Unit IV “Institutions” Review: Chapter #12 – The Congress | Kautzman's AP GO PO Blog

Unit IV “Institutions” Review: Chapter #12 – The Congress

Assignment: Ask a question that you need assistance with and answer a question submitted by another student for each chapter in Unit IV.

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Institutions

on February 15, 2009 at 5:45 pm Comments (80)

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on February 24, 2009 at 4:56 pm Sarah Massie Said:

How does a bill become a law?
on February 24, 2009 at 6:19 pm Kathrine Kruse Said:

How are party whips chosen?
on February 24, 2009 at 8:19 pm Johanna Stafford Said:

How does a bill become a law?
First legislation is introduced in the House and placed in the hopper which is a wooden box. Then it goes to the Senate where it must be announced without objection. Then the bill is assigned a number, labeled with the sponsor’s name, and copies are made. Then the bill goes to a committee(s) that the Speaker of the House or the presiding officer sends it. Bills are then placed on the calendar, but if no action is taken, then the bill is killed. The committees can be assigned to a subcommittee by the Chairman, hearings may be held, subcommittees report there discoveries to the committees and they vote to see is the bill should be reported. The committees will then revise and add to the bill which includes proposed amendments. The bill receives a new number, the old is discarded, and the chamber must approve, change or reject the committees’ amendments before a final vote. After reporting the bill, a written explanation on why amendments were made and why they favor the bill, it is sent back to the whole chamber and given a date on one of the four calendars decided on by the Speaker of the House and the Majority Leader. When going to the House the bill goes to the Rules Committee before the floor. A bill here can be killed by a closed rule setting time limits for debate and stops amendments from being introduced. Once the bill reaches the Senate it is placed on the Legislative Calendar which is scheduled by the Majority Leader. Then when it comes time to decide on the bill, the House will debate which is limited by the Rules Committee, giving equal time for those who oppose and propose. Then they vote with at least 218 members present. In the Senate debate can last as long as possible unless a cloture is voted (3/5) on if a filibuster takes place. If a filibuster does happen, and there is no cloture, then the bill will most likely die. If the bill is voted on and passes it goes to the other chamber. But if either chamber does not pass the bill then it dies. Then if the Senate and the House pass the same bill it goes to the President but if separate bills are submitted it goes to the Conference Committee. Here members of the House and the Senate sit down and argue out the differences, compromise, and vote again. Then the bill is sent to the President, who has to sign it within ten working days of Congress, pocket veto: Congress adjourns before the ten days and the President has not signed it, vetoes or ignores it. Once the President signs the bill or the House and the Senate vote to override his veto (2/3), then it becomes a law and yet again gets a number, an official number.
on February 24, 2009 at 9:17 pm Cole Ziegler Said:

When does Congress convene and why?

What are five fringe benefits that members of Congress have?

Why is there such a short term for members of the House of Representatives?

About how many people does each representative represent?

Why are not all Senators up for re-election at the same time?
on February 25, 2009 at 4:11 pm Felica Soderstrom Said:

Which house of congress is more decenteralized? Which is more centeralized? Explain the reasoning behind both answers.
on February 26, 2009 at 3:11 pm Sarah Massie Said:

Which house of congress is more decenteralized? Which is more centeralized? Explain the reasoning behind both answers.

The senate is more decentralized. It is smaller and less disciplined than the House and because it is smaller it doesn’t need as much structure as the house does. The House of Representatives is more centralized becuase it is very big (four times larger than the senate). It needs more structure to keep things organized and keep on task.
on February 26, 2009 at 3:29 pm Haley Nelson Said:

What are the four types of committees and what are their responsibilities? Where is membership drawn for each?
on February 26, 2009 at 4:17 pm Rachel Kerr Said:

Q: “Which house of congress is more decenteralized? Which is more centeralized? Explain the reasoning behind both answers.”

A: The House of Representatives is more than four times larger than the Senate. It is also more institutionalized (more centralized, more hierarchical, and less anarchical) than the Senate. Party loyalty to leadership and party-line voting are more common in the House than in the Senate. Partly because there are more members (535 representatives v. 100 senators), leaders in the House do more leading than do leaders in the Senate. First-term House members are more likely to be seen and not heard, and they have less power than senior representatives.

