Evaluate the view that the structure of the US
Congress allows them to effectively manage
legislation and scrutiny
(30)
Theme One: United vs Divided Government
Argument 1: Counter Argument:
In times of divided government, the In times of united government, Congress is
president will often face extensive scrutiny. more likely to act in deference to the
President.
Evidence: Evidence:
Trump – largely scrutinised by Nancy Pelosi Republican leader Jim DeMint of South
– ripped his speech in front of global media. Carolina described Democrats’ oversight of
Obama – lame duck period – divided George W. Bush in 2007 as “political
government -Senate refused to consider his posturing and demagoguing” which “has
SC nomination of Merrick Garland. not really changed everything”.
Explanation: Explanation:
With a divided government Congress has Shows that presidents with more united
more of an incentive to efficiently governments face less / minimal oversight
scrutinise. as a result of aligning with the same party.
Analysis: Analysis:
Significant as most presidents will face a Insignificant as increased party polarisation
divided government during the lame duck means this has been reduced.
period towards the end of their presidency.
Mini Conclusion:
Theme 2: Standing committees in both houses
Argument 1: Counter Argument:
Standing committees conduct investigations Change under standing committees is rare.
in both houses within the committee’s
policy area which enables Congress to fulfil
its oversight function.
Evidence: Evidence:
House Homeland Security Committee Chairs resist efforts to reallocate changes so
investigated ISIS in the pacific to assess change is incremental and efficient
terrorism in Southeast Asia. oversight is thus rare.
Congress allows them to effectively manage
legislation and scrutiny
(30)
Theme One: United vs Divided Government
Argument 1: Counter Argument:
In times of divided government, the In times of united government, Congress is
president will often face extensive scrutiny. more likely to act in deference to the
President.
Evidence: Evidence:
Trump – largely scrutinised by Nancy Pelosi Republican leader Jim DeMint of South
– ripped his speech in front of global media. Carolina described Democrats’ oversight of
Obama – lame duck period – divided George W. Bush in 2007 as “political
government -Senate refused to consider his posturing and demagoguing” which “has
SC nomination of Merrick Garland. not really changed everything”.
Explanation: Explanation:
With a divided government Congress has Shows that presidents with more united
more of an incentive to efficiently governments face less / minimal oversight
scrutinise. as a result of aligning with the same party.
Analysis: Analysis:
Significant as most presidents will face a Insignificant as increased party polarisation
divided government during the lame duck means this has been reduced.
period towards the end of their presidency.
Mini Conclusion:
Theme 2: Standing committees in both houses
Argument 1: Counter Argument:
Standing committees conduct investigations Change under standing committees is rare.
in both houses within the committee’s
policy area which enables Congress to fulfil
its oversight function.
Evidence: Evidence:
House Homeland Security Committee Chairs resist efforts to reallocate changes so
investigated ISIS in the pacific to assess change is incremental and efficient
terrorism in Southeast Asia. oversight is thus rare.
