Question 1

Why did the founders not include more detailed requirements of the legislative process in the Constitution?

Accepted Answer

The founders did not include more detailed requirements of the legislative process in the Constitution because they wanted to leave room for flexibility and adaptation as the country grew and changed. They understood that the legislative process would need to evolve over time to meet the needs of a changing society. By not including overly specific requirements, they allowed for the system to be responsive to the will of the people and the changing dynamics of governance. Additionally, they wanted to avoid creating a document that was too rigid and difficult to amend, as they recognized the importance of being able to adapt to new circumstances and challenges. Overall, the founders sought to create a framework for government that was both stable and adaptable, and leaving the legislative process open to interpretation and evolution was a deliberate part of that vision.

Question 2

Do you think it is easier to get a bill passed in the House or Senate? Why?

Accepted Answer

It can be argued that it is generally easier to get a bill passed in the House of Representatives compared to the Senate. This is because the House has a larger number of members, which means that there are more opportunities for a bill to gain support and be passed. Additionally, the House operates under a more centralized and structured leadership, which can help facilitate the passage of bills.

On the other hand, the Senate has a smaller number of members and operates under different rules and procedures, such as the filibuster, which can make it more difficult to secure the necessary votes for a bill to pass. The Senate also tends to be more deliberative and allows for more opportunities for individual senators to influence the legislative process, which can lead to more obstacles in getting a bill passed.

Ultimately, the ease of passing a bill in either the House or the Senate depends on the specific circumstances and political dynamics at the time. However, in general, the larger size and more centralized leadership of the House can make it somewhat easier to get a bill passed compared to the Senate.

Question 3

Is the legislative process working as it should or has gridlock become too intense? What might the founders say about the Textbook Congress?

Accepted Answer

The answer to whether the legislative process is working as it should or if gridlock has become too intense is a matter of perspective. Some may argue that the legislative process is functioning as intended, with checks and balances in place to prevent hasty or ill-considered decisions. Others may argue that gridlock has become too intense, leading to a lack of progress on important issues.

As for what the founders might say about the Textbook Congress, it's difficult to say for certain. The founders of the United States were deeply concerned about the potential for gridlock and factionalism in government. They designed the system with the intention of promoting compromise and cooperation among different branches and levels of government. However, they also recognized the importance of vigorous debate and the protection of minority rights.

It's possible that the founders would be concerned about the level of gridlock in the Textbook Congress, but they might also recognize that some level of disagreement and debate is a natural part of the legislative process. Ultimately, their views on the current state of the legislative process would likely depend on their assessment of whether it is still effectively serving the interests of the American people.

Question 4

Do interest groups or the president have too much, too little, or about the right amount of power in the legislative process?
a. Should the president be allowed to introduce bills into Congress?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Do interest groups or the president have...

Question 5

Do you think any individual member has too much power in the legislative process?
a. Or, does any role (e.g., Speaker of the House or committee chair) of a member have too much power in the legislative process?

Accepted Answer

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Question 6

Discuss the role of cosponsorship in the United States Congress. In drafting your essay, be sure to address, at least, the following questions. Why do members seek cosponsors for their bills? At what point in the legislative process do they seek cosponsors? Which types of members do they prioritize? How many cosponsors do they seek?

Accepted Answer

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Question 7

After introducing a bill it is critical that the member gain support for her legislation. How does a member build early support among her peers in Congress? Name at least three ways and be sure to explain how and why they make a difference.

Accepted Answer

The answer of After introducing a bill it is critical...

Question 8

Suppose a bill has been introduced and referred to a subcommittee. Let's assume there is support enough to move forward with the legislative process. What happens next? What happens if the bill never makes it out of subcommittee? How can the bill ultimately make it to the floor?

Accepted Answer

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Question 9

Compare and contrast the floor procedures in the House and Senate. Be sure to address how amendments are handled, which chamber more empowers their members, and any important procedural motions that shape the nature of floor debate.

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Question 10

Suppose a bill has been passed, in different forms, by both chambers of Congress. What is next for the bill? What can happen between this stage and the bill finally becoming law. Be sure to consider the role that the president can play in this stage of the legislative process.

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Question 11

If a member seeks to turn an idea into a bill, what two nonpartisan offices would they contact to facilitate that process? What do each of those offices do?

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Question 12

How does a member introduce a bill on the floor? Be sure to speak to House and Senate differences.

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How does each chamber adopt committee jurisdiction guidelines?

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Question 14

Who are the two main targets of sponsors as they attempt to build support for a bill of theirs?

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

What do witnesses do after they have been called before a congressional committee?

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

What is the role of a congressional hearing?

Accepted Answer

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Question 17

What happens after all amendments have been offered and voted on in committee?

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Question 18

What role do interest groups play in the legislative process? What actions do they take to fulfill this role?

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Question 19

What exactly can special rules in the House dictate?

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Question 20

The Textbook Congress is said to balance three competing interests necessary for obtaining aggregate success in a legislative body. Name each interest and how it manifests in the Textbook Congress legislative process.

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Quiz 5: The Legislative Process