Why Americans Hate Congress!
|
|
- Primrose Underwood
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Why Americans Hate Congress! If there's one thing that unifies an otherwise bipolar electorate, it's Congress. We hate it. The American public has spoken and it has almost zero confidence in their lawmakers' ability to solve problems. And this is no secret, not even to those who walk the halls of power. U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Democrat from Missouri, once joked that Satan is more popular than Congress, and he's probably not too far off. So why does Congress so irk the American public? Here are some reasons. 1. It's Too Big There are 435 members of the House of Representatives and 100 members of the Senate. Lots of people think Congress is way too big and expensive, especially when you consider it appears to accomplish very little. Also: There are no statutory term limits and there's no way to recall a member of Congress once they've been elected. Ads 2. It Can't Get Anything Done, or So It Seems Congress has let the federal government shut down, on average, once every two years over the past 37 years because lawmakers could not reach accord on a spending deal. In other words: Government shutdowns are as frequent as House elections, which occur every two years. There have been 18 government shutdowns in modern U.S. political history.
2 3. It's Overpaid Members of Congress are paid a base salary of $174,000, and that's way too much, according to public-opinion polls. A majority of Americans believe members of Congress - a majority of whom are already millionaires - should earn less than $100,000 a year, somewhere between $50,000 and $100,000. On top of their salary they have excellent heath benefits and all sorts of perks. 4. It Doesn't Seem to Work a Whole Lot The House of Representatives has averaged 137 "legislative days" a year since 2001, according to records kept by the Library of Congress. That's about one day of work every three days, or fewer than three days a week. The perception is that members of Congress don't work a whole lot, but is that a fair assessment? 5. It's Not Very Responsive How would you feel if you took the time to write a detailed letter to your member of Congress explaining your concerns about particular issue, and your representative responded with a form letter that began, "Thank you for contacting me regarding?????????? I appreciate your views on this important issue and welcome the opportunity to respond." This kind of thing happens all the time, though. 6. Congressmen Waffle Too Much It's called political expediency, and elected officials have mastered the art of taking positions that will maximize their chances at getting re-elected. Most politicians will cringe at being labeled a waffler, but the truth of the matter is all elected officials and candidates would agree their positions shift constantly. 7. They Keep Spending More Than They Have The federal debt keeps getting bigger and bigger. We can debate whether that's the president's fault or Congress' fault. But they both share in the blame, and that's probably a reasonable sentiment. Answer the following questions in complete sentences. 1) According to the poll data who is more popular Darth Vader or Congress? 2) According to the poll what percentage of Americans have a negative perception of Congress? 3) How many times has Congress shut down the government in recent history due to its inability to pass a budget? How would that influence their popularity? 4) How much do members of Congress make? What do most Americans think of that amount? 5) Of the reasons listed of why Americans disapprove of Congress which one do you feel is the biggest problem? Explain why.
3 What is a lobbyist? A lobbyist is an activist who seeks to persuade members of the government (like members of Congress) to enact legislation that would benefit their group. The lobbying profession is a legitimate and integral part of our democratic political process that is not very well understood by the general population. While most people think of lobbyists only as paid professionals, there are also many volunteer lobbyists. Anyone who petitions the government or contacts their member of Congress to voice an opinion is functioning as a lobbyist. Lobbying is a regulated industry and a protected activity under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that guarantees rights to free speech, assembly, and petition. The top 10 industries for 2014 were: Pharmaceuticals/Health Products $65,420,126 Insurance $40,008,093 Electric Utilities $38,288,418 Computers/Internet $35,597,059 Business Associations $35,448,590 Oil & Gas $33,880,219 TV/Movies/Music $28,511,338 Securities & Investment $26,670,959 Misc Manufacturing & Distributing $23,650,110 Hospitals/Nursing Homes $21,985,808 According to OpenSecrets.org, the following data was recorded by the Senate Office of Public Records. Professional lobbyists research and analyze legislation or regulatory proposals, attend congressional hearings, and educate government officials and corporate officers on important issues. Lobbyists also work to change public opinion through advertising campaigns or by influencing 'opinion leaders'. Lobbyists represent just about every American institution and interest group - labor unions, corporations, colleges and universities, churches, charities, environmental groups, senior citizens organizations, and even state, local or foreign governments. Answer the following questions in complete sentences. 6) What is a lobbyist? 7) How is lobbying protected by the Constitution? 8) According to the chart what group spent the most amount of money trying to influence legislative policy? 9) Why would an industry spend millions on lobbying? 10) Do you think that lobbyist play a role in Congress popularity? Why or why not?
