Questions 1. Do the merits of the double-chamber system outweigh the objections? Why should the members of the two chambers be chosen by different methods? Name at least three different methods of selecting representatives. 2. What is the present value of equal representation of the states in the Senate? What legal and practical obstacles are there to changing this system? 3. Look up and explain the following terms which are commonly used in Congress: executive session; morning hour; union calendar; ranking member; filibuster; leave to print; pigeon-holing a bill; pork barrel; rider. 4. What are the practical difficulties which arise when the Senate declines to confirm appointments proposed by the President? 5. Explain the difference between an impeachment and a bill of attainder. 6. The Senate usually exercises more influence than the House in matters of lawmaking. Can you give reasons why this should be so? 7. Tell how congressional districts are mapped out. Mark on an outline map the districts in your state. Have any of them been gerrymandered? 8. The chairmanships of committees usually go to senior members. Do you think this a wise or unwise practice? 9. What would be gained, and what would be lost by lengthening to four years the term for which representatives are chosen? 10. Two women, Miss Rankin of Montana and Miss Robertson of Oklahoma, have sat in Congress. What are the arguments for and against electing women in future? 11. Members of the House of Representatives receive salaries of $7500 per year. Is this too much or too little? Give your reasons. 12. Congressmen are entitled to the free use of the mails. (This is called the _franking_ privilege.) Some years ago one senator sent nearly 750,000 copies of his speeches through the mails free. Do you believe this privilege should be withdrawn or retained? 13. Should the rules of the House provide for unlimited debate? 14. Can you suggest any practical way in which the work of Congress might be improved? Topics for Debate 1. The English practice of choosing non-resident representatives is advantageous and should be adopted in the United States. 2. The states should be represented in the Senate according to their respective populations. 3. The provision relating to a reduction in representation, whenever citizens are excluded from voting (see Amendment XIV) should be enforced. CHAPTER XV THE PRESIDENT AND HIS CABINET _The purpose of this chapter is to explain how the President of the United States is chosen, what his powers are, and what functions his cabinet performs._ THE PRESIDENT [Sidenote: The notable Presidents.]