Plan: Evaluate the extent to which congress consistently fulfils its roles effectively
Introduction
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
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller sophieallsop97. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £8.66. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.