4 Pork Barrel Legislation Coined from an 1863 story called The Children of the Public, pork-barrel spending referred to any public funds spent to benefit the public. Over time, the term has evolved, referring to projects seen as wasteful, or that may only benefit a small group but the costs are spread out between all taxpayers. Of course, often, one politician's pork is another politician's legitimate expense. Billions however, are spent each year by the federal government on pork barrel legislation. Over the years there have been quite a few pork projects that have become infamous Bridge to Nowhere This infamous bridge, from Revillagigedo Island to Gravina Island in Alaska, would ve cost $190 million and was sponsored by Republican Rep. Don Young in The project intended to make travel to Ketchikan, Alaska s airport easier with a bridge instead of a ferry was so controversial it was eventually scrapped by former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin in The issue, Gravina Island only has a population of 50 people. The Big Dig The Big Dig in Boston ended up being the most expensive transportation earmark in history. From planning to finish, the Big Dig took over 20 years and more than $14 billion dollars to complete. The idea was to take an above-ground highway and relocate it underground to improve traffic flow to Boston's Logan airport and fix traffic gridlock in Boston. While the results have improved traffic flow in Boston, the ticket price was astonishing. Congress originally tried to appropriate funding for the project in a 1987 bill, but it was vetoed by President Ronald Reagan. Congress subsequently overrode the veto and federal funds were earmarked for this large project. Extreme cost overages, fraud and a death kept this project controversial. Pork barrel legislation is passed all the time, it is added to important bills as riders. The President doesn t have a line item veto. Legislation is approved in an all or nothing manner. The President cannot just veto wasteful spending without vetoing the entire bill. Answer the following questions in complete sentences. 11) What is pork barrel legislation? 12) Why would members of Congress be in favor of this type of spending? 13) How is the Bridge to No Where a prime example of pork spending? 14) What is a line item veto? Why would a President wish for one? 15) How does pork spending shape American s opinion of Congress?
5 Could Term Limits Fix Congress The 22 nd Amendment to the Constitution limits the President to two, four year terms in office. Yet there is no limit on the number of terms a member of Congress can hold. Most incumbent members (current members) of Congress win reelection over and over again. Yet polls have indicated the vast majority of Americans support term limits for members of Congress. Some pundits claim that imposing term limits on Congress will help cure many of its ills. Evidence from states that have already adopted such measures actually suggests the opposite. States that have restricted their legislators time in office have seen no clear benefits but rather some unexpected negative results. Would Congressional limits also lead to negative side effects? Some states began placing term limits on their legislatures in 1990, virtually always by voter-approved ballot propositions. Voters were persuaded that term limits were desirable by several different arguments. One of the more compelling was that such limits would create a new breed of citizen legislators more reflective of the public s will. In turn, this would weaken the grip that special interest lobbyists had on lawmaking. In fact, the backgrounds of state legislators elected after term limits were imposed closely resemble the backgrounds of those elected before such restrictions. They typically have previous political experience and are more educated and affluent than the voters who selected them. And while term limits have changed the way lobbyists do their business, they have actually increased their influence. The legislators elected after term limits were imposed often lack knowledge of the details of many complex policies and turn to lobbyists for information. These special interest groups actually report that they now work harder educating less knowledgeable legislators. Others argue that term limits would open new opportunities for underrepresented minority candidates. This idea assumes that tenure restrictions would dislodge incumbent white males and allow others to take their place. After term limits were adopted, the number of women elected to state legislatures did increase, but this happened at the same rate as in states without such restrictions. Term limits provided no clear advantages for minority candidates either.
6 Instead, state legislatures with term limits have experienced some unforeseen problems. Newly elected legislators tend to be more partisan and ideological than their more seasoned colleagues. (Super conservative or super liberal). Long-serving lawmakers often become more understanding of the rival party and learn how to find workable compromises. Novice legislators, fresh from the campaign trail, often see the other party as an enemy. This can greatly inhibit the coalition-building needed to pass budgets and meaningful laws. In reality, there is almost no possibility that congressional term limits will be enacted. In the past, some states attempted to impose term limits on their congressional delegations in the same way they restricted state legislators. However, in 1995, the Supreme Court ruled that states cannot force their standards on the national legislative body because it violates Congress constitutional right to determine its own rules. Also, the few times term limits have been brought up for a vote in the House of Representatives, they failed. It is clear that Congress is not inclined to restrict its own members right to be re-elected. Term limits could be imposed by a constitutional amendment, but to even propose such a change would require a two-thirds vote from both chambers or a constitutional convention. Congressional term limits sound appealing to most Americans, but could they hinder an already fragile lawmaking process? Answer the following questions in complete sentences? 16) Why do many Americans believe term limits would help fix Congress? 17) How have term limits at a state level influenced lobbying? 18) How do newly elected representatives differ from experienced ones? 19) Why do you think Americans reelect incumbents yet still support term limits? Explain your opinion. 20) Do you believe term-limits will fix Congress? What are the chances of them being passed? Explain your opinion.
