Question 1

Given modern advancements such as scientific polling, smart phones, etc. a true delegate form of representation could reduce policymaking to a purely administrative matter where citizens text in their preferences for votes. Would this necessarily be a bad thing? What decisions might not lend themselves best to direct democracy?

Accepted Answer

While modern advancements such as scientific polling and smart phones have made it easier for citizens to have their voices heard in the policymaking process, a true delegate form of representation could potentially reduce policymaking to a purely administrative matter where citizens simply text in their preferences for votes.

While this may seem like a convenient and efficient way to involve citizens in the decision-making process, it could also have some negative consequences. For one, it could lead to a lack of informed decision-making, as citizens may not have a full understanding of the complexities and implications of the policies they are voting on. Additionally, it could also lead to a lack of accountability, as elected officials may feel less responsible for their decisions if they are simply following the preferences of their constituents without fully considering the broader implications.

There are also certain decisions that may not lend themselves well to direct democracy. Complex policy issues, such as economic or foreign policy, often require a deep understanding of the issues at hand and may not be easily understood or effectively addressed through a simple text-in vote. Additionally, decisions that involve minority rights or other vulnerable populations may not be best suited for direct democracy, as the majority may not always have the best interests of these groups in mind.

In conclusion, while modern advancements have made it easier for citizens to participate in the policymaking process, a true delegate form of representation that reduces policymaking to a purely administrative matter may not necessarily be a good thing. There are certain decisions that may not lend themselves well to direct democracy, and it is important to consider the potential drawbacks and limitations of such an approach.

Question 2

The Reapportionment Act of 1929 capped House membership at 435 members. Should we allow for more members in the House? If so, should we return to the standard suggested by the founders (i.e., 30,000 constituents per member)?

Accepted Answer

The Reapportionment Act of 1929 set the current cap on House membership at 435 members, a number that has not changed since then. As the population of the United States has grown significantly since 1929, many argue that it may be time to reconsider this cap and allow for more members in the House.

Returning to the standard suggested by the founders, which was approximately 30,000 constituents per member, could be a viable option. This would mean significantly increasing the number of House members to better represent the growing population of the country. With more members, each representative would have a smaller constituency, allowing for more personalized representation and potentially better responsiveness to the needs and concerns of their constituents.

However, increasing the number of House members would also come with its own set of challenges, including the logistics of accommodating a larger legislative body and the potential for increased partisanship and gridlock. It would also require significant changes to the current structure and operations of the House.

Ultimately, the decision to allow for more members in the House and potentially return to the founders' standard of representation would require careful consideration of the potential benefits and drawbacks, as well as a thorough examination of the practical implications and feasibility of such a change. It is a complex issue that would need to be thoroughly debated and analyzed before any decision is made.

Question 3

Do members of Congress owe their attention to every single constituent or only those who were involved in the political process? And, what if those not involved could not spare the money or time to be involved?
o Optional mid-discussion additional question: What about the fact that elections are THE way that citizens choose what views are represented in Congress?

Accepted Answer

Members of Congress owe their attention to every single constituent, regardless of whether or not they were involved in the political process. It is their duty to represent the interests and concerns of all the people they serve, not just those who are politically active. Those who may not have been involved in the political process due to lack of time or money should still have their voices heard and their needs addressed by their elected representatives.

As for the fact that elections are the way citizens choose what views are represented in Congress, it is important to recognize that while elections are a crucial part of the democratic process, they are not the only way for constituents to have their voices heard. Elected officials have a responsibility to listen to and consider the needs of all their constituents, not just those who voted for them or were involved in the election process. It is essential for a healthy democracy that all voices are valued and represented, regardless of their level of political involvement.

Question 4

Does it matter that most Americans do not know who their member of Congress is?
o Alternative frame: Do you agree with Alexander Hamilton that the people need not be constantly engaged as long as the government functions properly?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Does it matter that most Americans do...

Question 5

Should members of Congress determine their own pay? If you think they should not, who should decide their pay and how? What are the terms of an increase in salary?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Should members of Congress determine their own...

Question 6

Legislating is a critical task for members of Congress, but constituents expect them to do more than just write bills and cast votes. Name three other expectations that constituents have of their members and discuss why fulfilling each of these is important for a member to work toward reelection.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Legislating is a critical task for members...

Question 7

Polling is considered the best option for members of Congress to determine the preferences and interests of their constituents. Despite polling be the best option there are many reasons why polls are still not ideal for assessing constituent preferences. Briefly discuss why members should care about their constituent preferences at all and then provide three weaknesses of polling.

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

Chapter 2 discusses four different kinds of representation that members of Congress can utilize. Which form is the best and why? Be sure to name and clearly define each kind of representation. Be clear about what members' goals are fulfilled when they rely on each type of representation.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Chapter 2 discusses four different kinds of...

Question 9

Richard Fenno coined the term "homestyle" to describe how members present themselves to their constituents. Why and how are homestyles useful to members? What factors go into shaping a member's homestyle? Are homestyles static and unchanging over time or dynamic and always adjusting? Support your answer with examples where appropriate.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Richard Fenno coined the term "homestyle" to...

Question 10

Given what we have discussed about the necessity of the people in the American system of government and the less-than-encouraging record of people's participation, opinions, and knowledge, how has the system endured for so long? Provide at least three reasons and support for each reason.

Accepted Answer

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Question 11

Before the founders developed the system of government used in the United States today most societies were divided between those who decided and those who obeyed. In those societies, what types of people might have been included in the political decision-making process (i.e., the deciders)?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Before the founders developed the system of...

Question 12

What precautions did the founders take to make sure Congress did not become merely a symbolically empowering body?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

Who was Edmund Burke and why does he matter?

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

Members of Congress may switch representation types multiple times per day and these switches depend on several factors. Name three factors.

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

Many citizens focus not on specific policy outcomes but instead on the "direction" of a legislator's activities. What is meant by direction in this context?

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

Why might some federal agencies give preferential treatment to requests made by members of Congress?

Accepted Answer

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Question 17

In an ideal world a member of Congress would consider every constituent's preferences equally. In reality, they cannot possibly do so. How might they decide which constituents to listen to?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In an ideal world a member of...

Question 18

Polling is the best way for members of Congress to estimate constituent preferences but it is not the only way. How else do members of Congress estimate constituent preferences? Name at least three.

Accepted Answer

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Question 19

What explains the approximately 12% gap between those who claim to have voted and those who actually voted in 2016?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What explains the approximately 12% gap between...

Question 20

If a member of Congress was trying to determine how they will vote on a piece of legislation dealing with a complex public policy issue it is most likely they will be what kind of representative and why?

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 2: The Power of the People