A Quiz On Chapter 12 : Congress

The statement suggests that congressional tasks have become increasingly challenging over time. This could be due to various factors such as the complexity of issues being addressed, the polarization of political parties, or the increased scrutiny and expectations from the public. The word "more and more" implies a continuous trend of difficulty, indicating that the statement is true.

The statement suggests that critics believe Congress is responsive to too many interests, resulting in uncoordinated, fragmented, and decentralized policies. This implies that the decision-making process in Congress is influenced by various interest groups, leading to a lack of coherence and centralization in policy-making. Therefore, the correct answer is "True."

Substantive representation refers to the representation of interests and issues, while descriptive representation refers to the representation of demographic characteristics. The statement suggests that members of Congress are more skilled at representing the interests and concerns of their constituents rather than simply reflecting their demographic makeup. This implies that their focus is on effectively addressing policy matters and advocating for the needs of the people they represent, rather than solely representing their demographic characteristics. Therefore, the statement is true.

The statement implies that the parties have the greatest differences when it comes to social welfare and economic policy. This suggests that there are significant disagreements and contrasting ideologies between the parties in these areas.

A bicameral legislature refers to a legislative body that is divided into two separate houses or chambers. Each house has its own set of members and functions, allowing for a system of checks and balances within the legislative process. This system is commonly seen in countries like the United States, where the Senate and the House of Representatives make up the two houses of Congress. By having two houses, a bicameral legislature ensures that legislation is thoroughly debated, reviewed, and scrutinized before it can become law.

Safe seats in Congress refer to districts or constituencies where the incumbent candidate has a significant advantage over their opponents, making it highly unlikely for them to lose the election. This means that citizens in these districts have limited power to influence or hold their representatives accountable. As a result, it becomes more difficult for citizens to "send a message to Washington" and bring about change through their votes. Therefore, the statement that safe seats in Congress make it more difficult for citizens to "send a message to Washington" is true.

Being an incumbent is the single most important advantage when running for Congress because it means that the person is already holding the position and has the advantage of name recognition, established relationships with constituents, and a track record of accomplishments. Incumbents also have access to resources and support from their party, making it easier for them to campaign and fundraise. This advantage often makes it more difficult for challengers to gain traction and win the election.

The statement suggests that vice presidents tend to neglect their responsibilities in the Senate, allowing party leaders to take charge. This implies that vice presidents do not actively participate in senatorial duties, resulting in the power dynamics being shifted to party leaders. Therefore, the answer "True" indicates that vice presidents indeed ignore their senatorial chores.

Oversight refers to the process of monitoring the bureaucracy and its administration of policy. It involves ensuring that government agencies and officials are acting in accordance with the law and effectively implementing policies. This can include activities such as reviewing agency budgets, conducting investigations, and holding hearings to hold government officials accountable for their actions. Oversight is an essential function of the legislative branch of government, as it helps to maintain transparency, prevent abuse of power, and ensure that policies are being implemented in the best interest of the public.

Most congressional incumbents have a strong feeling of vulnerability because they are aware that their position is not secure and they could potentially lose their seat in the next election. This feeling stems from the fact that incumbents are constantly under scrutiny and face the challenge of maintaining their popularity and support among constituents. Additionally, the political landscape is dynamic and can change rapidly, making incumbents aware of the need to constantly work to secure their re-election.

The correct answer is power. Congresspersons hold positions of authority and influence, allowing them to make important decisions and shape policies that affect the nation. This power enables them to have a significant impact on their constituents' lives and the direction of the country. While money, easy work, and leisure time may be perks of the job for some, the primary allure and motivation for most congresspersons is the power they wield in their roles.

Members of Congress use their virtually unlimited franking privileges to communicate with constituents. Franking privileges allow members of Congress to send mail to their constituents at no cost. This enables them to keep their constituents informed about their work, policies, and initiatives. It also allows them to receive feedback and concerns from their constituents, ensuring that they can effectively represent their interests and address their needs. By utilizing franking privileges, members of Congress can maintain a strong line of communication with the people they serve.