State Legislatures. State & Local Government. Ch. 7
State Legislatures State & Local Government Ch. 7 Legislature in some states is the dominant branch of govt. Highlights State Legislatures have 4 clear functions: 1. Making laws 2. Represent their constituents
More informationINTRODUCTION THE REPRESENTATIVES AND SENATORS
C HAPTER OVERVIEW INTRODUCTION The framers of the Constitution conceived of Congress as the center of policymaking in America. Although the prominence of Congress has fluctuated over time, in recent years
More informationChapter 7: Legislatures
Chapter 7: Legislatures Objectives Explain the role and activities of the legislature. Discuss how the legislatures are organized and how they operate. Identify the characteristics of the state legislators.
More informationMaking Government Work For The People Again
Making Government Work For The People Again www.ormanforkansas.com Making Government Work For The People Again What Kansas needs is a government that transcends partisan politics and is solely dedicated
More informationCongressional Elections
Name: Government In America, Chapter 12 Big Idea Questions Guided Notes The Representatives and Senators The Members: in total - 100 Senators and 435 members of the House Requirements to be a member of
More informationCongressional Institute Reform Study
Congressional Institute Reform Study Table of Contents Overview 1 Views About Congress 2 Concerns About Congress and Accountability 7 Role of the Media 9 Is Your Voice Heard and tituent Engagement 10 titutional
More informationUNITED STATES GOVERNMENT CHAPTER 7 PACKET: Congress at Work
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT CHAPTER 7 PACKET: Congress at Work Take-Home Homework Packet 100 Points Honor Code I understand that this is an independent assignment and that I cannot receive any assistance
More information80 Chapter 3: Georgia s Legislative Branch
As you read, look for types of legislation that the General Assembly may address, how a bill becomes law, terms: amend, treaty, monopoly, veto, appropriate, budget, revenue, fiscal year, line item veto.
More informationTexas Elections Part I
Texas Elections Part I In a society governed passively by free markets and free elections, organized greed always defeats disorganized democracy. Matt Taibbi Elections...a formal decision-making process
More informationIllinois Redistricting Collaborative Talking Points Feb. Update
Goals: Illinois Redistricting Collaborative Talking Points Feb. Update Raise public awareness of gerrymandering as a key electionyear issue Create press opportunities on gerrymandering to engage the public
More informationChapter 13 Congress. Congress. Know the terms/names (especially with FRQs) House of Representatives. Senate
Chapter 13 Congress Know the terms/names (especially with FRQs) Congress House of Representatives Senate Almost always referred to as Congress A term of Congress is 2 years Term begins on January 3 rd
More informationUnit 4 Test Bank Congress
Unit 4 Test Bank Congress 2) Which of the following did the framers of the Constitution conceive of as the center of policymaking in America? A) the President B) the people C) Congress D) the courts E)
More informationPresident Obama s Political Project
Date: February 13, 0 To: From: Friends of Democracy Corps and Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Stanley B. Greenberg, James Carville and Andrew Baumann President Obama s Political Project National survey points
More informationYOUR TASK: What are these different types of bills and resolutions? What are the similarities/differences between them? Write your own definition for
YOUR TASK: What are these different types of bills and resolutions? What are the similarities/differences between them? Write your own definition for each type of bill/resolution. Compare it with your
More informationCongress Outline Notes
Congress Outline Notes I. INTRODUCTION A. Congress as the center of policymaking in America. 1. Although the prominence of Congress has fluctuated over time. 2. Some critics charge Congress with being
More informationChapter 06: Interest Groups Multiple Choice
Multiple Choice 1. Which of the following is a purpose of interest groups in American politics? a. They help bridge the gap between citizens and government. b. They help conduct campaigns for candidates
More informationDUE 2/1. Name: Date: Directions: Simply identify and describe the important terms, places, events, and people listed below.
