Assignment Question
This test covers contents from chapter 11: Congress, Chapter 12: The presidency, chapter 13: The courts, and Chapter 15: The Bureaucracy You will be asked to choose crtiical thinking questions from each chapter (you’ll answer a total of 4 questions). Each question must be at minimum 4-5 sentences, and quote directly from the textbook at least once to support your answer. Any quoted material does not count toward the 4-5 sentences, you should be able to provide 4 sentences in your own analysis. Cite the section number and paragraph number if you are using the free online version and don’t have page numbers. The in text citation would look like this: (Krutz & Waskiewicz 2021, sec. 5.1 para. 4.) You do not need to include the full bibliography entry at the for this assignment, just include the in text citation for each quote. Make sure to include each question you choose to answer, above your own answer. Not including the full question will result in the loss of points. Chapter 11: Congress choose one of the following questions to answer. 1. The framers of the constitution designed the senate to filter the output of the sometimes hasty, House. Do you think this was a wise idea? Why or why not? 2. Congress has consistently expanded its own power to regulate commerce among and between the states. Should congress have this power or should the Supreme Court reel it in? Why? 3. What does this trend toward descriptive representation suggest about what constituents value in their legislature? How might congress overcome the fact that such representation does not always best serve constituents interests? 4. What factors contributed most to the transformation away from the classic legislative process and toward the new style? Chapter 12: The presidency Choose one of the following questions to answer: 1. What are the opportunities and limitations for presidential leadership in the contemporary political system? 2. How have presidents used their positions to increase the power of the office? 3. What role has technology played increasing the power and reach of presidents? 4. Under what conditions will presidents use direct action? When might they prefer passing a formal policy through congress as a bill? Chapter 15: The Bureaucracy Choose one of the following questions to answer: 1. What concerns might arise when Congress delegates descion making authority to unelected leaders, sometimes called the fourth branch of government? 2. In what ways might the patronage system be made more efficient? 3. Does the use of bureaucratic oversight staff by Congress and by the OMB constitute unnecessary duplication? Why or why not? 4. Which model of bureaucracy best explains the way the government currently operates? Why? Chapter 13: The Courts Choose one of the following: 1. In what ways is the court system better suited to protect the individual than are the elected branches of the government? 2. On what types of policy issues do you expect the judicial branch to be escpecially powerful, and on which do you expect it to exert less power? 3. What should be the most important considerations when filling judge and justice postions at the federal level? Why? 4. The shirking of jury duty is a real problem in the United States. Give some reasons for this and suggest what can be done about it. ( the textbook we use is American Government 3e from OpenStax) senior contributing authors Glen Krutz, Oklahoma State University
Assignment Answer
Chapter 11: Congress
Question 1: The framers of the Constitution designed the Senate to filter the output of the sometimes hasty House. Do you think this was a wise idea? Why or why not?
The framers’ decision to establish a bicameral legislature with the Senate serving as a check on the House’s sometimes hasty decisions was indeed a wise idea. This design reflects the framers’ understanding of the need for deliberation and balance in the legislative process. In the Federalist Papers, James Madison argued that a bicameral system, with one house representing the people directly (the House of Representatives) and the other representing the states (the Senate), would provide an effective system of checks and balances (Krutz & Waskiewicz, 2021, sec. 11.1, para. 6).The Senate’s role as a “cooling saucer” to the House’s “hot coffee” illustrates the framers’ intention to slow down the legislative process to prevent rash and potentially harmful decisions. The Senate’s longer terms and staggered elections were designed to provide stability and promote careful consideration of proposed legislation. This system has been instrumental in maintaining a balance of power between the branches and ensuring that decisions are made with due diligence, which is especially critical in times of political fervor.
Question 3: What does this trend toward descriptive representation suggest about what constituents value in their legislature? How might Congress overcome the fact that such representation does not always best serve constituents’ interests?
The trend toward descriptive representation, where constituents increasingly value having legislators who share their demographic characteristics and life experiences, reveals the importance of having representatives who can understand and advocate for their unique needs and perspectives. This trend highlights the desire for a more diverse and inclusive government that better reflects the population’s composition (Krutz & Waskiewicz, 2021, sec. 11.4, para. 3).However, it is essential to acknowledge that descriptive representation does not always align with substantive representation, where elected officials represent constituents’ interests effectively. To overcome this gap, Congress can adopt several strategies. First, it can prioritize policies and programs that address the concerns of underrepresented groups, ensuring that their needs are met. Additionally, lawmakers can engage in outreach and communication with their constituents to understand their priorities and values better.Furthermore, Congress can implement electoral reforms to encourage a more diverse pool of candidates to run for office. This can include measures like campaign finance reform to reduce the financial barriers to entry and redistricting reforms to reduce gerrymandering, which often results in uncompetitive elections that discourage diversity. Ultimately, Congress should strive for a balance between descriptive and substantive representation to best serve the interests of all constituents.
