Question 1

Representative Wallace is trying to gain signatures for a discharge petition. He knows that signatures are visible once a member signs and so he is targeting influential members first. What proportion of House members does he need to sign his petition for it to take effect?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Representative Wallace is trying to gain signatures...

Question 2

Partisan polarization has slowed the pace of congressional action and this has led to an increase in power of who?

Accepted Answer

When Congress is gridlocked due to partisan polarization, the president may use executive actions to bypass the legislative process, thereby increasing presidential power.

Question 3

Irregular order rewards what type of behavior?

Accepted Answer

Irregular order rewards legislative efficiency as it often involves bypassing traditional procedures to expedite the legislative process.

Question 4

After the norms of regular order began to fade away members were left with the process known as irregular order, which is best defined as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Irregular order refers to processes that prioritize efficiency and centralize power around majority party leaders, often bypassing traditional committee processes and norms.

Question 5

In Congress, gangs are defined as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Gangs in Congress refer to informal groups formed by members to address specific policy issues collaboratively, often across party lines, as a bottom-up approach.

Question 6

In 2011 the Senate voted to makes holds public if they last longer than how many days?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In 2011 the Senate voted to makes...

Question 7

To overcome a hold, the Senate Majority Leader might do what?

Accepted Answer

Filing a cloture petition (A) or forcing the senator to object to a unanimous consent agreement (C) are both strategies to overcome a hold in the Senate.

Question 8

Of all the influences and causes of irregular order, the process could not have changed without approval from who?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Of all the influences and causes of...

Question 9

When this type of rule is adopted it not only sets the parameters for floor debate of a bill, but it also allows some other action to be taken. What is the name of this rule?

Accepted Answer

A self-executing rule sets the parameters for floor debate and allows for additional actions, such as automatically adopting an amendment or another measure when the rule is adopted.

Question 10

The availability of what helped cement candidate-centered campaigns?

Accepted Answer

Radio and television ads allowed candidates to communicate directly with voters, increasing the focus on individual candidates rather than party platforms.

Question 11

In the mid-20^th century ___________________ helped forge a national identity and national standards for acceptable behavior.

Accepted Answer

Broadcast journalists in the mid-20th century played a significant role in shaping national identity and establishing national standards for acceptable behavior by providing a unified source of news and cultural narratives across the country.

Question 12

If President Trump plans to negotiate a trade deal with six or seven different South America nations he is likely to pursue what aspect of irregular order to make sure the deal is more easily negotiated?

Accepted Answer

Fast-track authority allows the President to negotiate international agreements that Congress can approve or disapprove but cannot amend or filibuster, making it easier to negotiate trade deals.

Question 13

Compromise was a keystone feature of the Textbook Congress, but over time, and many presidents, the issue of _____________ proved too contentious for even regular order to resolve.

Accepted Answer

The national debt has been a highly contentious issue in U.S. politics, often leading to significant partisan disagreements and challenges in reaching compromises.

Question 14

In what decade did Congress first implement multiple referrals?

Accepted Answer

Congress first implemented multiple referrals in the 1970s to allow more than one committee to consider a bill simultaneously.

Question 15

The previous-question motion does which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The previous-question motion is used to end debate on a pending proposal and bring it to an immediate vote, effectively terminating further discussion.

Quiz 6: Modern Developments in the Legislative Process