Name: Date: AP United States Government & Politics Directions: Simply identify and describe the important terms, places, events, and people listed below. Then & Now DUE 2/1 the first branch power of the
More informationUNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL MASSACHUSETTS U.S. SENATE POLL Sept , ,005 Registered Voters (RVs)
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL MASSACHUSETTS U.S. SENATE POLL Sept. 22-28, 2011-1,005 Registered Voters (RVs) Sampling error on full sample is +/- 3.8 percentage points, larger for subgroups and for
More informationLEARNING OBJECTIVES After studying Chapter 12, you should be able to: 1. Describe the characteristics of our senators and representatives, and the nature of their jobs. 2. Explain what factors have the
More informationThe Legislative Branch
The Legislative Branch Despite being the political institution that is closest to the people, Congress is the least popular of the three branches of government Congress approval = 18.6% approve, 72.4%
More informationVideo: The Big Picture IA_1/polisci/presidency/Edwards_Ch11_Congress_Seg1_v 2.
Congress 11 Video: The Big Picture 11 http://media.pearsoncmg.com/ph/hss/ssa_shared_med IA_1/polisci/presidency/Edwards_Ch11_Congress_Seg1_v 2.html Learning Objectives 11 11.1 11.2 Characterize the backgrounds
More informationU.S Presidential Election
U.S Presidential Election The US has had an elected president since its constitution went into effect in 1789. Unlike in many countries, the Presidential election in the US is rather a year-long process
More informationName: The Mechanics of Voting
Democracies Need Voters Ask anyone what it means to live in a democracy, and you re likely to hear something about voting. There s more to a democracy than voting, but the citizens right to determine their
More informationUnit 4 The Legislative Branch Study Guide Explain all the following: 1. Bi-Cameral 2. Congress: - Office - term - Number of members - Selection -
Unit 4 The Legislative Branch Study Guide Explain all the following: 1. Bi-Cameral 2. Congress: - Office - term - Number of members - Selection - Requirements 3. 17 th Amendment 4. 20 th amendment 5. 27
More informationMoney in Politics: The Impact of Growing Spending on Stakeholders and American. Democracy
Wang 1 Wenbo Wang The John D. Brademas Center for the Study of Congress Congressional Intern Research Paper The American Association for Justice Money in Politics: The Impact of Growing Spending on Stakeholders
More informationThe Impact of Lobbying Reform
The Impact of Lobbying Reform By Professor James A. Thurber American University Thurber@american.edu September 14, 2009 Quotes on Lobbyists and lobbying by Candidate Barack Obama, 2008: "I intend to tell
More informationThe Legislative Branch and Domestic Policy. POLS 103 Unit 2 Week 7-8
The Legislative Branch and Domestic Policy POLS 103 Unit 2 Week 7-8 The Institutional Design of Congress Unit 2 BICAMERAL Legislature! The House of Representatives Elected Via Popular vote. 2 year term
More informationSAMPLE EXAMINATION ONE
SAMPLE EXAMINATION ONE SECTION I Time 45 minutes 60 Multiple-Choice Questions Directions: Each of the questions or incomplete statements below is followed by either four suggested answers or completions.
More informationconnect the people to the government. These institutions include: elections, political parties, interest groups, and the media.
Overriding Questions 1. How has the decline of political parties influenced elections and campaigning? 2. How do political parties positively influence campaigns and elections and how do they negatively
More informationName Class Period. MAIN IDEA PACKET: Political Behavior AMERICAN GOVERNMENT CHAPTERS 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9
Name Class Period UNIT 3 MAIN IDEA PACKET: Political Behavior AMERICAN GOVERNMENT CHAPTERS 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 CHAPTER 5 POLITICAL PARTIES Chapter 5 Section 1: Parties and What They Do Political Parties, essential
More informationAccountability, Divided Government and Presidential Coattails.
Presidential VS Parliamentary Elections Accountability, Divided Government and Presidential Coattails. Accountability Presidential Coattails The coattail effect is the tendency for a popular political
More informationTips for Talking with Your Legislators
Tips for Talking with Your Legislators There are three basic ways to communicate your point of view to your legislator: by letter/email, by phone or by visit. The personal visit is probably the most effective
More informationEPIC-MRA POLLING MEMO FEB 2014
EPIC-MRA POLLING MEMO FEB 2014 Wednesday, February 19, 2014 Contact: Bernie Porn, EPIC-MRA P: 517-886-0860 C: 517-285-5681 E: Bernie@epicmra.com EPIC MRA 4710 W. Saginaw Highway Suite 2C Lansing, MI 48917
More informationSurvey of US Voters Issues and Attitudes June 2014
Survey of US Voters Issues and Attitudes June 2014 Methodology Three surveys of U.S. voters conducted in late 2013 Two online surveys of voters, respondents reached using recruit-only online panel of adults
More informationHow to Talk About Money in Politics
How to Talk About Money in Politics This brief memo provides the details you need to most effectively connect with and engage voters to promote workable solutions to reduce the power of money in politics.