House of Representatives – more centralized; stronger leadership; less prestige; 435 members; two-year terms; smaller constituencies; limited debate; limits on floor amendments allowed.

Senate – less centralized; weaker leadership; more prestige; 100 members; six-year terms; larger constituencies; unlimited debate.
on February 26, 2009 at 4:19 pm Rachel Kerr Said:

What is the role of the House Rules Committee? In addition, the H.R.C. reviews all bills except which ones?
on February 26, 2009 at 9:53 pm Cyle Christianson Said:

Why is there such a short term for members of the House of Representatives?

The members of the House of Representatives are supposed to be the elected members of our government that are most responsive to the public, because they are called representatives. When the people vote every two years,all of the representatives are up for election, and are, therefore, all elected by what hte people are immediately feeling. This was ment to be the fastest way for people to show concern with the system, and for the people to change this part of the system to their will.
on February 26, 2009 at 9:56 pm Cyle Christianson Said:

How, specifically, has Congress become a more democratic institution? And what type of institution was it before?
on February 27, 2009 at 11:38 am Rachel Damiano :) Said:

Are committees that are based upon opposite opinions of the majority party lead by minority members and if not, how is anything done by said parties?
on February 27, 2009 at 3:53 pm Meagan Barnes Said:

What is the role of the House Rules Committee? In addition, the H.R.C. reviews all bills except which ones?

The House Rules Committee schedules all of the bills going onto the House floor. It gets to decide when each bill will be debated and how much time will be allowed for the debate. The H.R.C. also has the power to decide whether amendments may be offered, and if so, what types of amendments will be allowed. The committee does not typically review revenue, budget, or appropriation bills before they enter the full House. Because the Speaker is now responsible for appointing committee members, the H.R.C. has become increasingly responsive to House leadership over the past several years.
on February 27, 2009 at 3:54 pm Rebecca Rathbun Said:

What is unorthodox lawmaking?
on February 27, 2009 at 3:58 pm Meagan Barnes Said:

What is the role of congressional caucuses in government?
on February 27, 2009 at 4:58 pm Jonathan Dyer Said:

What is the unorthodox method of creating legislation?
on February 28, 2009 at 8:30 am Felica Soderstrom Said:

What is the role of the House Rules Committee? In addition, the H.R.C. reviews all bills except which ones?

The House Rules Committee plays the key role of agenda setting in the House. This committee reviews most of the bills before they can go to the floor. Each bill is given a rule, which schedules the bill on the calendar, allots time for debate, and can specify which kinds of amendments may be offered. This committee generally responds to the house leadership, especially since the Speaker of the House now appoints the members. The tax and spending bill do not go through the House Rules Committee they go through the Ways and Means Committee and the Appropriations Committee respectively.
on February 28, 2009 at 10:28 am Johanna Stafford Said:

Within the Gang of 14: a group of moderate Senators who gathered together in 2005 to avoid nuclear option regarding George W. Bush’ judical nominees and created a temporary bipartisian modification of the filibuster rule. What was the nuclear option?
on February 28, 2009 at 11:49 am Madelin Copus Said:

Question: Why are not all Senators up for re-election at the same time?

Answer: Not all Senators are up for re-election at the same time because at the Constitutional convention the Senate was created as a more stable, “upper house”. To insure this it is necessary for there to be members who know the rules and can make the transition between congresses seamless and easy and allow the senate to get back to business quickly.
on February 28, 2009 at 1:34 pm Jordan Yaeger Said:

What gives incumbents such a large advantages over a challenger?
on February 28, 2009 at 2:35 pm Savannah Hunka Said:

What is the main difference between the Congressional Budget Office and the General Accounting Office, because to me it seems like they do the same thing?
on February 28, 2009 at 2:45 pm Savannah Hunka Said:

What gives incumbents such a large advantages over a challenger?

