Exam 3 Professor Fine POSC1000
What is a "unanimous consent agreement"? Why are they important in the Senate
agreement among all 100 senators on how a bill or presidential nomination will be debated, changed and voted on in the senate a proposal that, if agreed to, establishes the procedural guidelines for considering a measure or matter on the floor. If any member objects to such a request, it is not agreed to.
Define incumbent
current holder of a political office. --since the 1960s, at least 80% of incumbents have been re-elected in every single Congressional election
Incumbency advantage (What is it? Roughly how high is it? What factors cause it?)
current holder of a political office. --since the 1960s, at least 80% of incumbents have been re-elected in every single Congressional election
What is the "pardon" power of the president
full forgiveness of a president's crime
What are 'regulations"?
guidelines issued by federal agencies for administering federal programs and implementing federal law
What is a "rule" in Congress?
guidelines issued by the house rules committee that determine how many amendments may be considered for each bill (normally allow one or two amendements)
minority leader senate
harry reed
What are "cabinet secretaries"?
heads of cabinet departments and chief advisors to the president on issues under jurisdiction
Which federal positions does the president appoint?
highest level/leaders of each interest group/agency
house/senate age requirements
house 25, senate 30
What is the "Pendleton Act"?
if you want to work in government has to pass competitive exam
Super PACS
independent groups that can raise unlimited amounts of money from individuals, labor unions, and corporations and spend it to support or oppose political candidates but cannot coordinate with party or candidate
What are "term limits"?
is a legal restriction that limits the number of terms an officeholder may serve in a particular elected office.
Vice President in senate
joe biden
• Granting a "writ of certiorari" (what is a writ of certiorari)
just means SCOTUS accepted your case after review process
What is the bureaucracy?
large collection of executive branch departments, agencies, boards and commissions that carry out the responsibilities of federal government
house majority leader
leader of the majority party and second in command to speaker
house minority leader
leader of the minority party in the house
oversight
oversight by the United States Congress over the Executive Branch, including the numerous U.S. federal agencies. Congressional oversight includes the review, monitoring, and supervision of federal agencies, programs, activities, and policy implementation.
What is "the invisible primary"?
period of end of election up until atually primary, trying to be endorsed and raise money
What is the main outcome of Marbury v. Madison (1803) decision?
power of courts to declare action on congress, the president or state officials unconstitutional and therefore void it. -----the ability of the Supreme Court to limit Congressional power by declaring legislation unconstitutional
senate majority and minority
same as house
filibuster/cloture in Senate
tactic of extended speech to delay/block a passage of a bill
What is gerrymandering
term that describes the deliberate rearrangement of the boundaries of congressional districts to influence the outcome of elections.
What is a "lame duck" president?
term-limited official in his or her last term of office
what is congress's role in the judiciary/judicial branch?
they rule and fund it, and the president appoints the highest levels
What is the role of primary elections?
to narrow the field of candidates before an election for office.
What are battleground states?
