POLS 206 EXAM 4 QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS!!
Where is the center of policymaking?
Congress is the center of policymaking in the American political system, as it has the
constitutional authority to make laws.
What are the attractions to the job of being a member of Congress?
Power and influence in national policy
• Prestige and status
• Platform to advance personal political beliefs
What is substantive representation?
Substantive representation occurs when elected officials act in ways that advance the interests of
their constituents, regardless of whether they share similar backgrounds or characteristics. It
focuses on the actions and policies rather than descriptive similarities.
What is meant by pork barrel projects?
Pork barrel projects are government spending projects that are intended to benefit a specific
representative's district or constituency. These projects are often added to larger bills to gain
support from specific lawmakers and are criticized as wasteful spending that primarily serves
local interests rather than national needs.
What are the advantages of incumbency?
Name recognition, Media coverage,
Fundraising advantages,
Ability to provide constituency services,
Experience in campaigning,
Access to franking privileges (free mail).
why do incumbents lose?
, There are major scandals or ethical issues,
Significant demographic changes in their district,
Poor performance or neglect of constituent concerns,
Strong opposition or wave elections against their party,
Redistricting creates unfavorable boundaries.
What do PACs buy with their money?
Fund candidate campaigns through donations,
Pay for independent expenditures like advertising,
Fund get-out-the-vote efforts,
Provide access to lawmakers (through events meetings),
Influence policy by supporting candidates aligned with their interests
What is bicameralism?
Bicameralism is a legislative structure with two separate chambers or houses. In the U.S.,
Congress consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate, each with different powers,
representation methods, and terms of office.
Know what is meant by the act of impeachment and the process of impeachment.
The formal charging of a federal official with "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and
Misdemeanors" by the House of Representatives.
The process of impeachment:
1. Investigation by House committee(s)
2. Articles of impeachment drafted and voted on by the House (requires simple majority)
3. If approved, the official is "impeached" (formally charged)
4. Senate conducts a trial presided over by the Chief Justice (for presidential impeachment)
5. Conviction and removal requires a 2/3 majority vote in the Senate
the House of Representatives
435 members, 2 year terms, represented based on population, must be 25 years old, initiate
revenue bills, more structured debate rules, speaker of the house presides.
CORRECT ANSWERS!!
Where is the center of policymaking?
Congress is the center of policymaking in the American political system, as it has the
constitutional authority to make laws.
What are the attractions to the job of being a member of Congress?
Power and influence in national policy
• Prestige and status
• Platform to advance personal political beliefs
What is substantive representation?
Substantive representation occurs when elected officials act in ways that advance the interests of
their constituents, regardless of whether they share similar backgrounds or characteristics. It
focuses on the actions and policies rather than descriptive similarities.
What is meant by pork barrel projects?
Pork barrel projects are government spending projects that are intended to benefit a specific
representative's district or constituency. These projects are often added to larger bills to gain
support from specific lawmakers and are criticized as wasteful spending that primarily serves
local interests rather than national needs.
What are the advantages of incumbency?
Name recognition, Media coverage,
Fundraising advantages,
Ability to provide constituency services,
Experience in campaigning,
Access to franking privileges (free mail).
why do incumbents lose?
, There are major scandals or ethical issues,
Significant demographic changes in their district,
Poor performance or neglect of constituent concerns,
Strong opposition or wave elections against their party,
Redistricting creates unfavorable boundaries.
What do PACs buy with their money?
Fund candidate campaigns through donations,
Pay for independent expenditures like advertising,
Fund get-out-the-vote efforts,
Provide access to lawmakers (through events meetings),
Influence policy by supporting candidates aligned with their interests
What is bicameralism?
Bicameralism is a legislative structure with two separate chambers or houses. In the U.S.,
Congress consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate, each with different powers,
representation methods, and terms of office.
Know what is meant by the act of impeachment and the process of impeachment.
The formal charging of a federal official with "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and
Misdemeanors" by the House of Representatives.
The process of impeachment:
1. Investigation by House committee(s)
2. Articles of impeachment drafted and voted on by the House (requires simple majority)
3. If approved, the official is "impeached" (formally charged)
4. Senate conducts a trial presided over by the Chief Justice (for presidential impeachment)
5. Conviction and removal requires a 2/3 majority vote in the Senate
the House of Representatives
435 members, 2 year terms, represented based on population, must be 25 years old, initiate
revenue bills, more structured debate rules, speaker of the house presides.
