Congress 101
This is the process of redrawing congressional district boundaries, usually after the census.
Redistricting
A president has been impeached. This chamber now holds the trial.
Senate
The president issues this type of directive to manage the executive branch without passing a new law through Congress.
Executive Order
A new president takes office, but thousands of federal employees remain in their jobs regardless of which party controls the White House. These employees are usually this type of bureaucrat.
Career Civil Servants
This process redraws congressional district boundaries, usually after population changes are measured.
This model of representation says members of Congress should vote according to the preferences of their constituents.
Delegate Model
In a presidential impeachment trial, this fraction of senators present must vote to convict.
2/3 of voting members present
The president serves as head of the executive branch and also holds this military title.
Commander in Chief
Congress tells an agency to reduce pollution but does not specify the exact acceptable level. The agency sets the standard. This is an example of this
Bureaucratic discretion
The House and Senate pass different versions of a bill. Before it reaches the president, they must do this.
Agree on the same version.
Congress uses hearings, investigations, and requests for information to monitor the executive branch and federal agencies. This power is known as:
Congressional Oversight
The Constitution lists treason, bribery, and this broader phrase as grounds for impeachment.
"high crimes and misdemeanors"
The president negotiates an international agreement, but the Senate must approve it by a two-thirds vote.
Treaty
Before civil service reform, presidents often rewarded political supporters with government jobs under this system.
Spoils System
This power lets Congress decide how federal money is spent and can be used to limit executive action.
"Power of the Purse"
This advantage makes sitting members of Congress difficult to defeat because they already have name recognition, fundraising networks, and constituent-service experience.
Incumbency
Besides removal, the Senate may separately vote to impose this additional consequence after conviction.
Disqualification from holding future federal office
A president gives a nationally televised address hoping to pressure Congress by appealing directly to the public. This is an example of this kind of presidential influence
Informal power
This 1883 law helped replace the spoils system with a merit-based federal civil service, requiring many government jobs to be awarded based on qualifications rather than political loyalty.
Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act
A senator says, “My voters hate this bill, but I think it’s the right thing to do.” Which representation model are they using?
Trustee Model
A member of Congress votes with constituent opinion on some issues but relies on personal judgment on others. This representation style is called this.
Politico Model
The Constitution requires a specific vote of senators present to convict. If only 90 senators are present, how many votes are needed to convict?
60
A president nominates agency leaders, issues executive orders, and directs enforcement priorities, but still relies on Congress for funding. This shows the presidency has significant power but not this.
Absolute/Unlimited
A congressional committee, a federal agency, and an interest group develop a long-term relationship in which each helps the others through funding, information, policy support, or political influence. This arrangement is called this.
The Iron Triangle
Career employees may remain in government for decades while elected leaders change. This gives bureaucracy this institutional characteristic.
Continuity