POL SCI 1 Chapter Notes - Chapter 8: Divided Government, Incumbent, Unanimous Consent
Document Summary
Understand the basic structure of congress and its internal procedures, including the way that members organize themselves and the process for passing legislation. Think about the various collective action problems in congress and how these are (or might be) solved. Relate the above to your views on democracy and democratic representation, including thinking about possible ways of reforming congress: key terms. Gerrymandering: we tend to think of congress as an it but really congress is a they . What are the various collective action problems facing congress: there are various solutions that congress has developed to these collective action problems, including rules/procedures, the committee system and political parties themselves. What changes would you make to enhance efficiency, improve representation, and increase democratic responsiveness: the smith piece (ch 6. 1 k&s) and the binder piece (6. 2 k&s) will help fill out the details on the. Committee system and political parties in congress, including the effect of divided government and polarization.