Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a goal of committee members?

Accepted Answer

While raising money for re-election is important for individual members, it is not a stated goal of committee members as a whole. The other goals listed (delivering benefits to constituents, making good public policy, and gaining power within the chamber) are all commonly pursued by committee members.

Question 2

When it comes to decision-making-there is the power to set the agenda and the power to decide. Describe each and explain which is more powerful and why.

Accepted Answer

When it comes to decision-making, there are two key powers at play: the power to set the agenda and the power to decide.

The power to set the agenda refers to the ability to determine what issues or options will be considered in the decision-making process. This can involve deciding which topics are up for discussion, what information will be presented, and what criteria will be used to evaluate potential choices.

On the other hand, the power to decide is the ability to make the final choice or determination on a particular issue or option. This involves weighing the available information, considering the potential consequences, and ultimately making a judgment.

In terms of which power is more powerful, it can be argued that the power to set the agenda holds more influence. This is because those who control the agenda have the ability to shape the parameters of the decision-making process and potentially limit the options available for consideration. By controlling what is up for discussion, they can effectively steer the outcome in a particular direction.

However, the power to decide is also significant, as it ultimately determines the outcome of the decision-making process. Without the ability to make the final choice, the power to set the agenda may be limited in its impact.

In conclusion, both the power to set the agenda and the power to decide are important in decision-making. While the power to set the agenda may hold more influence in shaping the process, the power to decide ultimately determines the outcome. Therefore, both powers are essential in the decision-making process.

Question 3

Give one example of how congressional scholars are reintegrating policy into their research. What are the benefits of such research?

Accepted Answer

One example of how congressional scholars are reintegrating policy into their research is by conducting case studies on specific legislative initiatives and their impact on society. By analyzing the real-world effects of policies, scholars can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of different approaches to governance.

The benefits of such research are numerous. Firstly, it allows for a more nuanced understanding of the legislative process and its outcomes, which can inform future policy decisions. Additionally, by grounding their research in real-world examples, scholars can make their work more accessible and relevant to policymakers and the general public. This can lead to more informed and effective governance, as well as increased public trust in the legislative process. Overall, reintegrating policy into congressional research can lead to more impactful and meaningful scholarship that has the potential to drive positive change in society.

Question 4

Identify and describe the three reasons why policy was dropped from the study of Congress.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Identify and describe the three reasons why...

Question 5

List and define the stages of the policy process.

Accepted Answer

The answer of List and define the stages of the...

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a determinant of how much discretion bureaucrats have when implementing legislation?

Accepted Answer

Party-control of Congress is not directly a determinant of bureaucratic discretion. Discretion is more influenced by the clarity of the legislation, conflicts, and costs associated with detailed lawmaking.

Question 7

Policy independent models require that scholars need only to ____________ in order to understand policy making in Congress.

Accepted Answer

Policy independent models focus on identifying key players and the decision-making process within Congress, rather than specific policy positions or party affiliations. Knowing who was pivotal in deciding a policy's ultimate fate is crucial for understanding this process. Understanding policy differences and the president's position may contribute to this understanding but are not the primary focus of policy independent models. The majority party may be relevant to some extent, but it is not the sole determining factor in the decision-making process.

Question 8

The process by which congressional incumbents who win reelection and then coop their opponents' issues in the subsequent Congress is _________.

Accepted Answer

Issue uptaking refers to the strategy where congressional incumbents adopt their opponents' issues in the next Congress after winning reelection, aiming to broaden their appeal and reduce the effectiveness of these issues for future opponents.

Question 9

Over time, filibustering in the Senate has ________.

Accepted Answer

Filibustering in the Senate has increased over time, as senators have increasingly used this tactic to delay or block legislation and appointments. This trend reflects the growing polarization and strategic use of procedural tools in the Senate.

Question 10

Which two categories most divide the political parties?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which two categories most divide the political...

Question 11

The policy process stage in which law is translated into working policy is known as __________.

Accepted Answer

The implementation stage is when the policy or law is put into action and translated into working policy. This involves carrying out the provisions of the law, establishing guidelines, and enforcing regulations. The passage stage (A) is when the law is enacted by lawmakers, while problem definition (C) is the stage in which the issue or problem is identified and solutions are proposed. Evaluation (D) is the stage in which the policy's effectiveness and impact are assessed.

Question 12

Based on voting models such as Poole and Rosenthal's NOMINATE scores, which of the following is true?

Accepted Answer

Poole and Rosenthal's NOMINATE scores show that if legislators align themselves along a consistent and reliable ideological continuum, roll call outcomes can be predicted consistently. This suggests that ideology is a strong predictor of voting behavior, rather than media or other factors. Additionally, their scores have shown that both Democrats and Republicans have become more polarized over time, rather than just one party.

Question 13

The policy process stage in which a phenomenon is labeled as a problem requiring government action is____________.

Accepted Answer

Problem definition is the stage in the policy process where a phenomenon is labeled as a problem requiring government action.

Question 14

Which model of representation requires that representatives base their decisions on their constituents' preferences?

Accepted Answer

The instructed delegate model requires representatives to base their decisions on their constituents' preferences. In this model, representatives act as mere mouthpieces of their constituents, following their direction on all issues.

Question 15

Explain why ignoring both the policy content of legislation and the initial policy stages (problem definition and agenda setting) are detrimental to congressional studies. Provide examples from the chapter.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain why ignoring both the policy content...

Quiz 2: Reintroducing the Policy Process Into Studying Congress