PLSC 001 Exam 2 PSU Questions And Answers Already Graded A+

In 2012, the Government Accountability Office, through which Congress can investigate the financial and administrative affairs of any government agency or program, uncovered evidence of lavish spending at conferences by administrators of the U.S. General Services Administration, the government's real estate and office services and supply agency. In so doing, this staff agency helped Congress in its _________ role. - Answer-Oversight Until the Seventeenth Amendment passed, senators were selected by _______________. - AnswerState Legislatures Which term describes the act of redrawing congressional districts in such a way as to give unfair advantage to the political party in power? - Answer-Gerrymandering The district making up the area from which an official is elected is known as his or her: - Answerconstituency The franking privilege, which allows members of Congress to send mailings free of charge, reinforces an incumbency advantage because: - Answer-members can remind constituents of their activities and service through these mailings, and make themselves more visible. A permanent legislative committee that considers legislation within its designated subject area is known as a ____________. - Answer-Standing Committee The behavior of members of Congress who may harbor hopes of winning a more prestigious elected position—for example, a senator thinking about running for president—can further complicate legislative dynamics, since: - Answer-they may be keeping other constituencies in mind when voting on given issues. State legislatures must redraw congressional districts to reflect population changes ______________ , after censuses. - Answer-Every 10 years The tendency for candidates to win a higher percentage of the vote when running for a second term in office is called the: - Answer-Sophomore SurgeWhy would opponents of a bill prefer an open rule to a closed rule? - Answer-The open rule makes it easier to add amendments that may weaken the bill's chances of passing. In the House of Representatives, what leaders are responsible for lining up party members on important votes and relaying voter information to the leaders? - Answer-Majority and Minority Whips What is the area of policy over which a committee is assigned responsibility? - Answer-Jurisdiction Holding a political office for which one is running is called: - Answer-Incumbency What is the general term for providing minor services to constituents, introducing bills for specific citizens, and attempting to influence decisions by agencies and regulatory commissions on their behalf? - Answer-Constituency service (casework) Compared to the House of Representatives, the Senate serves constituencies that are: - Answerlarger and more diverse. In the Senate, which is much smaller than the House, looser rules tend to discourage _____________ among members. - Answer-policy specialization Legislation that captures federal projects and funds for a congressional representative's own district is legislation described as _______________legislation. - Answer-pork-barrel Which term describes the direct services and benefits that congressional representatives provide for their districts, such as appointing supporters to government offices or conferring grants and licenses to constituents? - Answer-Patronage Under the Constitution, the president can appoint ambassadors, federal judges, and top executive officers, but only with _____________. - Answer-the advice and consent of the senate