Assignment #2 Executive and Legislative Relations

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Los Angeles Mission College *

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Political Science

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Dec 6, 2023

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Marlene Silva Dr. Ebru Durakan-Magee Political Science 1: Section# 21984 April 23, 2023 Congress is composed of the legislative branch that is divided into two separate bodies that include the House of Representatives and the Senate, both elected by the people. The primary responsibility of the bicameral Congress is lawmaking, representation , and was created not only to serve the constituent’s views and interests of the state or district but the nation as a whole. Although the closures of military bases are not in the best interest of the districts and states that will lose their jobs and local spending, it is of interest to the nation to minimize defense spending and redirect the money to programs that will benefit national security. As a Senator in a small state with a large naval base, to fulfill the representation function for the people, in this case, would be to act as a trustee for the interest of the entire society and country as a whole even though such agreement can cost constituents economic loss. As a legislator, I would use my best judgment and vote for the president’s reform package for the interests of the national needs, rather than the constituents. After being introduced to the president’s program, I will exercise my independent judgment and evaluate all aspects of the package. As a representative that represents the desires and demands of the constituents, I would spend my time explaining the meaning of the package to those that may be affected by the closure of the bases and hear them out. I would then communicate my beliefs to those around me in the legislative branch, committees, and the local district government. I will spend my time educating those affected by it and why it would be beneficial in the long run. I would also explain that I chose the national interest instead because the military bases no longer serve any vital purpose and why keep something if it doesn’t? At the end of the day, it would only be a short-term economic loss, not permanent. After all, the national interest and security are important because it protects all U.S. citizens across all the states. I would

explain to them that military bases have caused social and environmental issues, like pollution and health hazards. In addition, an important factor would be to help guide and propose alternatives for them. I would act as a trustee . The role of a trustee is to make difficult decisions by making their best judgment that will financially impact the nation , not just what the state constituents ask for like a delegate. Trustees must view resolutions with an economical lens. For example, according to the textbook in 2011, the US Congress approved a trade agreement with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea at the cost of people losing jobs (Bardes, Shelley, Schmidt 291). Although this trade agreement was a hard decision and didn’t favor the constituents, it had to be done to improve the economy. On the other hand, the role of a delegate is to hear out the best interests of the majority of the state constituents that elected them to be in office and do exactly that. Being a trustee still means that I should represent my people and if what the constituents are asking for makes more sense then I would go with that decision. In this case, it doesn’t. I would encourage the constituents to look at the bigger picture and realize that it’s only short term and it will be beneficial in the long run, as well as encouraging them and guiding them in the right direction. If the president was in the same party as me, then I would expect to act in accordance with his interests. After all, being in the same party as the president, you may have the same goals and beliefs. If he was in the opposite party, then it is believed that my party would decide the interest and it may put some pressure on the decision. Although you are expected to be truthful and abide by your party as a Senator, it may not make much of a difference but there is a chance it will not be supported if the president wasn’t from my party. When it comes to Seniority in deciding how to vote Congress looks at the ranking committee member (most senior member) to acknowledge the experience they have encountered throughout their time in government. The seniority system is not a legal process; however, it is based on tradition. This allows the system to appoint new leaders in positions of power within Congress based on seniority. This can be problematic because it can limit change and progression in Congress. According to the readings in 1995, the Republican Party passed a rule that will limit the term of a chairperson to six years (Bardes, Shelley, Schmidt

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