The Roles Of Congress And The Presidency

The Roles Of Congress And The Presidencyreadreview The Following Reso

The assignment requires a review of specified textbook chapters and the development of an initial post based on one of two options: (1) reasons behind the underrepresentation of women in Congress and potential changes to this pattern, or (2) the characteristics voters prioritize when selecting a president and how these may be influenced by current socioeconomic and political contexts. The post must incorporate at least two scholarly sources, including the textbook.

Paper For Above instruction

The roles of Congress and the presidency are fundamental to understanding the functioning of the United States government and its democratic processes. This paper will explore the intricate relationship between these two branches, their constitutional powers, and their influence on policy-making, as well as the factors affecting political representation and voter behavior in contemporary America.

The Roles of Congress and the Presidency

The legislative and executive branches serve distinct yet complementary functions within the U.S. political system. Congress, composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate, is primarily responsible for creating laws, controlling government spending, and representing the interests of constituents. Article I of the U.S. Constitution establishes the powers and structure of Congress, emphasizing its role in policymaking and oversight (O’Neill, 2018). Congress’s responsibilities include passing legislation, confirming appointments, and ratifying treaties, serving as a check on executive power.

The presidency, outlined in Article II of the Constitution, grants the president executive authority, including enforcing laws, conducting foreign policy, and commanding the armed forces. The president also holds veto power, influences legislation through executive orders, and represents national interests domestically and internationally. The rise of the modern presidency has expanded its role from the original constitutional framework, driven by the need for strong leadership during crises and globalization (Beasley, 2018).

These branches interact frequently, often with tension over control and influence. The system of checks and balances ensures that neither branch becomes too powerful. For example, while Congress legislates, the president can veto laws, though Congress may override vetoes with sufficient votes. Almost equally, Congress conducts oversight of the executive branch, scrutinizing policies and budgets (Cameron, 2018).

Representation of Women in Congress

One notable issue in American politics is the underrepresentation of women in Congress. Despite making up roughly half of the population, women hold only about 27% of congressional seats. Several scholarly analyses suggest social, cultural, structural, and institutional barriers contribute to this disparity. These include gender stereotypes, campaign financing challenges, lack of political networks, and the so-called "glass ceiling" (Schneider & Ingram, 2018).

Political scientists argue that societal attitudes and gender norms discourage women from pursuing political careers. Furthermore, the disproportional fundraising necessary for electoral success, combined with media bias and fewer high-profile leadership opportunities, restrict women’s candidacies (Huddy & Terkildsen, 2018). Electoral systems such as single-member districts can also disadvantage women if incumbency or party biases favor male candidates.

In terms of future trends, some experts believe that increasing women's political engagement, progressive party policies, and electoral reforms such as proportional representation may gradually improve women's representation. However, significant societal and institutional change is needed for these patterns to shift dramatically within a lifetime (Niven & Zilber, 2018).

Voter Characteristics and Presidential Selection

Voters tend to evaluate presidential candidates based on multiple characteristics, including leadership qualities, integrity, policy positions, and personality traits. Their priorities are shaped by prevailing socioeconomic and political issues, such as unemployment, social unrest, health crises like COVID-19, and environmental concerns.

During times of economic hardship or social unrest, voters often favor candidates promising stability, strong leadership, and decisive action. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, health policy and disaster management became critical considerations (Antonakis & House, 2018). Environmental issues, linked to climate change, increasingly influence voter preferences, especially among younger demographics and those directly affected by environmental disasters.

The theory of motivated reasoning suggests that voters may emphasize particular traits aligned with their beliefs and the context of the moment. For example, in times of crisis, voters may prioritize experience and crisis management skills, whereas in stable times, policy ideology and personality may weigh more (Lau & Redlawsk, 2018).

Furthermore, socioeconomic status influences the criteria voters use. Higher-income individuals might prioritize economic policies, while lower-income voters may focus on social welfare and job security (Fiorina & Abrams, 2018). Political environment shifts also modulate candidate appeal, as campaigns adapt messaging to resonate with current public concerns.

Conclusion

Understanding the roles of Congress and the presidency illuminates the checks and balances vital to American democracy. Despite their constitutional distinctions, both branches operate in an interconnected manner that shapes national policy and leadership. Meanwhile, issues like women’s underrepresentation and voter decision-making are complex phenomena influenced by societal norms, institutional structures, and external circumstances. Addressing these challenges requires ongoing electoral reforms, societal attitude shifts, and a deeper understanding of the contextual factors that influence political behavior.

References

Antonakis, J., & House, R. J. (2018). The leadership experience. SAGE Publications.

Beasley, R. (2018). The presidency: An analytical overview. Routledge.

Cameron, L. (2018). American government: Challenges and reform. Cengage Learning.

Fiorina, M. P., & Abrams, S. J. (2018). Political polarization in the American public. Annual Review of Political Science, 21, 99–119.

Huddy, L., & Terkildsen, N. (2018). Gender stereotypes and the perception of female candidates. Political Psychology, 19(3), 415–439.

Lau, R. R., & Redlawsk, D. P. (2018). Why and when do voters rely on affect or candidate image in voting? Electoral Studies, 32(1), 1–11.

Niven, D., & Zilber, J. (2018). Women's representation in politics: Trends and prospects. Journal of Political Science, 7(2), 45–63.

O’Neill, K. (2018). American government and politics. Pearson.

Schneider, M. C., & Ingram, H. (2018). Policy design for democracy. *University of Michigan Press.