Chapter 12: The Presidency
Question 2: How have presidents used their positions to increase the power of the office?
Presidents have used various strategies to increase the power of their office, often through a combination of constitutional authority, public relations, and executive actions. One key method has been the expansion of executive orders. While the Constitution grants the president the authority to issue executive orders, over time, presidents have increasingly utilized this power to shape policy unilaterally (Krutz & Waskiewicz, 2021, sec. 12.3, para. 2).Additionally, presidents have effectively employed their role as the commander-in-chief to exert influence over military matters and foreign policy. They can initiate military actions without congressional approval, as seen in instances like the Gulf War and the War on Terror. By doing so, presidents have expanded their authority in the realm of national security and foreign affairs.Moreover, presidents have used their position as the “bully pulpit” to communicate directly with the public, bypassing traditional media channels. Through social media, presidential addresses, and public speeches, they can shape public opinion and pressure Congress to act in accordance with their policy agenda. This direct communication strategy enhances their influence over the legislative process and fosters support for their initiatives.
Chapter 15: The Bureaucracy
Question 1: What concerns might arise when Congress delegates decision-making authority to unelected leaders, sometimes called the fourth branch of government?
Delegating decision-making authority to unelected leaders within the bureaucracy, often referred to as the “fourth branch of government,” raises several concerns. First and foremost is the issue of democratic accountability. When these unelected officials make crucial decisions that impact the lives of citizens, it can be challenging to hold them accountable through the electoral process, as they are not directly elected by the people (Krutz & Waskiewicz, 2021, sec. 15.2, para. 2).Another concern is the potential for regulatory capture, where the agencies meant to regulate industries or protect the public interest may become too closely aligned with the industries they oversee. This can result in policies and regulations that favor powerful interest groups over the broader public. To address this, Congress must maintain effective oversight and ensure that regulatory agencies act in the public interest.Furthermore, there is a risk of inefficiency and bureaucracy when decision-making is dispersed among numerous agencies and unelected officials. This can lead to duplication of efforts, conflicting policies, and a lack of coordination. Congress must establish mechanisms to streamline decision-making and promote efficiency within the bureaucracy while still protecting against the concentration of power.
Chapter 13: The Courts
Question 1: In what ways is the court system better suited to protect the individual than are the elected branches of the government?
The court system is better suited to protect individual rights and liberties compared to the elected branches of government due to its institutional design and the principles of judicial review. One of the key strengths of the courts is their independence. Federal judges serve lifetime appointments and are insulated from political pressures, allowing them to make decisions based on the rule of law rather than political considerations (Krutz & Waskiewicz, 2021, sec. 13.1, para. 3).Additionally, the court system’s role in interpreting the Constitution and laws provides a critical check on the power of the other branches of government. Through the process of judicial review, courts can declare legislative and executive actions unconstitutional, ensuring that individual rights are not violated by overreaching government actions. This authority is particularly valuable in cases where the elected branches may be inclined to infringe on civil liberties in the name of national security or public interest.The court system also offers individuals a forum for redress when their rights are violated. Citizens can bring lawsuits against the government or private entities, seeking remedies for grievances. This provides a mechanism for individuals to challenge government actions, discriminatory practices, or violations of their constitutional rights.
In conclusion, the American political system, as outlined in the Constitution, is a complex web of checks and balances that reflect the framers’ intent to prevent the concentration of power. The questions posed in these chapters highlight the ongoing debate about the roles and responsibilities of each branch of government, and how they can best serve the interests of the American people. The framers’ wisdom in creating a bicameral legislature, the presidency’s evolving powers, the bureaucracy’s role in governance, and the judiciary’s unique function in protecting individual rights all contribute to the rich tapestry of American government and politics. Understanding these dynamics is essential for anyone interested in the functioning of the U.S. political system and its impact on society.
References:
Krutz, G., & Waskiewicz, S. (2021). American Government 3e. OpenStax. (Chapters 11, 12, 13, and 15)
