Political Science 3513

Legislative Process

Study guide for first exam: 

Constitutional Background

            bicameralism

            checks and balances 

            legislative path

            understanding legislative process

                        systems analysis----legislative system configuration

The Legislative Task

            functions of the legislature

            discontent with the legislature

                        lack of responsible party system

            “What Are Their Days Like”

            powers of Congress (enumerated or expressed), (residual or reserved)

                        Constitutional (Article 1, Section 8), (10^th Amendment)

                        McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) 

                                    “necessary and proper”, “implied powers”

            bicameral structure

            leadership

            rules

Representation/apportionment

            philosophy (delegate, trustee, politico)

            equal/proportional

            case history (franchise and apportionment) (see case list)

                        “white primaries”

                        “political question=nonjusticiable issue

                        “gerrymandering”
             criteria for apportionment, (Text, p. 85)

Legislators/electoral process

            recruitment (who and why)

            primary----direct versus caucus

            general election----coattail effect

                        incumbent advantage 

            midterm elections 

            campaign finance 

Legislator characteristics

            who serves and why

                        experience, norms, etc.

                        legislator’s home style

Committees in Congress

            characteristics

            role

            membership/leadership

            power

            functions/purposes
            committee staffs, (Text, pp. 218-222)
            committee power, (Text, pp. 250-254)

Floor activity

            calendar system

            debate/discussion

            voting (various methods and significance)