Skip to main content

Back to the full dot-point answer

EnglandPoliticsQuick questions

Component 3: Comparative Politics (USA)

Quick questions on US Congress: structure, powers and functions - Edexcel A-Level Politics Component 3 (USA)

4short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.

What is the case that Congress is effective?
Show answer
It represents a vast and diverse country, holds the executive to account through committees and confirmation, controls the budget, and can pass landmark legislation when bipartisan (for example major infrastructure or pandemic-relief packages).
What is the case that Congress is ineffective?
Show answer
Partisanship, divided government, the filibuster and gridlock frequently block legislation; gerrymandering and incumbency distort representation; and lobbyists and campaign finance can skew its priorities.
What is q1?
Show answer
Examine the exclusive powers of the US Senate. [12 marks]
What is q2?
Show answer
Evaluate the view that partisanship has made Congress ineffective. [30 marks]

Have a question we have not covered?

This dot-point answer is short enough that we have not extracted many short questions yet. Read the full dot-point answer or ask Mo, our study assistant, in the chat for follow ups.

All PoliticsQ&A pages