Prompt – Congressional Reform
Our first discussion of the week involves the legislative branch of government (Congress). In the spirit of democracy, our discussion will involve choices (as will most in this class). Select one of the five options below to write about in your discussion post. Remember that these discussions have two parts: your response and then a reply to a classmate.
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OPTION 1 – ‘Record breaking’ Diversity in Congress?
Check out the page ‘Record-breaking’ diversity in the 117th Congress, which expands on the updated diversity numbers within the US Congress. Keep in mind the meaning of democracy (as “rule by the people”), and the role that diversity may or may not play in achieving it. While the 2020 election was in many ways historic in terms of diversity, in other ways some say the US still falls short. Consider the following:
In what ways has diversity in Congress improved and in what ways has it not improved?
Why might it be important that the legislative institutions of our country be close as possible to a reflection of what the American population looks like? What may be the strengths and limitations of a focus on diversity?
What are some institutional reasons (i.e. how the institutions are set up) that diversity might be different between the House of Representatives and the Senate?
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OPTION 2 – Should the House of Representatives be increased?
The module page Does the House Need to Be Much Bigger? examines the issue of the size of the lower chamber of Congress: the House of Representatives. As we know from the Great Compromise, while states each get two senators regardless of size, a state’s number of representatives in the House is determined by population. Consider the arguments presented, the way the House was envisioned at the founding, the change in US population since then, and address the following:
Is the current apportionment of House districts democratic enough? Is this undemocratic?
Should the House of Representatives be expanded? If not, what is your response to problems of inadequate representation? If so, what model of representation seems most fair to you?
How many Americans should each House district ideally serve, and should there be a cap on how large the House is allowed to grow? Why?
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OPTION 3 – Redistricting and Gerrymandering
Check out the module page Redistricting and Gerrymandering, which explains how the process known as “gerrymandering”—the practice of drawing district lines for a political advantage—ensures that not all votes contribute equally to election outcomes. Consider these characteristics when you hear the US described as a “representative democracy” and consider the following:
How does gerrymandering said to be different from normal redistricting and why might this distinction be important?
Do you think gerrymandering silences votes, warps representation, or otherwise impacts the political process? Why or why not? Why is gerrymandering said to be a more serious problem now than in the past?
Fair elections advocates make three main arguments about why gerrymandering is harmful. Do any of those stand out to you as important? Can you think of other arguments for or against gerrymandering?
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OPTION 4 – Should the Senate Filibuster Rule Be Ended?
In module page The Senate Filibuster, the arcane senate rule known as the filibuster is explained, including its roots, the modern day manner in which it is used, and the way it is said to thwart progress that the majority of the country supports. This raises questions about the legitimacy of a system in which it becomes so difficult to pass popular policies. Is this a good rule? Consider the following:
What sort of things was the filibuster traditionally used to accomplish? How do the current filibuster rules contribute to the larger issue of malapportionment of the Senate?
Do you think it makes more sense to end the filibuster rule or to keep it in place? Why or why not? Who benefits in either case?
Why is the filibuster rule pointed to as being a major obstacle for the basic democratic lawmaking process today?
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OPTION 5 – The Problem of Congressional Fundraising
The page on The Problem of Congressional Fundraising raises an issue that many Americans do not fully understand: what members of Congress actually do with most of their time, and why. If we believe most legislators seek political office to best represent their constituents, they are soon faced with some harsh realities about life on Capitol Hill and what they must do to stay in office and in the good graces of their political party. In the years since Oliver’s video, the practice of “dialing for dollars” remains firmly in place. Consider the following questions:
Is congressional fundraising a problem or is this focus on fundraising just an extension of free speech rights?
What is the role of the two main political parties in this situation? Are the parties correct to have this expectation of dues-paying members? How does this reflect the needs of the American people that these members of Congress represent?
What, if anything, do you think can and should be done about it congressional fundraising and what might be currently keeping that from taking place?
Guidelines
Your initial response should be between 300 and 600 words in length, reflecting on the prompt above.
Reply to at least ONE classmate’s posts. Your response should be around 50-100 words (each) and add to the discussion by reflecting on their response, or asking questions.
You are not required to use additional sources for this week, but doing so is optional and encouraged. In future weeks, outside sources will be required. When you use outside sources, they must be cited. For our purposes this can be an informal citation, so long as the source is clearly identified (providing links to references and including the work’s title and the name of the author or creator).