More informationCIS Political Science Chapter 11. Legislative Branch: Congress. Mr. Makela. St. Clair High School. University of Minnesota
CIS Political Science Chapter 11 Legislative Branch: Congress Mr. Makela St. Clair High School University of Minnesota The Origin and Powers of Congress Bicameral problems w/ Representation (Great Compromise)
More informationThe Criminal Justice Policy Process Liz Cass
The Criminal Justice Policy Process Liz Cass Criminal justice issues are greatly influenced by public opinion, special interest groups, even the political whims of elected officials, and the resources
More informationWinning with a middle class reform politics and government message Report on a new national survey
Date: December 17, 2015 To: Friends of & WVWVAF From: Stan Greenberg, Page Gardner, Women s Voices, Women Vote Action Fund David Walker, Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Winning with a middle class reform politics
More informationCONGRESS AND ITS WORK PART I
CONGRESS AND ITS WORK PART I Congress may carry on the most wicked and pernicious of schemes under the dark veil of secrecy. The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions
More informationFrustrated with Congress, Americans See More Gridlock July 18-22, 2013
CBS News Poll For release: Wednesday, July 24, 2013 6:30 PM ET Frustrated with Congress, Americans See More Gridlock July 18-22, 2013 76% of Americans now disapprove of Congress; 59% say they are frustrated
More informationAP U.S. Government & Politics Unit 3: Institutions of National Government: The Congress
AP U.S. Government & Politics 2017-18 Unit 3: Institutions of National Government: The Congress Textbook: Chapter 11; Congress: Balancing National Goals and Local Interests ; pp. 286-321 Web sites to use:
More informationThe President, Congress and Deficit Battles April 15-20, 2011
CBS NEWS/NEW YORK TIMES POLL For release: Thursday, April 21, 2011 6:30pm (EDT) The President, Congress and Deficit Battles April 15-20, 2011 With the possibility of more spending showdowns between President
More informationADVOCACY TOOLKIT TEN TIPS FOR RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
ADVOCACY TOOLKIT TEN TIPS FOR RELATIONSHIP BUILDING Long term, effective advocacy is built on positive, trusting, strategic relationships with elected officials and their staff, the media and your own
More informationLOW VOTER TURNOUT INTERVIEW ROLE PLAY
CLASSROOM LAW PROJECT Summer Institute LOW VOTER TURNOUT INTERVIEW ROLE PLAY Practice interview skills. When researching the issue of low voter turnout, interviewing stakeholders in the community is an
More informationAn in-depth examination of North Carolina voter attitudes in important current issues. Registered Voters in North Carolina
An in-depth examination of North Carolina voter attitudes in important current issues Registered Voters in North Carolina January 21-25, 2018 Table of Contents Key Survey Insights... 3 Satisfaction with
More informationA taxpayer watchdog group says the earmarks are such blatant examples of patronage that the House Ethics Committee should investigate them.
Clyburn earmarks tied to family Watchdog group critical of biggest S.C. spender Jun. 15, 2008 By David Wren The Sun News U.S. Rep. James Clyburn, criticized in the past for using tax dollars to fund pet
More informationCONGRESSIONAL ELECTIONS
CONGRESS CONGRESSIONAL ELECTIONS Who Wins Elections? Incumbent: Those already holding office. Figure 12.1 CONGRESSIONAL ELECTIONS The Role of Party Identification Most members represent the majority party
More informationRE: Less Spending and More Government: the Conflicting Views of Voters Under 40
MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: Interested Parties Ed Gillespie and Jan van Lohuizen DATE: February 26, 2013 RE: Less Spending and More Government: the Conflicting Views of Voters Under 40 In the first installment
More informationBits and Pieces to Master the Exam Random Thoughts, Trivia, and Other Facts (that may help you be successful AP EXAM)
Bits and Pieces to Master the Exam Random Thoughts, Trivia, and Other Facts (that may help you be successful AP EXAM) but what is government itself but the greatest of all reflections on human nature?
