QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
COMPLETE SOLUTION
●● Of the following, which would be the most important determinant in
a successful congressional campaign?
the candidate's policy specialization
the candidate's personal wealth
the candidate's party affiliation
the candidate's incumbency
the candidate's prior experience
Answer: the candidate's incumbency
●● Under Supreme Court jurisprudence, the drawing of legislative
district boundaries for the purpose of benefitting an incumbent, political
party, or another group is unconstitutional_________________.
when it eliminates the minority party's influence statewide.
when it is clearly partisan.
when it eliminates the minority party's influence in the district.
whenever it is applied.
when it creates a majority-minority district.
Answer: when it eliminates the minority party's influence statewide.
,●● Which of the following statements about reapportionment is NOT
accurate?
It can diminish the advantage of incumbency.
It redraws the congressional district boundaries within the state.
It may cause a state to gain or lose congressional representatives.
It is based on the federal census.
It is a reallocation of seats in the House of Representatives.
Answer: It redraws the congressional district boundaries within the state.
●● Which of the following leaders acts as a go-between with the
leadership and the majority party members in the House?
Speaker of the House
House minority leader
House majority whip
House majority leader
House minority whip
Answer: House majority whip
●● Which of the following House leaders is responsible for developing
party strategy, working with minority party leadership, and encouraging
unity among majority party legislators?
Speaker of the House
,House majority leaderCorrect
House minority leader
House minority whip
House majority whip
Answer: House majority leader
●● In which year did Republicans regain control of both the House and
the Senate?
1988
1994
2006
2010
2012
Answer: 1994
●● Appropriations of funds by congressional legislators for projects in
their districts are known as ________________________.
preferred bills.
earmarks.
pork barrel.
block grants.
categorical block grants.
Answer: pork barrel.
, ●● What has been the result of the 2010 moratorium on earmarks?
not effective, with only a small reduction
effective for a short time, but members have now resumed the
practiceCorrect
not effective, because legislators have been extremely successful in
circumventing the moratorium
effective, with a significant decrease in the amount of dollars
appropriated
not effective, because of problems caused by large loopholes
Answer: effective for a short time, but members have now resumed the
practice
●● A special form of representation, personal aid to a constituent or
group of constituents, is known as _____________________.
pork.
private billing.
bringing home the bacon.
casework.
earmarks.
Answer: casework.