Challengers rely heavily on money in congressional campaigns because they often lack the name recognition and established support that incumbents have. Incumbents already have a built-in advantage with their existing network of donors and supporters, making money less crucial for their campaigns. On the other hand, challengers need funds to increase their visibility, run effective advertising campaigns, and compete with incumbents. Money allows challengers to level the playing field and have a better chance of winning against incumbents.

This statement is false because issues actually play a greater role in Senate elections than in House elections. This is because Senate races are typically statewide, meaning candidates need to appeal to a larger and more diverse electorate. As a result, they often focus more on broader policy issues that resonate with a wide range of voters. On the other hand, House races are more localized and candidates may prioritize local concerns and personal characteristics over broader policy issues.

The given statement is false because a committee's work is not done when the marked-up bill is submitted to the full House or Senate. Committees play a crucial role in the legislative process and their work continues even after the bill is submitted. They are responsible for reviewing, amending, and voting on bills, conducting hearings, and overseeing the implementation of laws. Therefore, the work of a committee extends beyond the submission of a bill to the full House or Senate.

The statement is false because oversight does give Congress the power to pressure agencies to comply with their wishes. Oversight allows Congress to review and monitor the actions of agencies, ensuring they are acting in accordance with laws and regulations. Through hearings, investigations, and the power of subpoena, Congress can hold agencies accountable and exert pressure to ensure compliance.

Committee chairs play a dominant role in scheduling hearings, hiring staff, and appointing subcommittees. They have the authority to determine when and where hearings will take place, ensuring that the committee's agenda is effectively managed. Additionally, chairs have the power to hire staff members who will assist in the committee's work and help carry out its objectives. They also have the responsibility of appointing subcommittees, which allows for the division of labor and specialization within the committee. Overall, committee chairs have significant influence and decision-making power in these three key areas.

The given statement "They are used in both houses" is false. Filibusters are a tactic used in the United States Senate, not in both houses of Congress. A filibuster is when a senator extends debate on a bill in order to delay or prevent a vote on it. It can be used to tie up the legislative agenda and talk a bill to death. Over the years, rules have been adopted to make it easier to close off debate and end a filibuster.

The speaker of the House has several roles, including presiding over the House when it is in session, making committee assignments and appointing leaders, and influencing the assignment of bills to committees. However, serving as a vice president of the United States is not one of the roles of the speaker of the House. The speaker of the House is a member of the House of Representatives, while the vice president is the second-highest-ranking official in the executive branch of the United States government.

The House Rules Committee is responsible for reviewing most bills coming from a House committee, scheduling bills on the calendar, and allotting time for debating bills. This committee plays a crucial role in the legislative process by overseeing and managing the flow of bills through the House of Representatives. By reviewing, scheduling, and allocating time for debate, the House Rules Committee helps ensure that bills receive proper consideration and that the legislative agenda is effectively managed.

Bills can be formally submitted for consideration by members of Congress. This is because the legislative branch of the government, which is composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is responsible for proposing and passing laws. The president, on the other hand, does not have the power to formally submit bills for consideration. Interest groups, although they can influence lawmakers and advocate for specific policies, do not have the authority to submit bills themselves. Therefore, the correct answer is members of Congress.

Personal staff members of Congress are responsible for assisting with various tasks, including helping with constituent problems, drafting legislation, and negotiating agreements. They play a crucial role in addressing the concerns and issues of the constituents, ensuring that legislation is effectively written and proposed, and facilitating negotiations and agreements with other lawmakers. Therefore, the correct answer is "all of the above" as personal staff members perform all of these important functions to support the work of Congress.

The statement that there are no Hispanics in the Senate is false. This is because there are indeed Hispanic members serving in the Senate.

The House of Representatives is more centralized than the Senate because it has stricter rules and procedures, giving more power to the Speaker of the House and the majority party. The House operates on a more top-down approach, with the Speaker having more control over the legislative agenda and the flow of legislation. In contrast, the Senate allows for more individualism and independence, with less centralized power and more opportunities for individual senators to influence the legislative process.