More information3 Branches of Government
3 Branches of Government FILL IN THE BLANKS IN THE SENTENCES BELOW 1. What are the 3 branches of our government?,,. 2. The Branch of our government makes the laws. 3. The Branch of our government enforces
More informationFINAL RESULTS: National Voter Survey Total Sample Size: 2428, Margin of Error: ±2.0% Interview Dates: November 1-4, 2018
FINAL RESULTS: National Voter Survey Total Sample Size: 2428, Margin of Error: ±2.0% Interview Dates: November 1-4, 2018 Language: English and Spanish Respondents: Likely November 2018 voters in 72 competitive
More informationChapter 5. Political Parties
Chapter 5 Political Parties Section 1: Parties and what they do Winning isn t everything; it s the only thing. Political Party What is a party? A group or persons who seek to control government through
More informationCampaigns & Elections. US Government POS 2041
Campaigns & Elections US Government POS 2041 Votes for Women, inspired by Katja Von Garner. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvqnjwk W7gA For Discussion Do you think that democracy is endangered by the
More informationELECTING CANDIDATES WITH FAIR REPRESENTATION VOTING: RANKED CHOICE VOTING AND OTHER METHODS
November 2013 ELECTING CANDIDATES WITH FAIR REPRESENTATION VOTING: RANKED CHOICE VOTING AND OTHER METHODS A voting system translates peoples' votes into seats. Because the same votes in different systems
More informationTHE ABCs of CITIZEN ADVOCACY
The Medical Cannabis Advocate s Handbook THE ABCs of CITIZEN ADVOCACY Politics in America is not a spectator sport. You have to get involved. Congressman Sam Farr The ABCs of CITIZEN ADVOCACY Citizen
More informationGovernment in America: People, Politics, and Policy Thirteenth Edition, and Texas Edition Edwards/Wattenberg/Lineberry. Chapter 12 Congress
Government in America: People, Politics, and Policy Thirteenth Edition, and Texas Edition Edwards/Wattenberg/Lineberry Chapter 12 Congress The Representatives and The Job Senators Salary of $168,500 with
More informationUnderstanding the Congressional Customer
Understanding the Congressional Customer May 2018 There has never been more information clutter coming into and around the U.S. Congress. I have dubbed it information clutter and it seems to be getting
More informationApplying Ranked Choice Voting to Congressional Elections. The Case for RCV with the Top Four Primary and Multi-Member Districts. Rob Richie, FairVote
Applying Ranked Choice Voting to Congressional Elections The Case for RCV with the Top Four Primary and Multi-Member Districts Rob Richie, FairVote American Exceptionalism: Inescapable Realities for Reformers
More informationCAPPELEN DAMM ACCESS UPDATE: THE PERFECT SLOSH
CAPPELEN DAMM ACCESS UPDATE: THE PERFECT SLOSH 2 The following article about the American Mid-Term elections in 2010 seeks to explain the surprisingly dramatic swings in the way Americans have voted over
More informationPurposes of Elections
Purposes of Elections o Regular free elections n guarantee mass political action n enable citizens to influence the actions of their government o Popular election confers on a government the legitimacy
More informationUNIT 5-1 CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENCY
UNIT 5-1 CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENCY STRUCTURE OF CONGRESS House of Representatives Senate Membership 435 members (apportioned by population) 100 members (two from each state) Term of office 2 years; entire
More informationCONGRESS EXAM REVIEW ADVANCED PLACEMENT AMERICAN GOVERNMENT 80 Questions/60 Minutes MAX Mr. Baysdell
CONGRESS EXAM REVIEW ADVANCED PLACEMENT AMERICAN GOVERNMENT 80 Questions/60 Minutes MAX Mr. Baysdell 1. Things you should know about Congress: Members have two different types of staff members; personal
More informationAdvocating for Change: How Your Nonprofit Can Impact Policy. February 28, 2018
Advocating for Change: How Your Nonprofit Can Impact Policy February 28, 2018 Welcome Carmen Shorter Senior Manager for Learning Field Engagement Prosperity Now Housekeeping This webinar is being recorded
More information13 th Vanderbilt University Poll
13 th Vanderbilt University Poll April 25 - May 11, 2016 John G. Geer & Joshua D. Clinton, Co-Directors May 19, 2016 1,001 registered voters in Tennessee MoE: +/- 4.2 percentage points % APPROVE Obama
More informationADVOCATE S TOOL BOX. What is Lobbying? Lobbying refers to the support or opposition of a particular piece of legislation at any level of government.
