-person executive (President) is essential to good government, defending the Constitution’s unitary executive structure against fears of monarchy. Hamilton argues that a single, decisive executive is necessary for national defense, law enforcement, and stability.
What are the formal powers of the president?
acting as Commander-in-Chief, making treaties (with 2/3 Senate approval), appointing ambassadors, judges, and officers, granting pardons, vetoing legislation, delivering the State of the Union, and ensuring laws are faithfully executed.
These powers are explicitly written in the Constitution.
What are informal powers of the president?
- Executive Orders
- Executive Agreements
- Executive Privilege
- Bargaining and Persuasion (The Bully Pulpit)
- Signing Statements
- Electoral Mandate
- Crisis Management
- Agenda Setting
- Party Leadership
- Bureaucratic Oversight
These powers are not written in the Constitution.
Define executive order.
A directive issued by the president that has the force of law.
Executive orders allow the president to manage the operations of the federal government.
How does an executive order differ from a law passed by Congress?
An executive order is issued by the president, while a law must be passed by Congress.
Executive orders can be enacted more quickly than laws.
