Prof. Tien
American Congress
Midterm Review
Fall 1997
Identification—Identify 5 of the 7 terms. Tell me what the term means, and why it is important.
|
Gerrymander |
Preemptive spending |
Burkean legislator |
Name recognition |
|
Reapportionment |
Presidential coattails |
1st Branch |
Committee hearings |
|
Incumbency |
Institutionalization |
Particularized benefits |
Claim credit |
|
Quality challenger |
Delegate model of representation |
Universalism |
Gatekeeping power |
|
PAC |
Descriptive representation |
Institutional maintenance |
Ex post veto power |
Essay—answer any 2 of the following 3 questions. Refer to the readings when possible.
1) What are the main functions of Congress? Do the major goals of members of Congress help Congress carry out its functions? Explain.
2) The McGrath and Smith reading provides a behind-the-scenes look at the 1990 senate campaign of Paul Wellstone. Would you classify Professor Wellstone from your readings as an amateur challenger or a strategic politician? Be sure to discuss the advantages Rudy Boschwitz had going into the 1990 election, and their implications for the race.
3) Speculate about why there has been so much divided government in the last 50 years? Make sure to discuss the role of presidential coattails, midterm elections, and split ticket voting.
4) We often hear that our government is a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people." Using what we have learned about Congress so far, how well do you think Congress meets this ideal? Focus on the congressional electoral system, and the congressional committee system.