Incumbents have a 80% chance to get reelected in the Senate and 90% chance in the House. This is for a couple of reasons. Fist, the incumbents are more well-known to the people that they are representing. Second, they have easier means of communicating to the public through advertising and the “franking privilege. Third, they have extra help from staffers and patronage perks. Fourth, they have money from PACs and other sources. These are all things they have over challengers.
on February 28, 2009 at 3:08 pm Rebecca Rathbun Said:

What is the role of the House Rules Committee? In addition, the H.R.C. reviews all bills except which ones?

The role of the House Roles Committee is review all bills coming from a committee within the House before they go to the full house. It places the bills on the House calendar, allots a given amount of time for debate, and occasionally specifies what types of amendments can be offered on the bill. It reviews all bills except those concerning revenue, budget, and appropriations.
on February 28, 2009 at 6:35 pm Clarin McDonald Said:

I don’t really understand what deccentralization is and what centralizatino is. What is the difference between the two?
on February 28, 2009 at 6:50 pm Clarin McDonald Said:

Question: What gives incumbents such a large advantage over a challenger?

Answer: There are 4 advantages that incumbents are subject to.

Advertising (please put in bold Kautzman) takes place between elections in the form of contact with constituents. The goal is visibility. They use Franking Privilege to mail newsletters out to constituents.

Credit Claiming (BOLD): Incumbents enhance their standing with constituents through service to individuals and the district. They can do this through cutting through some bureacratic red tape, casework, and through pork barrel.

Position Taking (BOLD): In establishing their public image by taking a positition on one subject, members emphasize their qualities as experienced, hard working, and trustworthy. This image is often devoid of partisan or pragmatic content.

Wead Opponents (BOLD): Confronted with the advangages of incumbancy, potential opponents are unlikily to challenge members of the house. This makes it easy for members to be reelected.
on February 28, 2009 at 7:43 pm Rachel Damiano :) Said:

Q: What are five fringe benefits that members of Congress have?

A: Some include: staff (take the load off…), travel allowance (sweeeeet!!), office space (my own private office , franking privilege (if you still use snail mail…), and insurance (suggesting what?…)
on March 1, 2009 at 6:58 am Malaika Chandler Said:

If most of the work in Congress is done in committees, then what does meeting as a whole body serve?
on March 1, 2009 at 7:03 am Malaika Chandler Said:

“How are party whips chosen?”

Methinks they are chosen in the same manner as the Majority and Minority leaders: An election in the democratic or republican part of the Senate. They probably vote for the whips the same time they vote for the leaders considering the relations they share.
on March 1, 2009 at 9:50 am brennan waller Said:

What is the difference between adjournment and recess?
on March 1, 2009 at 12:11 pm Nicole Thompson Said:

Define Reciprocity (logrolling):
Describe an instance/situation that demostrates logrolling and your understanding of it.
on March 1, 2009 at 12:24 pm Nicole Thompson Said:

Q: I don’t really understand what deccentralization is and what centralizatino is. What is the difference between the two?

A: Centralization- link it to the word “central” to try and help you remember that the House is more “central” becuase they are more closely tied to the people. They are at the center of their constituents minds, and people have more faith in their House representatives, generally, than they do in their Senators. This is becuase the Senators are in the more decentralized house. They are farther away from the peoples minds and do not serve as closely with the constituents. Try to remember it by thinking “De”-centralized, being NOT “central” or in the center of peoples minds. (farter removed v. the center).

The above is a type of word association that may help people study. The facts that support centralization and decentralization are:

House-Centralized.
-more leadership
-435 members
-2 year terms
-less people to represent
-limited debate
-limits on floor amendments

Senate-Decentralized
-100 members
-6 year terms
-more people to represent
-unlimited debate
-unlimited on floor amendments
on March 1, 2009 at 2:02 pm Makayla Sander Said:

Why are not all senators up for re-election at the same time?
Senators are not all up for re-election at the same time because it allows the Congress to be a more permanent body of the government. If the entire Senate was up for election every six years, then for the months leading up to election day the entire Senate would be focusing on running campaigns and rounding up votes rather than focusing on what the government needed to do. Also, once the new Senate was all elected it would probably take a long time for it to get running smoothly because all of the new members would have to get acquainted with the older ones and try to get the hang of how things worked, and it would not be a very smooth transition. And then once that body was all settled in, there wouldn’t be a chance to change anything about the Senate for another six years, and whichever party was in power would be guaranteed to stay in power for six years in a row.
on March 1, 2009 at 2:06 pm Makayla Sander Said:

Since pork-barrel projects are widely seen as wasteful and stupid by everyone except for the few whom the project benefits, how do they get approved by the entire Congress? Wouldn’t it be a better use of time and money to just eliminate pork-barrel spending for everyone?
on March 1, 2009 at 2:25 pm Cole Ziegler Said:

Q: If most of the work in Congress is done in committees, then what does meeting as a whole body serve?

A: There needs to be discussion, debate, and votes. Obviously there’s no way to get a majority vote in either house by just voting in one committee or something. The whole House and/or Senate needs to vote to get the appropriate number of votes to pass the bill. The committees just make the bill as attractive and complete as they can.

Also, some Congress members might have a different perspective on an issue than their colleagues in a committee on that issue. In other words, one guy might have a suggestion about say, military spending, than someone on the military spending committee. Just an example. I would imagine this would happen more in the Senate with the nature of unlimited debate.
on March 1, 2009 at 2:34 pm Renee Davidson Said:

Q: If most of the work in Congress is done in committees, then what does meeting as a whole body serve?

A: After the work has been done in the committees, the whole body votes on the bills and such that haven’t already been pigoenholed, rejected, or forgotten. Only the stuff that is worthwhile actually makes it to the floor, so when the whole body votes on it, it is normally an important issue or subject.
on March 1, 2009 at 2:34 pm Renee Davidson Said:

What is a junket and what is logrolling?
on March 1, 2009 at 3:34 pm Dave Marshall Said:

Explain the main committees of Congress, and how they work with one another.

Explain how the committees each help a bill to be passed.
on March 1, 2009 at 3:43 pm Dave Marshall Said:

If most of the work in Congress is done in committees, then what does meeting as a whole body serve?

The committees seem to work every little detail out. This allows for a complete bill that will be usefull to its fullest potential. I think that the purpose of bringing it up to the full house it to see what a large group of people, often uninterested in the precise subjects, unlike committee chairmen, and to see what their reaction is. It is supposed to be a similar reaction to that of the constituents, for they are their representatives. Therefore, the purpose of submitting a bill to the full house is to see how the entire nation would view, but in a more concentrated level.
on March 1, 2009 at 9:43 pm Annika LaVoie Said:

How did the “Gang of 14″ create a temporary bipartisan modification of the filibuster rule? What are the details of this modification?
on March 1, 2009 at 9:54 pm Annika LaVoie Said:

Q. What is a junket and logrolling?

A. “Junket” is a nickname for congressional trips that are paid for by tax payers. These trips don’t even necessarily have to be for business. It comes with the many perks that members of Congress are entitled to.
“Logrolling” is the tradition in Congress of exchanging votes among members of Congress…pretty much saying if you’ll vote for this I’ll vote for that. It goes hand in hand with reciprocity which is the exchange of favors.
on March 1, 2009 at 10:05 pm Alena Schoonmaker Said:

What were the circumstances and ruling of the case Miller v. Johnson in 1995, and what were the implications of the decision?
on March 1, 2009 at 10:16 pm Alena Schoonmaker Said:

How did the “Gang of 14″ create a temporary bipartisan modification of the filibuster rule? What are the details of this modification?

The “Gang of 14″ didn’t modify the filibuster. Senate Democrats had been filibustering ten judicial nominees from President Bush in 2005. Senate Republicans (with only a two vote majority) said that they would create a law destroying the filibuster for judicial nominees. This was known as the “nuclear option.” The “Gang of 14″ voted for cloture on the filibuster of one nominee, Priscilla Owen, and the “nuclear option” was no longer necessary.
on March 2, 2009 at 3:14 pm Bruce Graham Said:

What are some of the influences on how a member of congress votes?

What is the best predictor?
on March 2, 2009 at 3:32 pm Bruce Graham Said:

Q: “What are the four types of committees and what are their responsibilities?”