The statement "Citizens have a direct role in determining leadership in Congress" is false. In the United States, citizens do not directly determine the leadership in Congress. Instead, leadership positions such as Speaker of the House and Senate Majority Leader are determined by the members of Congress themselves through internal elections. The citizens' role is to elect their representatives to Congress, who then have the power to choose the leaders within the legislative body.

The principal goal of advertising for members of Congress is to increase their visibility. By advertising their positions, accomplishments, and goals, members of Congress can increase their public profile and gain attention from constituents, media, and potential donors. This visibility is crucial for their political career as it helps them build a strong public image, gain support from constituents, and attract financial contributions for their campaigns. Ultimately, by increasing their visibility, members of Congress can enhance their chances of re-election and influence public opinion.

When a state loses population, reapportionment is unlikely to favor the state's minority party. Reapportionment is the process of redistributing seats in a legislative body based on population changes. If a state loses population, it is likely to lose seats in the legislative body, which means that the minority party is less likely to gain representation. Instead, reapportionment is more likely to favor the majority party or the party in power, as they may have more control over the redrawing of district boundaries. Therefore, the statement is false.

A 28 year old would NOT be allowed to take a seat in the Senate because the minimum age requirement to be a Senator is 30 years old. Therefore, someone who is 28 years old does not meet the age requirement and would not be eligible to take a seat in the Senate.

Members from both the House and Senate can belong to joint committees and conference committees. Joint committees are composed of members from both chambers and are responsible for conducting studies and investigations on specific issues. Conference committees are also composed of members from both chambers and are formed to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill. Therefore, the correct answer is both b. and c.

The given answer is "more PAC money." This means that members do seek a committee that will help them achieve re-election, influence in Congress, and the opportunity to make policy in areas they think are important. However, they do not seek a committee specifically for the purpose of obtaining more PAC money.

The caucus is an informal group of members of Congress. This means that it is not an official or formal organization, but rather a gathering of like-minded individuals within Congress who share common interests or goals. These caucuses can be based on a variety of factors such as political ideology, regional interests, or specific policy issues. Members of Congress may join caucuses to collaborate, strategize, and advocate for their shared interests, but these groups do not have any official authority or decision-making power within the legislative process.

Incumbents do well in congressional elections because of voter awareness of how members of Congress vote on important policy decisions. This means that voters tend to support incumbents who have a track record of voting in line with their own policy preferences. When voters are aware of the voting records of incumbents, they are more likely to vote for those who align with their views, giving incumbents an advantage in elections. This suggests that voters value consistency and are more likely to support candidates they perceive as representing their interests.

Scandal or a charge of corruption is not an incumbency advantage because it negatively affects the incumbent's reputation and can lead to a loss of trust from the constituency. Incumbency advantages typically refer to the benefits that sitting officeholders have in elections, such as name recognition, access to resources, and a track record of accomplishments. Credit-claiming and position taking on issues important to the constituency are examples of incumbency advantages as they allow the incumbent to showcase their achievements and connect with voters. Weak opponents can also be seen as an advantage for the incumbent, as they face less competition in the election.

Challengers receive more PAC money than incumbents. This statement is false. In reality, incumbents, who are already in office, tend to receive more PAC money than challengers. Incumbents have the advantage of name recognition and established relationships with PACs, making them more attractive to receive funding. Challengers, on the other hand, often struggle to gain financial support and may find it more difficult to secure PAC contributions.

Nebraska is the only state that does not have a bicameral legislature. While most states have a two-house system consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives, Nebraska has a unicameral legislature, meaning it has only one legislative body. This unicameral system was established in 1937 as a way to streamline the legislative process and reduce costs. Nebraska's legislature is made up of 49 senators who are elected on a nonpartisan basis. This unique system sets Nebraska apart from the other states in terms of its legislative structure.

Senator Robert Dole referred to himself as the "Majority Pleader." This nickname was given to him because he served as the Senate Majority Leader from 1985 to 1987. As the Majority Leader, Dole was responsible for leading the Republican Party in the Senate and advocating for their legislative agenda. The nickname "Majority Pleader" highlights his role as a persuasive advocate for his party's positions and his ability to rally support among his fellow senators.

