Answer to Question 1
An ideal response will:
1. Outline the leadership structures in both chambers, summarizing the main responsibilities of the Speaker of the House and the majority leaders in each chamber.
2. Explain that the sheer number of House members, who are elected every two years, necessitates stronger leadership and control to maintain order and to accomplish legislative goals.
Answer to Question 2
An ideal response will:
1. The desire for democracy rose substantially in the Middle East during the Arab Spring. In Egypt, for example, between 2007 and 2011, the percentage of citizens favoring democracy over a strong leader went from 50 to 64 percent. Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi's power grab in late 2012 led to violent protests in Cairo.
2. A Pew poll in 2010 found most citizens of the world preferring democracy to strong leaders. This preference was strongest in Western European countries, where the numbers of those preferring democratic government ranged from 78 to 82 percent.
3. Democracy can be frustrating when citizens perceive that action is required. Such feelings are intensified during times of war and economic stress. Gridlock intensifies this frustration. This translates into feelings that stronger leadership is needed, even at the cost of a loss of democracy.
4. Despite Americans' frustration with Congress, however, it is likely that America, which has its roots in Western European philosophy and culture, would poll in the same range as Western Europeans in their preference for legislative rule over a stronger, and perhaps more dictatorial, executive.
5. An endorsement of this perspective came, arguably, via the reelection of Barack Obama
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