A: 1. Standing Committees: These committees handle bills in different policy areas. Each house has its own standing committees and each deal with bills that relate to their policy area. The typical Representative sits on six committees/subbcommittees and the typical Senator sits on ten committees/subcommittees

2. Conference Committees: These committees are formed when both the House and the Senate pass a particular bill in different forms. These committees are supossed to sit down write one bill that irons out the differences between the House and the Senate and send it back to each house for a vote.

3. Joint Committees: These committees exist in a few policy areas such as the economy and taxation and their membership is drawn from each House of Congress.

4. Select Committees: These committees are appointed for a specific purpose. The Select Committee on Presidential Campaign activities which deals with the Watergate scandal is one of the more well known select committee.
on March 2, 2009 at 4:32 pm Ashley Rowe Said:

What is a cloture and why is this a great tool developed for the Senate?
on March 2, 2009 at 5:12 pm Ashley Rowe Said:

What is the difference between adjournment and recess?

In the House, recesses are normally taken for short periods during a legislative day, while adjournments are used to end the day. In the Senate, recesses are usually taken during the day and frequently to end the day as well.

The Constitution (Article I, section 5), says that neither House of Congress may adjourn for more than three days without the consent of the other.

There are four types of adjournments:
(1) adjournments to end the day, which are accomplished through a motion to adjourn.
(2) adjournments of a stated period of three days or less, which are achieved by adoption of a motion to adjourn;
(3) adjournments of more than three days, which require the consent of the other chamber are accomplished by adoption of a concurrent resolution in both bodies; and
(4) adjournments “sine die”, which end each session of a Congress, require the consent of both chambers, and which are realized by adoption of a concurrent resolution by both.
on March 2, 2009 at 6:30 pm Haley Nelson Said:

What is the difference between adjournment and recess?

Adjournment is essentially the end of a term (last 2 years) in Congress. The date must be agreed upon by both houses.
Recess is a basically a break from work. They are taken periodically during terms and even during sessions for various reasons.
on March 2, 2009 at 6:55 pm brennan waller Said:

In addition to Annika’s answer to “What is a junket and what is logrolling?”

To go a little further about logrolling, I think another good thing to point out is that this “organizational voting” usually occurs during decisions on issues that the constituency is not very interested in or pay little attention to. For example, recently, any issue regarding the economy or the war would be something the congressman should act in the “delegate” role (vote according to constituent convictions). Obviously, acting in this way on these types of decisions is his best opportunity to get reelected. However, when small, insignificant (as seen in the eyes of the constituency) issues arise in Congress, a member can engage in logrolling without disappointing his constituents.
on March 2, 2009 at 7:55 pm ryanphillipy Said:

Why does Congress use a Committee System?
on March 3, 2009 at 3:14 pm Tommy Urann Said:

What is the primary reason that committee chairs are chosen completely based on seniority and the party in power?
on March 3, 2009 at 5:14 pm Brad Vander Linden Said:

Could someone explain to me “Cracking” and “Packing” in terms of gerrymandering?
on March 3, 2009 at 6:36 pm Kellie Hensley Said:

“Why does Congress use a Committee System”

A- Congress uses a committee system because there are a lot of things that congress votes on throughout the year, and no one can be an expert on everything. So Congress uses the Committee system so that different members can specialize in one area and get really knowledgable in that subject. When a bill or issue comes into play, it can be sent to the group of “experts” on that topic, making the result more efficient.
on March 3, 2009 at 6:45 pm Samuel D Fitterer Said:

Q. Define Reciprocity (logrolling):
Describe an instance/situation that demonstrates logrolling and your understanding of it.

