ESSAY QUESTION - EXAM 2

1. Legislative Branch:
- Discuss the historical perspective of the legislative branch (First Congresses, Articles of Confederation, Virginia and New Jersey plans).
- Discuss the Great Compromise in regard to the structure, term of office, and qualifications it created for the legislature.
- List and explain the tasks of the legislature.
- Discuss the three types of representation each elected official must choose between to perform their duties.
- List and discuss the major influences that help legislators decide how to vote on particular issues.
- There is empirical evidence that incumbent members of Congress seldom suffer electoral defeat. List and explain the reasons that add up to the "incumbency advantage."
- If you could suggest one reform of the legislature, what would it be and why?

2. Executive Branch:
- Discuss the historical perspectives of the development of the President (Colonial Governors, Virginia and New Jersey Plans).
- Discuss the Great Compromise as it applies to the Executive branch: structure, qualifications, and term of office.
- Presidential powers are quite broad. List and discuss the six enumerated powers of the president, as well as the checks that have been placed on them.
- Over the years, presidential power has been expanded. Discuss with examples how presidential power is expanded. Are these expansions appropriate and why?
- Discuss the major influences that help the president oversee our country. Today, which is the most influential?
- If you could suggest one reform of the presidency, what would it be and why?