"battleground states" don't already know is gonna win, maybe 13 states in a year EX: obama won NC in 2008 and lost in 2012, battleground state
amicus curiae
(friends of the courts) briefs- trying to influence the courts (often this is interest groups) by sending briefs to supreme court to tell them why they should hear the case (cert) and get them to rule in their favor
What are the roles that the president plays? (the six "Chief" roles that we discussed in class, many of which are terms in the book as well)
-1. Chief of state- symbolic and ceremonial roles "chief mourner" 2. chief executive- in charge of executive branch, enforce laws, appointment power: appoints leaders secretary of state, secretary of transportation and then confirmed by congress -- -legislative make law- executive enforce law (obama). 3.commander-in-chief of the armed forces- civilian led military.. president determines where people in military will go—ability to send troops into harms way, tension between congress and president -war powers come from congress -president has football (breifacse with numbers for war or bombs) always with him 4. chief diplomat- make treaties with the senate (peace treaties), president can engage in treaty but 2/3 vote in senate to ratify a treaty, also nominates ambassadors to other countries (representatives) president makes nominations but senate has to be confirmed—often time ambassadors are big donators to the president/party, receives foreign leaders (ambassadors from other countries EX: prime minister of Isreal meets with prez) -ambassador for Bahamas goes to donors because nice Caribbean island why it could be controversial 5. chief legislator--- "initiates"/ signal desire and sets agenda:::: occurs most commonly in state of the union address (once a year) which is a wishlist to congress- normally in jan or feb ex: I want you to raise the minimum wage—this happens now live on tv -power to veto (bills) -democrats in senate have been protecting obama from having to veto bills -executive orders which allows president to shape policy without congress having to pass this law , things like naming a holiday, naming a park---- EX: immigration bill from obama - -bargains and persuades congress to pass things he wants like bills or nominees 6. chief of party: -shapes party -party platform -campaigns constantly -fundraiser- raise money
Basic structure (how it is set up, what is Congress's role here)
-congress chose 9 judges -constitution only says there needs to be judges not how many --jurisdiction stripping - strip the court of jurisdiction (bounds of their authority) 1. congress can limit supreme court if they want to (uncommon) eX: congress says supreme court cant rule on any case about abortion -2. impeachment- congress can impeach a judge if behave poorly 3. constitutional amendment made by congress which can reverse a supreme court ruling (hard to do though) 4. rewrite/pass new laws- less effective because supreme court can shoot it down
Ways other actors check the courts?
-executive checks AKA president and other actors in executive branch 1. appointment process is done by the president so president has a lot of control over who gets into court and presidents influence long after they leave presidency 2. SCOTUS has no enforcement power—supreme court rules but need executive branch to enforce those decisions legislative checks: -jurisdiction stripping - strip the court of jurisdiction (bounds of their authority) 1. congress can limit supreme court if they want to (uncommon) eX: congress says supreme court cant rule on any case about abortion -2. impeachment- congress can impeach a judge if behave poorly 3. constitutional amendment made by congress which can reverse a supreme court ruling (hard to do though) 4. rewrite/pass new laws- less effective because supreme court can shoot it down Public checks 1. Public opinion shapes types of decisions made by any federal judge and supreme court Two different ways public opinion can impact decision: -directly ex: take polling into consideration such as evolving same sax marriage views as public does -indirectly/replacement-more common-public opinion impacts other actors such as president—country moves more conservative, get conservative president, that conservative president nominates conservative people to supreme court—also goes for congress members 2. pressure government to not enforce ruling- pressure from citizens to do something EX: Syrian refugees right now, governors are sending letters to president because of pressure of their citizens saying they don't want them 3. public themselves can ignore rulings... for example prayers in school
What does each of the three models of presidential power discussed in class say?
1) The Constitutional (Conservative) model: A President is limited to the powers granted by the constitution (theory tied to Taft) word for word constitution 2) The Stewardship model: A President can use all power not prohibited in the constitution (theory tied to Teddy Roosevelt) try to follow but sometimes do what best--most pop 3) The Prerogative Role: In times of Emergency, President must act outside of constitution (theory tied to FDR) manipulate constitution words
Possible reforms to "save" it?
1. Increase retirement age-wait to pay people 2. Decrease benefits 3. Increase payroll tax- or standardize for all incomes. 4. Allow Government to invest money in private market 5. Allow individuals to invest money in private market
Roughly when will it fail to meet obligations? What are the causes of this?
2035 because theres more money going out then coming in right now, more disabled people, more elderly people because baby boomers retiring, people living longer so pay longer, having increased age
How judges make decisions (the difference between legal model vs. attitudinal model)
1. legal model- judges make decisions based on the current law -stare decisis (precedent) let the decision stand- EX: well what did supreme court say on this? -case factors 2. MORE ACCURATE? attitudinal model- policy preferences and the ideologies of judges.. sure they take things like precedent (set of laws and rules) into consideration but some judges are more liberal and some are more conservative...... so are they truly neutral experts?????
What are the benefits and problems with electoral college?
