Congressional Functions and Challenges

The video discusses the role and perception of Congress, highlighting its low approval ratings and the challenges it faces. It explains how Congress's power has diminished over time, partly due to the expansion of presidential powers. Internal issues, such as the focus on fundraising and lack of committee involvement, further weaken Congress. The video concludes by urging viewers to vote for representatives who prioritize their constituents' needs.

What is the primary task of Congress as mentioned in the introduction?

• To represent only the wealthy

• To manage state governments

• To find solutions and write laws

• To support the President

How does the public generally view Congress compared to other branches of government?

• More favorably than the Supreme Court

• Less favorably than the President

• More favorably than the President

• Equally favorably as the Supreme Court

Why is gridlock considered a natural part of Congress's function?

• Because Congress members are lazy

• Due to the diverse representation of views

• Because Congress is too small

• Due to lack of funding

What was the Founding Fathers' intention for Congress?

• To be the weakest branch

• To be a coequal branch

• To be the strongest branch

• To be the President's sidekick

What has contributed to Congress becoming weaker over time?

• Increased funding for Congress

• Congress passing more laws

• More members joining Congress

• Presidents expanding their powers

Why might Congress members prefer not to reclaim their power?

• To gain more media attention

• To reduce their workload

• To avoid blame for issues

• To increase their salaries

What has happened to the legislative process in Congress over recent decades?

• It has become more inclusive

• It has been centralized among party leaders

• It has become faster and more efficient

• It has been outsourced to private companies

What do Congress members spend most of their time on, according to the video?

• Policymaking

• Fundraising and reelection

• Writing books

• Attending international conferences

Who primarily conducts the policymaking tasks in Congress?

• Young staff members

• Senior Congress members

• External consultants

• The President

What is suggested as a solution to improve Congress's representation of the people?

• Electing more party leaders

• Voting for politicians who prioritize constituents

• Reducing the number of Congress members

• Increasing Congress's budget