A. Log rolling means ill scratch your back if you scratch mine. If senator 1 wants support for a bill senator 2 may offer his support if senator one in turn supports senator 2’s bill.
on March 3, 2009 at 6:51 pm Samuel D Fitterer Said:

Q. Why does Congress use a Committee System?

A. Congress uses a committee system to function more effectively. Congress deals with so many things that it is impossible for each member to specialize in every area, thus the committee system comes into play. Since not every senator can or wants to be an expert in agriculture, a committee is created to deal with it. Committees give advice on bills that the majority of congress knows nothing about, thus the system works more smoothly .It is also a great way for congress to work for their constituents, because they can be a member on a committee that will bring benefit to their people.
on March 3, 2009 at 6:54 pm Samuel D Fitterer Said:

What is the Franking Privilage, and how does it help incumbunts?
on March 3, 2009 at 6:59 pm Erik Layton Said:

Why does Congress use a Committee System?

The use of a committee system allows congressmen to shore up on weak points. Congressmen are generalists, the committees allow them to develop expertise in areas as well as serve their constituents. A Congressmen whose state’s main export is agricultural products would serve on committees that allow them to compliment that.
on March 3, 2009 at 7:03 pm Erik Layton Said:

What is cross-pressure and give an example of how it influences decisions.
on March 3, 2009 at 7:24 pm Kathrine Kruse Said:

What is a cloture and why is this a great tool developed for the Senate?

A cloture is when Senate puts an end to a filibuster (when someone talks a bill to death.) This requires a 60 member vote. It is a good tool for the Senate so that they can have a little control over the debating that goes on, however, this should not be used too much so that it does not become too simple to stop a debate on the floor.
on March 3, 2009 at 7:27 pm Madelin Copus Said:

Does sitting on a standing committee rather than a joint committee give more clout to that congressperson? Are any of the types of committees more prestigious than the others?
on March 3, 2009 at 8:03 pm Austin Ainslie Said:

How can Congressmen serve their constituents?
on March 3, 2009 at 8:09 pm Austin Ainslie Said:

Why does Congress use a Committee System?

Congress uses the Committee System because it spreads out the issues that Congress faces. It gives certain issues to the committees that are specialized for dealing with that part of the economy or nation (i.e. the President suggests a bill to help farmers out in this current recession, so this bill is sent to the Agricultural Committee where they specialize on the status of the agricultural community).
on March 3, 2009 at 9:08 pm hillary susz Said:

How are committees created? How are they destroyed? Are these questions relevant to the law making process at all?
on March 3, 2009 at 9:14 pm hillary susz Said:

What is a cloture and why is this a great tool developed for the Senate?

Cloture (a 3/5 vote in the senate i.e. 60 members) is what is needed to end a filibuster. This is a great tool developed exclusively in the senate 1. because filibusters are unique to the senate because the committees in the Senate cannot keep bills from the reaching the floor for debate. 2. cloture is essential for any progress whatsoever…without cloture, any senator could talk any bill to death, nothing would ever get accomplished.
on March 3, 2009 at 9:20 pm Alexa Erickson Said:

Describe how party, consituency, and ideology influences Congressional policy.
on March 3, 2009 at 9:25 pm Alexa Erickson Said:

QUESTION: What is cloture and why is it a great tool developed for the Senate?

ANSWER:
Cloture is a vote ending a “filibuster” in Senate. This is an effective tool because a filibuster, which is a tactic unique to the senate, can essentially lead to an unlimited debate. Once a senator holds the floor for debate, he or she can traditionally hold the floor as long as they desire. The only way to end a filibuster is through cloture, or a 3/5 vote from the Senate.
on March 3, 2009 at 9:32 pm Kyle Hermens Said:

Question: What are five fringe benefits that members of Congress have?

1. Franking privilege: Congressmen can use their signature instead of postage when using the mail system. This allows for low-cost letter campaigns and similar uses of the postal system.

2. Travel Allowance: Congressmen can be compensated for travel costs while on Congressional business.

3. Legislative immunity: They cannot be sued for something they say while on congressional business.

4. Congressmen cannot be arrested or detained while going to or from a session of Congress.

5. Staff: Congressmen are given hired help to handle all the menial chores of the office, such as writing press releases, managing public image, and other procedures.
on March 3, 2009 at 9:38 pm Kyle Hermens Said:

What sort of situation would a Select Committee be created for?
on March 3, 2009 at 9:40 pm Tyler Konsonlas Said:

Why is the Chief Legislator their own best lobbyist?
on March 3, 2009 at 10:10 pm Jonathan Dyer Said:

What is a cloture and why is this a great tool developed for the Senate?