1. must campaign nationally- forces candidates t campaign nationally bc need 270 more president of actual country 2. advantages large and small states so equal --- large: candidates spend more time and resources there--- florida and ohio big battleground states so candidates will be there most SMALL: like it because theyre over represented in electoral college and senate 3. fraud and national recounts it guards us from them --- if actual fraud they would be confined to one geographic area contained in state and wouldn't ruin all national vote—national recount: recount of all ballots if someone wins 49.2 to 49.1 u have to recount PROBS: -the possibility of electing a minority president ((one without the absolute majority of popular votes)) -the risk of so-called "faithless" Electors, -the possible role of the Electoral College in depressing voter turnout, and -its failure to accurately reflect the national popular will
criticism of bureau
1. too big 2. too rigid/too many regulations- very specific standards and little leeway- because this promotes equality—takes away subjectivity 3. inefficient/redundant- make sure that we still get right outcomes- redundant common in NASA- airplanes have a lot of functions and have back ups- protect safety here------ Clemson example= change of major card three break offs reduncancy makes sure theres back up and proof if one of them loses it 4. difficult to navigate- a lot of red tape- trying to get social security check it is hard to get in contact with right person- congress made this intentional so they are heros and bureau looks messy 5. unresponsive- don't know right person to call
how many cases each year are granted "cert"
80 cases
Structure of Supreme Court (number of SC justices, how justices are selected, lifetime appointments)
9 justices New judge about every 2 years -when president nominates someone for supreme court, normally get confirmed by U.S senate. -is lifetime appointment
How do Congress and the President control the bureaucracy?
Answer: combo of president and congress but not very true -Politics-administration dichotomy: separate politics and bureau so don't need to worry about bureau very much -neutral expertise- if good at job then we shouldn't worry that much -is this realistic? Kind of but some peoples partisanship/political views will influence their actions
Political ads → Positive vs. negative (Which are more effective and why? Most famous political ad?)
Daisy ad: 1964 3 year old picking pedals, and then gets blown up bc barry goldwater may blow up the world
Define delegate
Delegates are often party activists, local political leaders, or early supporters of a given candidate
• What factors have led to the expansion of presidential power over time?
Executive Orders - The Presidency has taken on the power to implement Executive Orders, which is like making a law. The President can make an order, howeve the Supreme Court does have the authority of turning over this order/law. The State of the Union: This is a speech in which the President is required to give "time to time" to describe how our country is doing. In this speech, ideally the President would describe the current state of the government. However, through time, the President has used this as a platform to discuss legislative policy, i.e. what he wants to see, what he wants to accomplish and what laws/policy he wants to see go into effect (again, meshing with the legislative branch's job of creating policy/laws). In general, the President's power has grown immensely through many areas, including through the legislative branch, the state of the Union and in general, the area of influence that the President has over public opinion.
How bill becomes a law (Basic steps in the process, **where most legislation fails)
HOUSE AND SENATE PROPOSE- PASSED TO COMMITTEE- IF IT PASSED THEN SENT TO FLOOR- AFTER GOES TO PRESIDENT SIGN OR VOTE... MOST FAIL INC OMMITTEE
judicial branch
Headed by the Supreme Court. Its powers include interpreting the Constitution, reviewing laws, and deciding cases involving states' rights.--- state courts, federal court and supreme court
executive government
Headed by the president. The president carries out federal laws and recommends new ones
What did the Citizens United v. FEC Supreme Court ruling do?
In a nutshell, the high court's 5-4 decision said that it is OK for corporations and labor unions to spend as much as they want to convince people to vote for or against a candidate. BUT! It is still illegal for companies and labor unions to give money directly to candidates for federal office.
How are caucuses and primaries different?
In presidential campaigns, a caucus is a system of local gatherings where voters decide which candidate to support and select delegates for nominating conventions. A primary is a statewide voting process in which voters cast secret ballots for their preferred candidates.
