Legislative Branch
Describe why a Congressman may engage in pork barrel spending
To gain political points with constituents
What is one way in which a President can impact policy long after they are gone from Office?
What is one purpose of judges serving lifetime terms?
They are free from political influences
From where does an agency receive its rule making authority?
Congress
If Congress passes a spending bill that does not fund an Executively desired program, they are using ( ) to check the power of the President
Describe what cloture is
Vote to end a filibuster in the Senate
What did Hamilton argue for in Federalist 70?
A single energetic Executive
What was the impact of Marbury v. Madison?
Judicial Review
How does Congress provide oversight to the bureaucracy?
Through hearings & the power of the purse... Committee clearance can also provide oversight... The legislative veto was deemed unconstitutional
By Presidential directive or Congressional legislation
Describe one way in which the influence of a Senator of the minority party differs from the influence a Representative of the minority has
Individual Senators have more power to influence legislation than individual Representatives do.
How might Congress be able to check a President that signed an Executive Agreement they disagree with?
Prevent the use of funds in implementing the policy
What does stare decisis mean?
Let the decision stand... It is the doctrine that judges should follow precedent in their rulings
Name one way the President shapes bureaucratic actions
Describe how an Iron Triangle operates to shape policy
Committees work with interest groups to pass legislation & bureaucrats to oversee its implementation... Bureaucrats allow interest groups to shape rules that directly affect them
This chamber has an easier time adding amendments to bills (Riders)
Senate
Name two formal powers and two informal powers of the President
Formal: Veto, Sign bill into law, Appointment power, Pardons/Reprieves/Amnesty, Negotiate treaties
Informal: EO's, EA's, Signing Statements
Explain how precedents are overturned
The ideology of the Supreme Court shifts over time
What Constitutional principle must the bureaucracy be careful about violating?
Separation of Powers
The total votes for Republican & Democratic House candidates were shared at 50% yet the Republican party won 75% of the available seats.
How might this have happened?
Gerrymandering
How might the author of the Federalist No. 78 feel about the growth of delegated authority to the Executive Branch?
That it is a good thing because an executive must have the authority to implement law
Arizona passed a law making it illegal to seek work without proper citizenship documentation. The Federal government claimed Arizona did not have the authority to do so as it infringed upon the Federal government's powers...
What court case would SCOTUS use as precedent to determine this matter and what could Congress do if they disagreed with a ruling in favor of the United States?
McCulloch v. Maryland... Congress could pass a law making it illegal to seek work without proper documentation.
List 5 parties that influence policy in the bureaucracy
Judicial Branch, Congress, President, Interest Groups, Industry
Describe how the Executive Branch may check itself
Through interagency competition; Whistleblowers; Department head 'Going Native'