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”
                Congressional Odyssey

            Legislative powers/structure
                powers of Congress (enumerated or expressed), (residual or reserved)
                Constitutional (Article 1, Section 8), (10th 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”

            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.
 
 
 

Study guide for second exam:

    Committees in Congress
        characteristics
        role
        membership/leadership
        power
        functions/purposes

    Floor activity
        calendar system
        debate
        voting

     Parties in the legislature
        organization
        leadership
        influence

    Interest groups influence
        role
        process
        effectiveness
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Study guide for final exam:

    Chief executive and legislative process
        budget process and legislative process
        executive veto and legislative process
subgovernments/iron triangles

    Legislative oversight
        justification
        problems
        agency creation, mission, control
        electoral connection between Congress and bureaucracy

    Legislative/judicial relations
        judicial appointment/removal
        authority/jurisdiction
        judicial review

    Legislatures problems and perspectives
        minority rule
        representativeness
        efficiency
        parochialism