Congress Structure and Functionality

Tom Birkland discusses the organization and functioning of the legislative branch, focusing on the roles of political parties, committees, and the balance of power. He critiques Congress's effectiveness, addressing issues like gridlock, re-election rates, and term limits. The video also explores the implications of decentralization on policy making and concludes with contact information for further engagement.

What is the primary role of political parties in the organization of Congress?

• To elect the President

• To elect the presiding officers

• To draft legislation

• To manage the budget

Why are committees considered powerful in Congress?

• They manage the national budget

• They elect the President

• They set the legislative agenda

• They draft all legislation

What is a key characteristic of Congress that suggests it might be decentralized?

• Committees have significant influence

• Power is concentrated in the hands of a few leaders

• All members have equal power

• The President controls Congress

What is one critique of Congress related to its connection with the public?

• Congress is too fast in decision-making

• Congress is too centralized

• Congress is too small

• Congress is out of touch with the people

What is a common reason for the high re-election rate of Congress members?

• They are highly popular

• They have no term limits

• Districts are often drawn to favor incumbents

• They have more funding

What is one potential downside of imposing term limits on Congress members?

• It would decrease voter turnout

• It would lead to more gridlock

• It would increase the power of the President

• It could lead to less experienced legislators

What is a possible benefit of having a mix of junior and senior members in Congress?

• It ensures all members have equal power

• It prevents interest groups from having more expertise

• It speeds up the legislative process

• It reduces the need for committees

What is one reason some people prefer a divided government?

• It increases the power of the President

• It reduces the number of elections

• It serves as a check on the executive branch

• It speeds up policy making

What is distributive spending in the context of Congress?

• Funding international aid

• Allocating funds to local projects

• Spending on national defense

• Managing the federal budget

How does Congress handle its extensive workload?

• By delegating tasks to the President

• Through the committee structure

• By outsourcing to private firms

• By reducing the number of bills