All Flashcards
Cause/Effect: Census every 10 years.
Cause: Population changes. Effect: Reapportionment of House seats.
Cause/Effect: Gerrymandering.
Cause: Partisan control of state legislatures. Effect: Less competitive elections, incumbency advantage.
Cause/Effect: Longer Senate terms.
Cause: Desire for stability and deliberation. Effect: Senators may be less responsive to short-term public opinion.
House vs. Senate: Basis of representation?
House: Population | Senate: Equal (2 per state)
House vs. Senate: Term length?
House: 2 years | Senate: 6 years
House vs. Senate: Number of members?
House: 435 | Senate: 100
House vs. Senate: Qualifications (age)?
House: 25 years | Senate: 30 years
House vs. Senate: Rules?
House: More rules | Senate: Fewer rules
House vs. Senate: Deliberation?
House: Less deliberative | Senate: More deliberative
Define bicameral legislature.
A legislature composed of two chambers or houses.
What is gerrymandering?
Drawing district lines to favor one political party over another.
Define enumerated powers.
Powers specifically listed in the Constitution for Congress.
What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?
Clause allowing Congress to make laws 'necessary and proper' to carry out its enumerated powers.
What is a safe seat?
A congressional seat that is reliably held by one party.