Explain the trustee and instructed-delegate views of representation. Give an example of each.
What will be an ideal response?
Answers will vary. Under the trustee view of representation, a legislator should act according to her or his conscience and perception of national needs. For example, a senator from North Carolina might support laws regulating cigarette sales, even though the state's economy could be negatively affected. The instructed-delegate view of representation requires representatives to mirror the views of their constituents, regardless of their opinions. Under this view, a senator from Nebraska would strive to obtain subsidies for corn growers, and a representative from the Detroit area would seek to protect the automobile industry. Legislators who are acting as instructed delegates are particularly likely to try to insert language into various bills that would benefit special interests back home. Such provisions are called earmarks, or pork-barrel legislation.
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Which of the following statements about the recent Arab Spring is NOT true?
a. A major grievance of protestors was extensive government corruption. b. High unemployment among young adults contributed to the unrest. c. Democratic reforms have accelerated since 2012. d. None of the above is true.
The sharp differences in wealth of citizens in different states and consequent variation in taxable resources available for given states' programs are _________________
A) an encouragement of the "laboratories of democracy" B) an example of lack of accountability C) an example of strengthening individual liberty through division of powers D) a disadvantage of federalism causing disparate programs for citizens of different states E) an example of reliance of courts to define the nature of federalism
Which of the following suggests that events and trends in public policy can shift ideological lines?
a. Few conservatives would do away with the social welfare programs that began in the 1930s. b. Liberals want to return to the low military levels that existed prior to World War II. c. Libertarians resist government aid to struggling corporations despite their current economic struggles. d. Public interest in allowing blacks to vote waned after they served in the Civil War. e. Public opinion is against government efforts to curb terrorist attacks at airports since the attacks of September 11, 2001.
If a European Union (EU) member state proposed a new law to ban the planting of genetically modified crops, which two EU legislative bodies would be required to approve, amend, or reject it?
What will be an ideal response?