American Government and Organization

1. American Government and Organization PS1301 Thursday, November 11

2. Standing committees are called so because • They are limited to meetings that are so short that most times no one bothers to sit down. • They exist from one Congress to the next, unless they are explicitly disbanded. • They are provided for in the Constitution. • They are organized by the states.

3. An important source of committee power is • the committee's ability to serve as a gatekeeper on bills. • the gross imbalance between the size of the committee system and the executive branch. • the declining ability of subcommittees to issue legislative vetoes on bills. • the declining number of staff available to members to help with policy making.

4. Which of the following was a consequence of the adoption of the Subcommittee Bill of Rights in 1974? • a concentration of power in the chairs of committees • a reduction in the overall number of subcommittees • an increase in the value of seniority • a decentralization of power in Congress

5. If a committee refused to refer a bill to the floor for debate and a vote on passage, other members who want to discuss and vote on it can • do nothing. • pass a motion of cloture. • conduct a filibuster. • sign a discharge petition.

6. Which of the following is NOT a formal power of the Speaker? • deciding when to use the legislative veto • appointing members of the majority party to the Rules Committee • assigning bills to committees • recognizing speakers on the floor

7. If the House and Senate pass different versions of a bill, • members of the House and Senate must meet in conference committee to settle the differences. • the president chooses which version of the bill to sign and which to veto. • both chambers must draft new versions until they are identical. • the Speaker of the House and the majority leader of the Senate settle on one version and send it to the

8. The President and the Constitution • The president’s constitutional duties and authority as • commander in chief, • diplomat, • executive, and • legislator • are found in Article II of the Constitution.

9. Emergence of the Modern Presidency • Prior to 20th century, president exercised little power • Congress was main institution – leadership in policymaking • Growth of federal government and complexity of policy led to increased role for president • Also, involvement in world wars • Staff, resources grew as asserted more power (Executive Office of the President)

10. Sources of Presidential Power • Constitutional powers-formal powers • Delegated powers (vs. implied powers) • Presidential popularity

11. Presidential Power • Leadership gravitates to presidents during crisis, but then dissipates quickly as the crisis recedes. • Source of Power - Delegation of power from Congress and successful presidential assertions of authority (e.g. War Powers Act 1973) • President as commander in chief and head diplomat

12. Presidential Popularity

13. Bush’s Approval Ratings

14. Handling of the Economy

15. Handling of Foreign Affairs

16. Handling Situation with Iraq

17. How popularity can influence Congress • Opposition party can substantially increase support (1/3rd of total support) • Presidents may behave differently (less willing to compromise?) • Who gets credit

18. Reasons for Influence on Own Party Members • Policy agreement • Successful president helps party • Small favors • Fundraisers, photo op

19. Reasons for Less Influence on Own Party Members • No sanctions • Little personal contact between president and rank and file members • Different constituencies • National vs. district/state

21. The President As Legislator:The Veto • Perhaps the president’s most formidable tool in dealing with Congress is the veto. • Constitution defines the veto precisely. • Used relatively rarely – most used by Gerald Ford. In the past 50 years, the average is fewer than 10 vetoes a year. • The veto allows the president to block congressional action, but does not allow the president to substitute his own policy preferences.