Advocate s Toolbox, Eating Disorders Coalition 1 ADVOCATE S TOOL BOX This tool box is designed to provide you with easy-to-use information regarding effective advocacy with the Eating Disorders Coalition
More informationCongress. AP US Government Spring 2017
Congress AP US Government Spring 2017 Congressional Elections: House vs Senate Constituent: citizen who is represented by a member of Congress House is closer to constitutents House members come from individual
More information1. Do you approve or disapprove of the job Barack Obama is doing as president? Feb 09 60% Democrats 90% 5 5
2 April 2009 Polling was conducted by telephone March 31 - April 1, 2009, in the evenings. The total sample is 900 registered voters nationwide with a margin of error of ±3 percentage points. Results are
More informationRevolt against Congress: Game On Survey of the Battleground House Districts
Date: December 13, 2013 To: Friends of and Women s Voices Women Vote Action Fund From: Stan Greenberg, James Carville, and Erica Seifert Revolt against Congress: Game On Survey of the Battleground House
More informationPPIC STATEWIDE SURVEY
PPIC STATEWIDE SURVEY OCTOBER OBER 2004 Californians and Their Government Public Policy Institute of California Mark Baldassare Research Director & Survey Director The Public Policy Institute of California
More informationBreakthrough Economic Message Results of major web survey on the economy. July 18, 2011
Breakthrough Economic Message Results of major web survey on the economy July 18, 2011 2 The experiment This presentation is based on a national web survey of 2,000 likely 2012 voters (2,000 weighted)
More informationThe Federalist, No. 51
The Legislative Branch Fall, 2015 In republican government, the legislative authority necessarily predominates. The remedy for this inconveniency is to divide the legislature into different branches; and
More informationThe Congress 113th Congress (ISTOCKPHOTO)
The Congress 113th Congress (ISTOCKPHOTO) Get it right!! Congress = House + Senate House Senate Total Number 435 100 representatives A. Congress by the numbers! Pop-based! Equal - 2 per state Elected Period
More informationChapter 5 The Organization of Congress. Section 1 Congressional Membership
Chapter 5 The Organization of Congress Section 1 Congressional Membership Congressional Sessions Each term of Congress has two sessions. Each session lasts until Congress votes to adjourn. Membership of
More information%: Will grow the economy vs. 39%: Will grow the economy.
Villains and Heroes on the Economy and Government Key Lessons from Opinion Research At Our Story The Hub for American Narratives we take the narrative part literally. Including that villains and heroes
More informationWHERE WE STAND.. ON REDISTRICTING REFORM
WHERE WE STAND.. ON REDISTRICTING REFORM REDRAWING PENNSYLVANIA S CONGRESSIONAL AND LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS Every 10 years, after the decennial census, states redraw the boundaries of their congressional
More informationThe Midterm Elections (And a Peek Toward 2016) Andrew H. Friedman The Washington Update
The Midterm Elections (And a Peek Toward 2016) Andrew H. Friedman The Washington Update With fiscal deadlines out of the way for 2014, attention is now turning toward the 2014 midterm elections. This white
More informationStandard &
Standard 12.3.1 & 12.6.4 12.3.1 Explain how civil society provides opportunities for individuals to associate for social, cultural, religious, economic and political purposes. 12.6.4 Describe the means
More informationPersistent Economic Discontent Casts a Continuing Political Pall
ABC NEWS/WASHINGTON POST POLL: POST-ELECTION POLITICS EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE AFTER 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2010 Persistent Economic Discontent Casts a Continuing Political Pall Congressional Republicans
More informationAP GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS, STUDY GUIDE. Unit 7 - CONGRESS
AP GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS, STUDY GUIDE Unit 7 - CONGRESS Study Guide - Congress AP US Government and Politics Reading / Resources: Presentation Reviews Herzog Ch.10 Quizzes: Targets 1-3 Targets 4-6 Target
More informationThe margin of error for a of 658 interviews is ± 3.8%
HART/NEWHOUSE Study #6088--page 1 1724 Connecticut Avenue, NW Interviews: 658 registered voters Washington, DC 20009 Date: (202) 234-5570 FINAL Study #6088 47 Male 53 Female [109] Please note: all results
More informationThe Texas Legislature Part III. How can you look at the Texas Legislature and still believe in intelligent design? Kinky Friedman
The Texas Legislature Part III How can you look at the Texas Legislature and still believe in intelligent design? Kinky Friedman Texas Legislative Process Texas Legislative Process The Texas Constitution
More informationUnderstanding the Citizens United Ruling
August 2, 2010 Ira Glasser This is the print preview: Back to normal view» Executive Director, ACLU (1978-2001, Retired) Posted: February 3, 2010 09:28 AM Understanding the Citizens United Ruling The recent
More informationThe President's Role in Passing Laws By Sharon Fabian
1 of 6 2/7/2012 3:40 PM The President's Role in Passing Laws By Sharon Fabian 1 The president doesn't pass laws. Congress passes the laws, but the president is involved in the lawmaking process, too. That
More informationPolitics and Public Policy
American Government: Brief Version 6/e 12 Politics and Public Policy I. Reviewing the Chapter Chapter Focus Study Outline The purpose of this chapter is to explain how the American constitutional system
More informationUnit 4: Congress Chapter 12 Summary
Unit 4: Congress Chapter 12 Summary INTRODUCTION The framers of the Constitution conceived of Congress as the center of policymaking in America. Although the prominence of Congress has fluctuated over
More informationMost Have Heard Little or Nothing about Redistricting Debate LACK OF COMPETITION IN ELECTIONS FAILS TO STIR PUBLIC
NEWS Release 1615 L Street, N.W., Suite 700 Washington, D.C. 20036 Tel (202) 419-4350 Fax (202) 419-4399 FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2006, 10:00 AM EDT Most Have Heard Little or Nothing about Redistricting
More informationTerm-Limits in the U.S.