Cloture is how the Senate stops a filibuster. In order to invoke cloture, 3/5 of the Senate (60 with our current number in the Senate) must agree to end the filibuster and vote on the issue at hand. This was developed for the Senate in order to prevent the Senators from obtaining too much power via the filibuster. If filibusters are unstoppable, then the Senate could control everything by threatening to filibuster the issue. That is why having a “supermajority”, or 3/5 of all the Senators, is something that most parties want to have. Also, on important legislation, Senators will sometimes try to garner 60 votes before the bill is put up to vote.
on March 3, 2009 at 10:12 pm Bates, Kellee Said:

What is a cloture and why is this a great tool developed for the Senate?

A senator can invoke cloture in the time of a filibuster. A filibuster is a senators attempt to talk a bill to death. Cloture requires a 60 member vote, and passes the bill through the floor. This is a good tool so that one senator does not obtain to much power and is then unable to filibuster any bill that it pleases.
on March 3, 2009 at 10:21 pm Bates, Kellee Said:

Because ethnicity, gender, age, religion and occupation is ill-represented in congress, how does this effect the founders original vision of congress, that it should represent the average american?

Has congress accomplished its original vision or had it fallen from what the founders desired it to be?
on March 3, 2009 at 10:33 pm Matthew Littrel Said:

Please explain the elastic clause that the implied powers of Congrees are based on.
on March 4, 2009 at 8:23 am Claire Loomer Said:

How do you become Speaker of the House, or the President Pro Tempore?
on March 4, 2009 at 9:10 am Cody Thompson Said:

The Virginia Plan, the New Jersey Plan, and the Connecticut Compromise all reflected fears that the founders had about the government they were trying to create. Describe these concerns and how they affected the structure of Congress.
on March 4, 2009 at 9:20 am Cody Thompson Said:

Q: What sort of situation would a Select Committee be created for?

A: Select Committees differ from the Standing and Joint committees because they don’t handle general areas. While the Standing and Joint committees are very general and only pertain to a certain area, Select committees are precise and focus on one issue, such as congressional scandals like the Watergate scandal.
on March 4, 2009 at 10:36 am Megan Smith Said:

Please explain the elastic clause that the implied powers of Congrees are based on.

The elastic clause is a part of the consitution, Article I. It states that Congress needs to be able to do what is necessary and proper for the United States. This greatly expands the powers of Congress, and allows more leeway for new age problems that we face today, and in the future.
on March 4, 2009 at 10:38 am Megan Smith Said:

What are the different types of representation? Which representation do we tend to see more often and why? Is there a way to change this trend?
on March 4, 2009 at 1:48 pm Tommy Urann Said:

Q.)Which house of congress is more decenteralized? Which is more centeralized? Explain the reasoning behind both answers.

A.)The House of representatives is much more centralized than the Senate. the reasoning behind this is that because there are so many more members in the house, there are more leaders and new members really have no power. The people with the most influence are members who have been part of the house for the longest time. You could compare the house to a classroom, with a teacher, the teacher tells the students to complete specific tasks and the members do as they are told.

The Senate is much more decentralized. All members have the same power and everyone wants to be the boss. There is almost no structure, and much more freedom for the senators compared to representatives. You could compare the Senate to a lunchroom opposed to a classroom.
on March 4, 2009 at 9:10 pm Tyler Konsonlas Said:

Q: How can Congressmen serve their constituents?

A: Congressmen can help their constituents through casework. These are activities that help individual cut through the bureaucratic red tape to get people what they think they have a right to get. Some examples are immigration cases, getting a small town a new sewage treatment plant, or getting federal bureaucrats to respond to the request for federal construction money.
on March 4, 2009 at 10:05 pm ryanphillipy Said:

Q: Why are not all Senators up for re-election at the same time?

A: Senators are designed to be the part of congress that is more separated from the people to counteract the house that is designed to be close to the people. By having 1/3 of the Senate open for election at one time and having longer terms helps accomplish this goal by having the people have less say with the senators.

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