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Summary Role of Congress essay plan
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Summary of 2 pages for the course Paper 3 at PEARSON (roles of congress)
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Plan: Evaluate the extent to which congress consistently fulfils its roles effectivelyIntroduction
Thesis:
Argument LEGISLATION
1
Point - Major legislation has been passed
- The low rate suggests only necessary legislation gets through
- The lengthy process ensures scrutiny of the bills
- A staggered electoral cycle and resulting divided govt ensure compromise in legislation
- The requirement for supermajorities (e.g. Cloture motion) ensures broad consensus
Explain
Counter - The process is so lengthy that thousands of bills fail to pass in each congressional session
point - The process can be dominated by a few individuals in either house, such as the speaker or
the majority leader.
- In times of unified govt, bills can be rushed through.
- In times of divided govt, gridlock can prevent important legislation passing and result in govt
shutdowns.
- HRC
Explain
Judgement
Argument REPRESENTATION
2
Point - The representation of minority groups and women has improved in recent decades.
- Caucuses allow underrepresented groups to act together, thereby increasing their influence.
- Parties are well represented in an increasingly partisan environment and reflect a partisan
American population.
- Both the people of a state and the wider state interests are represented by the two elected
houses.
Explain
Counter - The importance of money in electoral campaigns can allow lobbyists to influence members
point of congress more than their constituents or state.
- Increasingly partisan voting patterns lead to a good representation of the majority at the
expense of representation of, or compromise with, the minority.
- Representation of minority groups and women still remains far below their proportion of the
national population.
Explain
Judgement
Argument OVERSIGHT/SCRUTINY
3
Point - Congress has demonstrated a willingness to use the veto override, in some cases to great
effect.
- During times of divided govt, the president is likely to face extensive scrutiny from congress.
- Committees have overseen investigations into action such as Benghazi, which have far-
reaching impacts.
- Congress has demonstrated its independence from presidentially-demanded legislation
- Congress has been willing to challenge the president in the supreme court.
- Congress has been able to develop and evolve its own powers, attempting to use its financial
power to control the president's role of commander in chief.
- Impeachment has twice been used to its fullest extent.
Explain
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