The phrase "at the margins" suggests that presidential leadership of Congress is not significant or influential. It implies that the president's role in guiding and shaping Congress is minimal or limited. This means that the president may have some influence, but it is not a dominant or all-encompassing control over Congress. Instead, their impact may be more peripheral or on the fringes of decision-making processes within Congress.

Voting for candidates who match their positions is the greatest way for constituents to influence members of Congress. By electing representatives who align with their beliefs and values, constituents can ensure that their concerns and interests are represented in the decision-making process. This allows constituents to have a direct impact on the legislative agenda and the policies that are implemented. Writing to members of Congress and joining single-issue groups can also be effective ways to influence lawmakers, but ultimately, the power lies in the hands of the voters to choose representatives who will advocate for their interests.

The correct answer is "still the general rule for selecting committee chairs." This means that the seniority system is still the prevailing method used to choose committee chairs. This system takes into account both party loyalty and competence, as it favors those who have been in the party for a longer period of time and have gained experience and expertise. Therefore, the seniority system remains the primary criterion for selecting committee chairs.

Edmund Burke believed in the concept of a legislator as a trustee. This means that the legislator should use their own judgment and expertise to make decisions on behalf of their constituents, rather than simply following the will of the majority or acting as a mouthpiece for their constituents' opinions. Burke argued that legislators should act in the best interests of the nation as a whole, taking into account their own knowledge and experience. This view emphasizes the importance of expertise and independent decision-making in the legislative process.

An entire state being less diverse than a single congressional district is not a reason for greater competition for senatorial seats in Congress. This is because diversity or lack thereof does not directly correlate with competition for political seats. Competition for senatorial seats is influenced by various factors such as the political climate, incumbency advantage, fundraising abilities, and the level of public interest in the election.

A select committee is a committee that is created for a specific purpose and usually has a limited time frame to complete its work. In the context of the Watergate scandal, a select committee was formed in the Senate to investigate the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and the subsequent cover-up by the Nixon administration. This committee was specifically chosen to handle the investigation and had the authority to conduct hearings, subpoena witnesses, and gather evidence related to the Watergate scandal.

PACs will not give money to the winning candidate if they supported his or her opponent during the election.

Party leaders are responsible for setting the legislative agenda in the Senate. As the heads of their respective political parties, they have the authority to determine which bills and issues will be prioritized for discussion and voting. Party leaders play a crucial role in coordinating and rallying support for their party's agenda, working closely with committee chairs and members to ensure that the desired legislation progresses through the legislative process. Their influence and decision-making power make them key figures in shaping the Senate's legislative agenda.

The statement "They are designated as the chief legislator by the Constitution" is false. While the President does have the power to propose legislation and influence the legislative process, the Constitution does not explicitly designate them as the chief legislator. The Constitution grants the power to make laws to Congress, specifically the House of Representatives and the Senate. The President's role in the legislative process is more limited and they primarily serve as a check and balance to Congress.

John Kingdon found that there were multiple influences that determined a congressperson's votes, rather than a single influential factor. This implies that no single influence was important enough to determine their votes. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

The correct answer is "tight budgets" because when budgets are limited, there is a need to ensure that government activities are being conducted efficiently and effectively. Increased oversight activities can help identify any wasteful spending or misuse of resources, leading to better financial management. Additionally, tight budgets may also require a closer examination of government programs and agencies to prioritize spending and allocate resources appropriately.

The given statement that Congress has not attempted to regulate lobbyists is false. In reality, Congress has made several attempts to regulate lobbyists through legislation such as the Lobbying Disclosure Act and the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act. These laws aim to increase transparency and accountability in lobbying activities by requiring lobbyists to register, disclose their clients and expenditures, and adhere to certain ethical guidelines. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that Congress has not tried to regulate lobbyists.

The House majority leader has several roles, including being the Speaker's principal party ally, scheduling bills in the House, and rounding up votes along with the party whips. However, presiding over the House when it is in session is not among the roles of the House majority leader. This responsibility typically falls to the Speaker of the House or a designated presiding officer.