AP USG&P Unit 5: Government in Action VIII

1. Each statement about the influence of constituents (voters) on the voting patterns of members of Congress is true, except

• members who ignore their constituents’ views on major issues are not re-elected.

• 1. most of the votes that members of Congress make are irrelevant to constituents.

• 1. a legislator who considers themselves a delegate is not concerned with the opinion of voters.

• 1. members can try to gauge the views of their constituents through polls and questionnaires.

• 1. a politico tries to balance constituent views with their own.

1. According to the “trustee” view of representation,

• 1. when making decisions regarding public policy, members of Congress should use their best judgment and pursue the broader interests of society as a whole.

• 1. when making decisions regarding public policy, members of Congress should act to benefit the poorest and least educated citizens.

• 1. when making decisions regarding public policy, members of Congress should act in accordance with the expressed views of a majority of their constituents. 

• 1. when making decisions regarding public policy, members of Congress should vote however they please in absence of a strong preference among their constituents.

• 1. when making decisions regarding public policy, members of Congress should consult with their staff before voting. 

1. If Senator Kennedy inserts into the federal budget a provision that allocates $6,000,000 for building a ski lift at a resort in his home state, what is he participating in?

• 1. a filibuster

• 1. pork-barrel legislation

• 1. logrolling

• 1. senatorial courtesy

• cloture

1. Those who argue that the House of Representatives is the government institution most responsive to the will of the public are most likely to cite as evidence the fact that

• 1. congressional re-election campaigns are extremely costly.

• 1. term limits may soon restrict the number of years a representative may serve.

• 1. Congress has oversight power over many executive agencies.

• 1. average citizens may, on occasion, be called to testify before a congressional committee.

• 1. representatives must run for re-election every two years.

1. Which statement about the introduction of bills into Congress is true?

• 1. Agricultural bills must be introduced in the House because the Senate traditionally represents only the urban areas of a state.

• 1. Revenue bills must be introduced in the House because the Framers wanted to ensure that the people have a voice in matters of taxation.  

• 1. Foreign-aid bills must be introduced in the Senate because the Framers wanted to ensure that the more educated chamber dealt with foreign affairs.  

• 1. Military bills must be introduced through both the House and the Senate because the Framers wanted everyone to be involved in deciding military issues.

• 1. Education bills must be introduced in the House because the Framers wanted the chamber that is closer to the people to decide local issues.

To cut of debate and end a filibuster is known as

• franking

• coat tails 

• cloture

• overriding

Which congressional office is mandated by the Constitution?

• Senate Majority Leader

• Speaker of the House

• President of the House

• President of the United States

Most bills formally submitted for consideration in Congress

• are passed and signed into law

• are passed but vetoed by the president

• are quietly killed off early in the process

• pass one house but not the other

Only ___________ can formally submit a bill for congressional consideration.

• members of the House

• members of the Senate

• the Speaker of the House

• member of the House or Senate

Some prefer the concept of legislators as ___________, mirroring the preferences of their constituents.

• trustees

• polticos

• delegates

• pollsters