Chapter 11 Ap government

The filibuster may be considered undemocratic because

it is used by the minority to defeat the majority.

All EXCEPT which of following are true of incumbents in Congress

. Most incumbents' views on policy are well known to their constituents

As majority leader of the Senate, Robert Dole once dubbed himself the "Majority Pleader." Based on what you have learned, what supports Senator Dole's assessment, and what contradicts it? How important do you think strong leadership is in the House and in the Senate? Which aspects of leaders' powers would you change, and why?

A majority leader is someone who, "the principal partisan ally of the Speaker of the House, of the party's manager in the Senate. This person is responsible for scheduling bills, influencing committee assignments, and rounding up votes on behalf of the party's legislature positions"

What is the difference between descriptive and substantive representation? In your opinion, can Congress claim that it does either

African American members, white members, women legislators etc take upon representation on matters that seem more important to them. Obviously members of congress cannot claim to be descriptive representation. Descriptive representation is when congress represents constituents by mirroring their personal politically relevant characteristics. Instead congress can engage in substantive representation. Substantive representation is when congress represents the interest groups they themselves are not members.

Is Congress a representative institution? Are there any ways to make Congress more representative of the American people

Congress is representative institution however there are some aspects to congress that makes it unrepresentative. Its leadership is chosen by it own members and not by the people. Voters have no impact over the individuals who chair key committees or lead congressional parties. Ways that Congress can improve their representation of the american people is by just listening to the american people more often. If there is a high demand, Congress should listen and go over the demand instead of ignoring it. Congress is meant to represent the American people, not turn their backs on them

Which of the following statements is true?

Congress is responsive to a wide range of interests in America.

Does congressional responsiveness to constituents predispose Congress to increase the scope of government? If so, what can be

Congressional responsiveness to constituents predispose Congress to increase the scope of government because as the government grow, the more need of Congress members.

Approximately 25 percent of membership in the House of Representatives is African American

False

Congressional committee oversight has declined as federal policy responsibilities have increased over time.

False

Based on what you know about congressional elections, what do you think are three primary reasons for the incumbency advantage? Generally speaking, do you think the incumbency advantage is good or bad for American democracy? Explain

In congressional elections, citizens usually vote on congressional representatives they know and trust. Therefore three primary reasons for the incumbency advantage is advertising, credit claiming and position taking. Also the lack of strong opponents boosts the chances of incumbents into being chosen. Incumbency advantage is a good thing for American democracy. The reason for that is because it gives opportunity for the people to choose on a representative they know will represent their values and issues they care about. Other congressional representative that are new can be cocky and try to spend as much money to win.

Although legislators are often overwhelmed with responsibilities, they have a staff to assist them. What Do personal and committee staffs play in the legislative process? In your opinion, is greater reliance on legislative staff good or bad for representative democracy?

In order for congress members to have control over overwhelming responsibilities, they turn to the staff. Personal staff ensure that they spend time on casework, provide services to constituents, answer mail, communicate members views etc. Committee staff organize hearings, research legislative options, draft committee reports on bills, write legislation and keep tabs on activities of the executive branch. Legislative staff help keep things organized and working properly. Without them legislators would be drowning in excessive amount of stress and duties.

Constituency opinion is not always the dominant factor that influences a legislator's decision making. Under what circumstances are legislators more likely to respond to constituency opinion and when are they less likely to do so? In your opinion, is it undemocratic when legislators do not respond to constituency opinion in their decision making? Why or why not?

Legislators are more likely to respond to constituency opinion when they are strongly sought out by constituents. When constituents want a legislator to vote on a certain bill or issue, they must make sure they choose a legislator that will have the same thinking as they do. Legislators are less likely to respond to constituents that send written letters, sent questionnaires, or public opinion polling. It is undemocratic id a legislator do not respond to constituency opinion because they are going by what they think is the right decision other than what the people think is the right decision

Which of the following best describes the president's influence over congressional decision making?

Presidential influence in Congress occurs at the margins.

Which of the following is most likely to hurt an incumbent legislator's chances for reelection

The incumbent has gone through a scandalous and public divorce

Only a member of the House or Senate can officially propose a bill

True

The vast majority of people are more likely to vote based on party identification than on the candidate's personal characteristics and/or policy platform

True

Which of the following is NOT a reason for the current underrepresentation of women in Congress

Women are less likely than men to win races they enter

When the House and the Senate pass different versions of a bill, these versions are to be reconciled by

conference committee