Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics

Institutions – Legislative Branch

Discussion Questions

 

Directions:  Answer each of the following questions on a separate sheet of paper.  Use complete sentences and write a complete answer.  Be prepared to discuss your responses in class.

 

  1. How are members of Congress compensated?  Do you think the compensation is appropriate?  Why or why not?

 

  1. Describe the personal characteristics of the majority of the members of the U.S. Congress.  Should personal characteristics be a concern to voters/constituents?  Why or why not?

 

  1. What is a term limit?  Should there be term limits for members of the U.S. House and U.S. Senate?  Why or why not?

 

  1. When was the last time that the Democrats controlled Congress?   For how long  (Consider the last 60 years)?  When did the Republicans take over the control of Congress?  What factors allowed Republicans to gain control?  (Consider factors other than ideology, platform, and personality).

 

  1. How are Congressional committee chairs selected?  Describe the reforms for committee selection in the House and Senate.  Are further reforms needed?  Why are committee assignments significant?  Why are they important to a legislator’s career?

 

  1. Are the Constitutional requirements for the House and Senate appropriate?  Explain.

 

  1. Should the size of the House of Representatives be expanded?  Why or why not?

 

 

Questions 1-3 are due Thursday, November 10th. 

Questions 4-7 are due Friday, November 11th.