Exam on Congress

Monday

May 11th

Period 7

What do most members do before they enter

Congress?

Most are not outsiders to politics. They are involved in state, city, or county politics.

Who are constituents?

Those people who live in a legislatures home districts and states who depend on a legislative leader.

What is pork or “bringing home the BACON?”

Projects or grants that are won for a legislature's district. The money comes from the federal “pork barrel” or treasury. EX: $ FOR BRIDGES

What is casework?

Personal services provides by members of Congress to their constituents. Members or their staff provide assist to people in combating Federal red tape.

What are the differences between members of the House and the Senate?

SENATE-6 years --high status, at least five million dollars needed to run for election in a small state.

House-2 years---at least $1 million needed to run in a small district.

Why does the reapportionment of seats in House of Representatives occur?

Every ten years there a census that includes population.

NY has lost Congressional representation to the South West and Florida since 1980.

Why are Congressional committees important?

Committees are the work horse in Congress. Members are the one’s that debates and write bills that may or may not be voted on by Congress.

What role do Congressional caucuses play?

It is a group of members of the United States Congress that meets to pursue common legislative objectives. There goal is to send a proposal to or pressure a committee on an issue.

Why do incumbents have a far better chance of winning reelection?

They have name recognition, experience, and usually have greater access to money.

What type of challengers do incumbent members get worried about?

They get worried when there is outcry against current members, the challenger has access to money, and key people start backing them.

What do conference committees play in the legislative process?

If the Senate does not pass a bill that the House passed earlier on, they refer it to a joint conference committee for compromise.

What are examples of Congress checking the power of the other branches?

The oversight of agencies.Confirmation of Court Judges and Presidential Cabinet members

Override Presidential VetoesPotential AmendmentsImpeachment

How are committee chairs selected?

The most important is seniority and experience. A person’s background is considered.

Before a bill reaches the President, what is required in Congress?

After the House passes the bill, the Senate needs to pass the same bill by a majority vote.

If the President vetoes a bill, what options does Congress have?

Both houses need to pass the bill by 2/3 vote.

What is a Christmas tree bill?

A bill that offers several amendments. The more--the merrier--everyone is happy with the bill.

In the Senate, what is a filibuster?When one member of Senate wants to talk a bill to death.

EX: Former Strom Thurmond spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes to keep the US Senate from voting on a civil rights bill in August 1957.

What power does the Speaker of the House have?

The Speaker of the House controls the scheduling of bills. They Speaker decides when and if bills are debated on.

How do members of Congress serve their districts? What gets in the way? (Print these out and study)

I. Individual ConstituentsII. Business and interest

GroupsIII.Entire District

II. Working with Business and Interest GroupsIntroduce legislationIntervene with agencies-EX: EPA (Environmental Protection Agency

Secure Federal Grants and Contracts

EX: Defense contracts or construction

III. Entire District

Secure federal projects.Create jobs through federal grants and contracts. EX: Infrastructure--Stimulus bill

Support policies that promote district well-being

I. Individual Constituents--helped by staffSolve problems by using Federal agencies

Create jobsAnswer ComplaintsProvide information

IV. Confict: Reelection-The power to impress--”credit claiming”

Every two years, House members are forced to run. As political actors, once elected, there is a need to take as much credit as possible. As an incumbent, you need to constantly finance your campaign. At least, $20 million a month is needed. Interest groups that include corporations, unions, and think tanks play a major role in these elections.