Roughly how is the bureau structured (executive branch departments vs. independent agencies)
Independent agencies of the United States federal government are those agencies that exist outside of the federal executive departments (those headed by a Cabinet secretary). executive- fifteen cabinet level departments such as state, treasury, defense, education, homeland security over four million executive branch employees including military break bureau down into four components: 1. cabinent level departments (state, defense) 2. independent executive agencies (EPA-enviornmental protection agency- separate from formal structure of cabinents) 3. independent regulatory agencies (federal reserve board--- regulate some part of government, FRB regulating interest rates, outside structure of cabinent) 4. government organizations (usps, fdic--- company the government owns---- USPS is US postal service)
What is the trend in negativity in campaigns?
It has increased over the years
What is the difference between mandatory and discretionary spending?
Mandatory spending is also known as entitlement spending and goes to programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Discretionary spending must be approved by the Congress every year in the appropriations process and, unlike most mandatory spending, is subject to a predetermined limit each year
Length of terms for House and Senate
Members of the House of Representatives serve two-year terms and are considered for reelection every even year. Senators however, serve six-year terms and elections to the Senate are staggered over even years so that only about 1/3 of the Senate is up for reelection during any election.
Majority senate
Mitch mcconnel
What is the role of the national convention during presidential races?
National party conventions are designed to officially nominate the party's candidate and develop a statement of purpose and principles called the party platform. Informally, political parties use the conventions to build support for their candidates. AFTER PRIMARY, CONVENTION HAPPENS- say platform and draw supporters its when they propose platform
Difference between open & closed primaries? What is "frontloading"?)
Open- I register as voter so I choose if I wanna vote in democratic or republican primary- cross party lines Closed-only people people who vote in democratic u have to be a affiliated democrat states trying to make primary earlier and earlier which is called front loading
Basic leadership structure in House and Senate (Who is the most powerful leaders in each chamber?)
Party leaders and whips of the United States House of Representatives are elected by their respective parties in a closed-door caucus by secret ballot and are also known as floor leaders.[1] The U.S. House of Representatives does not officially use the term "Minority Leader" although the media frequently does. The House instead uses the terms "Republican Leader" or "Democratic Leader" depending on which party holds a minority of seats.
Speaker of house?
Paul ryan
What is the appeal process for cases?
Process of getting to SCOTUS: OPTION ONE- state courts Start at state court—court makes a ruling, whichever side loses has option to appeal it to...... State appeal court (appellate court)- don't like it appeal it again too...... State court of last resort- supreme court of state basically.... Not happy at state level?? Appeal one last time to supreme court OPTION TWO- federal courts District courts- appeal to ...... US COURTS of appeals- APPEAL once more too.... SCOTUS Appellate jurisdiction- supreme court has jurisdiction over any case brought through this appealing process Original jurisdiction- U.S supreme court doesn't have to wait for a case example if states are suing eachother, AKA some go straight to supreme court
Define issue networks
Replaced iron triangle with: ISSUED NETWORKS: -MORE of a web of people connected- add in courts, pres, outside experts ect. all interact with eachother
Origins of system (why we have it, why it is set up the way it is)
Social Security Act (1935) Why? To make sure we don't have a large chunk of elderly in poverty.
What is the difference between the "spoils" system & the merit system?)
Spoil- people work in bureaucracy are people loyal to the president:::: bureau became corrupt (not experts just loyal people), bloated (and inefficient THIS IS MESSY/poor functioning in 1800s Merit system (civil service reform)- federal government employees are civil service so we want to reform the process due to spoil system... in merit system- mutual competent members ---merit system-career employees rather than changing based on president----
Redistricting (What is it? When does it occur? Who is responsible for it?)
The redrawing of congressional and other legislative district lines following the census, to accommodate population shifts and keep districts as equal as possible in population. In 33 states, the state legislature has primary responsibility for creating a redistricting plan, in many cases subject to approval by the state governor.
Why is Social Security the "third rail" of American politics?
The third rail of a nation's politics is a metaphor for any issue so controversial that it is "charged" and "untouchable" to the extent that any politician or public official who dares to broach the subject will invariably suffer politically.