Term-Limits in the U.S. Encouraging the Return of Citizen Legislators Volume 1. Issue 1 Table of Contents Same Stuff 1 The Big Deal 1 A Few Terms 2 Why Does it Matter 2 What Would they Do 3 Benefits 3
More informationTwo separate chambers in Congress (BICAMERAL)
CONGRESS Origins of Congress Great Compromise Two separate chambers in Congress (BICAMERAL) Senate Each state receives two senators; 6 year terms Originally selected by state legislatures, but 17th amendment
More information4/18/2016. Richard Fenno s Theoretical Framework Congressmen in Committees. Good Public Policy. Reelection. Power
Richard Fenno s Theoretical Framework Congressmen in Committees Good Public Policy Member Goals Reelection Good public policy Power & prestige Environmental Constraints Party leaders Other members of the
More informationShould Politicians Choose Their Voters? League of Women Voters of MI Education Fund
Should Politicians Choose Their Voters? 1 Politicians are drawing their own voting maps to manipulate elections and keep themselves and their party in power. 2 3 -The U.S. Constitution requires that the
More informationWhat you should know about. Influencing Legislation
What you should know about Influencing Legislation What is GRASSROOTS LOBBYING? It is what concerned Americans do to Influence Legislators Decisions on today s issues. Grassroots lobbying involves: KNOWING
More informationAP United States Government & Politics EXAM: Congress and the Presidency, Ch. 12 & 13
AP United States Government & Politics EXAM: Congress and the Presidency, Ch. 12 & 13 MULTIPLE CHOICE. Choose the one alternative that best completes the statement or answers the question. 1) privileges
More informationOctober 24, 2013 Anzalone Liszt Grove Research National Polling Summary
October 24, 2013 Anzalone Liszt Grove Research National Polling Summary Friends, Below you will find the Anzalone Liszt Grove Research National Polling Summary, which provides a pollster's take on data
More informationThe 2005 Ohio Ballot Initiatives: Public Opinion on Issues 1-5. Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics University of Akron.
The 2005 Ohio Ballot Initiatives: Public Opinion on Issues 1-5 Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics University of Akron Executive Summary A survey of Ohio citizens finds mixed results for the 2005
More informationTo end government shutdowns, end partisan gerrymandering
Dear colleagues: In lieu of writing a ticket, I am distributing two musings about elections in the contemporary US. One is a section from Framed touting the benefits of sortition as an alternative to elections.
More informationAP United States Government and Politics
2018 AP United States Government and Politics Scoring Guidelines College Board, Advanced Placement Program, AP, AP Central, and the acorn logo are registered trademarks of the College Board. AP Central
More informationEnergy Issues & North Carolina Voters. March 14 th, 2017
Energy Issues & North Carolina Voters March 14 th, 2017 Table of Contents Methodology Voter Intensity and Ideological Overview Energy Issue Overview Renewable Mandate Message Test Coal Ash Issue Set Trump
More informationLEARNING OBJECTIVES After studying Chapter 10, you should be able to: 1. Explain the functions and unique features of American elections. 2. Describe how American elections have evolved using the presidential
More informationAnalyzing the Legislative Productivity of Congress During the Obama Administration
Western Michigan University ScholarWorks at WMU Honors Theses Lee Honors College 12-5-2017 Analyzing the Legislative Productivity of Congress During the Obama Administration Zachary Hunkins Western Michigan
More informationThe Budget Battle in the Republican-Obama Battleground
Date: March 28, 2011 To: From: Friends of Democracy Corps Stan Greenberg, James Carville, Andrew Baumann and Erica Seifert The Budget Battle in the Republican-Obama Battleground Budget Debate Moves Voters
More information