1. Evaluation of Congress: Criticism and Reform
Criticisms:
Unrepresentative
Ineffective
Responsible for expansion of government
Polarized, uncivil and gridlocked
Reform suggestion: Term Limits

2. Unresponsiveness
The charge – Congress is unresponsive to the will of the American people
Members are of the elite
Leaders are not elected by the people
Voters have little to no influence on committee and party leaders
Evaluation
Is this criticism valid? Is it a real problem?
Do institutions exist that counter the tendency and make Congress more responsive?
If a problem, is there a remedy?

3. Ineffectiveness Hyperpluralism argument: Overrepresentation argument:
So many interests compete for Congressional favor that the policies which emerge from Congress are uncoordinated, fragmented, not cohesive and/or incoherent
Overrepresentation argument:
Congress tries to protect the interests of many different types of people; as a result it often creates contradictory policies
Evaluation
Is this criticism valid? Is it a real problem?
If a problem, is there a remedy?

4. Overexpansionism
By trying to be all things to all people Congress keeps creating programs thus continually expanding the role and scope of government.
Evaluation
Is the criticism valid?
Is it a problem?
Is there a solution?

5. Polarization, Lack of Civility and Gridlock
Congress is overpolarized leading to gridlock
Party line voting has increased
Ideological purity has increased
Demonizing the opposition has increased
Compromise is less possible
Evaluation/Solution: If criticism is valid, what can be done?
Routine gathering of representatives in non-political situations
De-emphasizing campaigning and fund-raising
Change in redistricting practices

6. Term Limits
Incumbents who run for reelection are invariably retuned to office
Before 2010 the rate exceeded 95% for the house
Even in 2010 (the anti-incumbent year) the rate was 80%
What arguments can be made that this is bad for the country?
A potential solution is to limit the terms of office that any representative can serve
What arguments can be made in favor?
What arguments can be made against?