CONGRESS STUDYGUIDE UNIT IV

To better prepare for the upcoming Quest, be sure to review the readings in the text and articles assigned. Also, carefully review your lecture note packet. Quest questions may be derived also from the videos shown in class. Finally, there may be a FRQ on Congress for this Quest.

What is the purpose of Congress?

Where are the powers of Congress derived?

Bicameral

Redistricting

Reapportionment (and the Reapportionment Act of 1929)

Gerrymander

Westburry v. Sanders

Baker v. Carr

Reynolds v. Sims

“one man one vote” concept

Term Limits (know the arguments on both sides)

Pork (Barrel)

Gridlock

Partisanship (and Bi-partisanship)

Seniority

Caucus

Franking Privilege

Filibuster

Pigeon Hole

Cloture

Committee Chair

Committee Ranking Member

What is the incumbent advantage?

Pork barrel legislation

Earmarks

Log Rolling

Nuclear Option

Rider

Christmas Tree Bill

What is the purpose of Congress’ oversight function? Give an example.

Explain each:

Trustee

Delegate

Partisan

Politico

What are some demographic aspects of the House and Senate? (age, religion, occupation, gender, etc?)

Why aren’t more women in Congress?

What is the “the Pledge” (Grover Norquist) and what did it lead to?

Differences between:

House of Representatives Senate

Constitutional Powers ________________________________ ___________________________________

# of Members ________________________________ ___________________________________

Term ________________________________ ___________________________________

Centralization of leadership ________________________________ ___________________________________

Political Prestige ________________________________ ___________________________________

Role in Policymaking ________________________________ ___________________________________

Role of Seniority ________________________________ ___________________________________

Debate Procedures ________________________________ ___________________________________

What are the purposes of committees?

Standing Committee

Subcommittee

Select Committees

Joint Committee

Conference Committee

Who is the most powerful person in the House of Representatives? Senate?

Know the roles and the person for each of the following positions:

House

Speaker of the House

House Majority Leader

House Majority Whip

House Minority Leader

House Minority Whip

Senate:

President of the Senate

President Pro Tempore

Majority Leader

Majority Whip

Minority Leader

Minority Whip

What was the main points brought up in the article: “The Case for Congress”?

What is the approximate percentage of bills that die? Where do most bills die?

Explain the impeachment process:

Explain as a list or diagram how a bill becomes a law on a separate sheet of paper.

**Make sure to read the articles assigned in this unit.