Unit 2 - AP Government & Politics

Amendment Process

The procedure for changing the Constitution, requiring proposal by 2/3 of Congress or state conventions and ratification by 3/4 of states.

Congressional Powers

Powers granted to Congress by the Constitution, including taxing, regulating commerce, declaring war, and making laws.

Functions of Bureaucracy

Implements laws, creates regulations, enforces policies, and provides public services.

Ratification of the Constitution

The official approval process of the Constitution; requires 9 of 13 states

Foreign Policy Powers of the President

Commander-in-Chief, negotiates treaties.

Foreign Policy Powers of Congress

Declares war, funds military, regulates foreign commerce.

22nd Amendment

Limits the President to two terms in office.

Vetoes

Presidential power to reject a bill passed by Congress; can be overridden by 2/3 vote in both chambers.

National Powers

Coin money, regulate interstate commerce.

State Powers

Education, local governments.

Shared powers

Taxation, law enforcement.

Stare Decisis

Judicial principle of following precedent in court decisions.

Checks and Balances

System that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the others.

Bully Pulpit

President’s use of their public platform to influence public opinion and policy.

Rules Committee

House committee that sets the terms for debate and amendments on a bill.

Federalist 70

Argues for a strong, energetic executive to ensure accountability and protection of liberty

Executive Orders

Directives issued by the President that have the force of law without Congressional approval.

Declaration of Independence

Document declaring the American colonies independent from Britain, outlining grievances and natural rights.

Constitution

Supreme law of the United States establishing government structure, powers, and individual rights.

Shay’s Rebellion

1786-87 uprising of farmers in Massachusetts, highlighting weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Gerrymandering

Manipulation of district boundaries to favor a political party or group.

Shaw v. Reno

1993 case ruling racial gerrymandering unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause.

Iron Triangle

Relationship between Congress, bureaucracy, and interest groups to create policy favorable to all three.

Pork Barrel Spending

Government funds allocated to local projects to benefit constituents and gain political support.

How a Case Gets to the Supreme Court

Case begins in lower courts → appeals courts → Supreme Court grants writ of certiorari → oral arguments → decision.

Article III

Establishes the Judicial Branch, including the Supreme Court and federal courts.

Supreme Court Appointments

President nominates justices; Senate confirms by majority vote.

Checking the Supreme Court

Congress can amend the Constitution, change the number of justices, or pass laws to limit court decisions.

3/5th Compromise

Agreement during the Constitutional Convention counting enslaved people as 3/5 of a person for representation and taxation.

Senate

2 per state, 6-year terms, ratifies treaties, confirms appointments.

House

based on population, 2-year terms, initiates revenue bills.

How Can Congress Check the Bureaucracy?

Oversight hearings, budget control, legislation, and confirmation of key officials.

Mandatory Spending

Required by law (Social Security, Medicare).

Discretionary Spending

Determined through annual budget (Defense, Education).

The Great Compromise

Settled representation disputes: House based on population, Senate equal per state.

Unfunded Mandate

Federal requirement imposed on states without providing funds to implement it.

Block Grants

Federal funds given to states for broad purposes with fewer restrictions.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds for specific purposes with strict rules and requirements.

Federalists

Supported strong central government and Constitution.

Antifederalists

Wanted stronger state governments and Bill of Rights.

Marbury v. Madison

1803 case establishing judicial review, giving Supreme Court power to declare laws unconstitutional.

Federalist 78

Argues for judicial independence and life tenure for federal judges to protect against abuses.

Signing Statement

President’s written comments when signing a bill, sometimes clarifying or challenging aspects.

Pendleton Civil Service Act

1883 law establishing merit-based federal employment, ending the spoils system.

Tenth Amendment

Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states or people.

Judicial Restraint

Courts should defer to elected branches.

Judicial Activism

Courts should actively shape policy and protect rights.

Pluralist

Groups compete for influence.

Participatory

Citizens directly engage in decisions.

Elite

Small group of powerful individuals dominate.

Separation of Powers

Division of government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent abuse of power.

Brutus I

Anti-Federalist essay warning that a strong central government could threaten states’ rights and individual freedoms.