Consider each of the following features of congress (including some that may no longer apply) and discuss the policy implications of each.

Does each: (a) lead to more or less logical and coherent policies? (b) Lead to more or less representation of various local and parochial interests? (c) make it easier or harder to pass legislation?
• Party voting in congress
• A strong speaker of the House
• A highly specialized committee structure
• Committee reforms that have taken power away from chairs
• Ideological caucuses
• Open meeting of committee
• Large staffs, including those of congress members, those of committee, and staff agencies
• Powerful support for the president in congress
• The filibuster
• The “closed rule”

Which following features?

• Party voting in congress

• A strong speaker of the House
• A highly specialized committee structure
• Committee reforms that have taken power away from chairs
• Ideological caucuses
• Open meeting of committee
• Large staffs, including those of congress members, those of committee, and staff agencies
• Powerful support for the president in congress
• The filibuster
• The “closed rule”

To analyze the policy implications of each feature of Congress listed, we'll consider how they impact logical and coherent policies (a), representation of local and parochial interests (b), and the ease of passing legislation (c).

1. Party Voting in Congress:
a) This feature can lead to more logical and coherent policies if party members share a common ideological or policy agenda. Party discipline can ensure that members vote along party lines, promoting consistency in policy positions.
b) Party voting may lead to less representation of various local and parochial interests, as members are expected to prioritize party goals over purely local concerns.
c) Party voting can make it easier to pass legislation if a party has a majority, as they can effectively coordinate their votes. However, if there is a divided Congress, it can make it more challenging to pass legislation due to partisan gridlock.

2. Strong Speaker of the House:
a) Having a strong Speaker of the House can promote more logical and coherent policies since the Speaker has the power to shape the legislative agenda and prioritize certain issues.
b) It may lead to less representation of diverse local and parochial interests, as the Speaker's preferences and priorities can outweigh those of individual members.
c) A strong Speaker can make it easier to pass legislation, as they exert influence over the legislative process, steer debate, and make decisions on what bills come to the floor for a vote.

3. Highly Specialized Committee Structure:
a) Specialized committees can lead to more logical and coherent policies as they allow for in-depth expertise in specific policy areas.
b) The representation of various local and parochial interests can vary depending on the committee structure. Some committees may more directly consider local interests, while others may focus on broader policy concerns.
c) Highly specialized committees can make it harder to pass legislation if their members have competing agendas, as different committees may have conflicting policy objectives.

4. Committee Reforms That Have Taken Power Away From Chairs:
a) Taking power away from committee chairs can lead to less logical and coherent policies if it disrupts expertise and stability within committees.
b) It may enhance representation of various local and parochial interests by reducing the concentration of power in the hands of a few influential committee chairs and allowing for broader input from committee members.
c) Removing power from chairs can sometimes make it easier to pass legislation if it reduces the influence of individual members who may obstruct or block bills.

5. Ideological Caucuses:
a) Ideological caucuses can lead to more logical and coherent policies if they drive consensus among like-minded members and give them a platform to advance their shared goals.
b) They may reinforce representation of specific ideological interests, potentially neglecting other diverse local and parochial concerns.
c) Ideological caucuses may make it easier or harder to pass legislation depending on their size, cohesion, and influence within Congress. They can either rally support for or obstruct legislation depending on the issue.

6. Open Meeting of Committees:
a) Open committee meetings can contribute to more logical and coherent policies by allowing for transparency, public input, and diverse perspectives.
b) Open meetings can enhance representation of various local and parochial interests by providing an opportunity for stakeholders to present their views directly to committee members.
c) Open committee meetings can make it both easier and harder to pass legislation. While they promote accountability and participatory democracy, they can also invite political grandstanding or obstructionist tactics that impede legislative progress.

7. Large Staffs:
a) Large staffs can contribute to more logical and coherent policies by providing members with expert advice, conducting research, and assisting in crafting legislation.
b) They can enhance the representation of local and parochial interests by supporting members in advocating for their constituents and providing personalized assistance.
c) Large staffs can make it easier to pass legislation by enabling members to handle the complex workload, gather support, and negotiate with other legislators. However, they can also contribute to bureaucracy and inefficiency if not managed effectively.

8. Powerful Support for the President in Congress:
a) Strong presidential support can lead to more logical and coherent policies if there is alignment between the President's agenda and the legislative majority.
b) It may result in less direct representation of local and parochial interests, as members may prioritize the President's priorities over purely local concerns.
c) Powerful support for the President can make it easier to pass legislation, as the President's influence can sway members and provide greater coordination between the executive and legislative branches. However, it may also face opposition and polarization if there are clashes between the President and Congress.

9. The Filibuster:
a) Filibusters can hinder logical and coherent policies by allowing a minority of senators to obstruct legislation and prevent its passage.
b) They may impede representation of various local and parochial interests, as they can prevent bills that align with specific needs or concerns from reaching a vote.
c) Filibusters make it harder to pass legislation as a supermajority (60 votes) is often required to overcome them, leading to increased legislative gridlock and the need for compromise or procedural maneuvers.

10. The "Closed Rule":
a) Closed rules can potentially lead to less logical and coherent policies by restricting debate and limiting opportunities for amendments, reducing the ability to refine and improve legislation through robust discussion.
b) They may hinder the representation of diverse local and parochial interests by limiting the ability of members to propose and advocate for specific changes that reflect their constituents' needs.
c) Closed rules can make it easier to pass legislation by reducing the time allowed for debate and amendment, enabling the majority to exert greater control over the legislative process. However, they can also foster resentment and discontent among minority members and decrease bipartisanship.

Please note that these are general assessments, and the actual outcomes can vary depending on the specific context, dynamics, and individual circumstances within Congress.