Basic characteristics of Congress (how many members in each chamber)
There are a total of 535 Members of Congress. 100 serve in the U.S. Senate and 435 serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.
iron triangle
bureau, interest groups, congress Middle of triangle: education breakdown: intrest groups= teacher unions congress- education committee bureau- department of education
What is stare decisis/"precedent"?
courts look to past cases when evaluating a new one
budget deficit and the debt and debt ceiling
defiecit/debt ceiling- gap between how much money you bring and how much you spend if u make 600 dollars but spend 700 dollars youre running a 100 dollar deficit... how much government brings from tax and spends on programs-- increase it always BUDGET deficit- annual amount that we spent over budget that year • federal debt- total amount that we owe • -we owe most money to ourselves • -if we raise debt ceiling we will increase our debt but this is not accurate • -issue bonds on our own
legislative branch
eaded by Congress, which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate. The main task of these two bodies is to make the laws. Its powers include passing laws, originating spending bills (House), impeaching officials (Senate), and approving treaties (Senate).
What is the "cabinet"?
executive leaders/secretaries
rule of four
four judges must want to hear the case
What are "entitlement" programs?
medicare, social security, medicate
Reapportionment (What is it? When does it occur?)
moving the people in house and senators to create equal district sizes. reapportionment occurs EVERY TEN years, when census data reports shifts in the population of districts. each district must have an equal number of residents. states may lose or gain seats during reapportionment, but the total House membership remains 435
Minority leader house
nancy pelosi
What is the "bully pulpit"?
nickname for the power (not nickname of the president) of the president to use the attention associated with the office to persuade the media, congress and the public to support his policy positions--- president tendency to use his power/take advantage of power
"staggered" election cycle
not all places in an elected body are up for election at the same time- keeps some continuity in the elected body. For example United States Senators have a 6-year term but they are not all elected at the same time
What is "divided government"?
one party controls executive branch and one party controls legislative branch EXAMPLE: obama democratic congress is republican right now
What are "presidential coattails" and "midterm loss"?
the ability of a Presidential candidate to bring out supporters who then vote for his party's candidates for other offices. In effect, the other candidates are said to ride on his coattails midterm loss- a seat a party loses in the middle of a president's term. It is often due to the popularity or unpopularity of the majority power.
How much of the federal budget is spent on Social Security and Medicare?
the federal government spent $3.5 trillion
What does it mean for the judiciary to be a "reactionary branch"?
the judiciary is, by nature, a reactionary branch of government- meaning a court cannot create law, but rather must sit and wait for a real case or controversy to be brought before it. Judiciary = reactuinary branch - if congress doesn't like a policy can do it, but if courts want to change something they need a case to be brought up to supreme court in order to do that.
Who are the leaders of each party in the House and Senate?
the majority and minority leaders serve as spokesmen for their parties' positions on the issues. speaker of house is political leader of house
What does the "War Powers Act" say?
the president cannot send troops into military conflict for more than 90 days without seeking a formal declaration of war or authorization of further action from congress
What is the limit on the number of terms for the President?
two
cloture
vote that can stop a filibuster and bring debate on a bill to an end (60 VOTES)
Electoral College-- How does it work? What is the "Republican L"?
• Every state gets same number in congress as electoral votes • 538 electoral votes- in order to be prez u need majority whch is 270 • -what states do I need to spend money in to get those 270 • -Republican L -L across the country, reliably republican while democrats want to take some states in the L
What are the functions/powers of Congress?
• Power of Congress o Enumerated: Constitution says it is congresses job o Implied/expanded powers: Something in constitution, but very vague and is manipulated. • WAR POWERS • TAXATION • IMPEACHMENT • LAWMAKING • REGULATION COMMERCE • APPOINTMENT AND TREATIES • OVERSIGHT
Basic budgetary process--- What is a "shutdown"?
• September 30th deadline and "shutdowns" if fail • -fiscal year October 1st-september 30th • -pass new budget by September 30th
What are the formal requirements to be eligible to be President of the United States?
• natural born citizen • 35 years old • U.s resident for atleast 14 years
