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How is the filibuster used and how can it be ended?
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The filibuster is used to delay or block legislation. It requires a cloture vote, needing a three-fifths majority in the Senate, to end.
How has the Citizens United ruling affected campaign financing?
It removed spending limits on corporations and unions, leading to the rise of Super PACs with unlimited funding capabilities.
Describe the role of the Speaker of the House in congressional organization.
The Speaker of the House is the most powerful position in the House, responsible for managing proceedings and the legislative agenda.
What was the purpose of creating a bicameral Congress during the Constitutional Convention of 1787?
To balance power between large and small states through a Senate with equal representation and a House based on population.
What is gerrymandering, and how does it affect representation?
Gerrymandering is the manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group, impacting fair representation.
What is the constitutional basis for Congress's power to declare war?
This power is explicitly enumerated in Article 1 of the Constitution, granting Congress the authority to declare war.
What are the characteristics and advantages of incumbents in congressional elections?
Incumbents benefit from significant advantages such as name recognition, fundraising capabilities, and experience in office.
What is the significance of the 17th Amendment in relation to the Senate?
The 17th Amendment allowed for the direct election of Senators by the people, rather than being chosen by state legislatures.
How has the legislative process changed with the use of omnibus bills?
Omnibus bills combine numerous smaller bills into one, allowing leadership to increase control and streamline the legislative process.
Discuss the differences between the delegate and trustee models of representation.
In the delegate model, representatives enact constituents' wishes; in the trustee model, they use their judgment for decision-making.
Describe how bicameralism limits the influence of individual factions within Congress.
The two-house structure ensures deliberation and requires consensus between different chambers, making it difficult for a single faction to dominate.
What role do Minority Leaders and Whips play in Congress?
They organize party strategies, manage their party's legislative agenda, and enforce party discipline within their respective chambers.
Explain the impact of the Great Compromise on the structure of Congress.
It established a bicameral legislature with the Senate providing equal representation to states and the House offering representation based on population.
How do enumerated, implied, and inherent powers differ with regard to Congress?
Enumerated powers are explicitly stated in the Constitution, implied powers are necessary to execute enumerated powers, and inherent powers are essential for functioning government.
What are the functions of standing committees in Congress?
Standing committees handle specific duties such as finance and agriculture, reviewing legislation and conducting oversight.
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