Exam 11: Congress

Explain how the concept of America being a melting pot conflicts with descriptive representation in Congress. How can the issue of descriptive representation adversely impact the interests of a particular group?

__________ is the only formal method for ending a filibuster and requires the approval of __________ senators.

Some scholars argue that the tendency of people in the same party to vote together is a reflection of the fact that lawmakers of each party tend to come from districts and states whose constituencies are __________.

Traditionally, members of the House have been expected to become specialists in some area or areas of policy and to defer to the judgment of other specialists on most bills. This mutual deference is known as __________.

Packing and cracking both draw district lines to the favor of the majority party, and thus, are two types of __________.

The __________ is where congressional Democrats gather to select their leadership at the beginning of each term.

The majority party in the __________ selects the president pro tempore (usually its most senior member).

In the House, before major bills are scheduled for floor debate, they must first go to the __________, which decides where bills will appear on the legislative calendar and the terms under which bills will be debated by the House.

In the House of Representatives, who is second in authority to the Speaker of the House?

What is the name of the provision in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, giving Congress implied powers not otherwise enumerated?

Which of the following occurs at a party conference (or party caucus)?

__________ committees are usually temporary committees are created by congressional leaders to conduct special studies or investigations.

Congressional whips serve what main function?

A bill can be introduced by a member of Congress, a member of the executive branch, or a member of a special interest group.

Political parties have a significant impact on the functioning of Congress. How does being in the majority benefit a party? How has party voting changed over the last several decades? Is this change a good thing? Why or why not?

__________ decides who shall be recognized to speak on the House floor, and rules on points of order (with advice from the parliamentarian), among other responsibilities.

The role of House minority leader acts as the chief spokesperson for the opposition in negotiations with the majority leader. He or she also

__________ is a good example of Congressional casework.

A congressional representative tries to mirror perfectly the views of his or her constituents, according to the __________.

After the Speaker, the next most powerful person in the House is the __________.