AP Gov - Unit 4 - Legislative Branch

Amendment Process (legislation) - Open vs. Closed

open rules allow amendments to a bill, while closed rules prohibit them

Committee System - Standing

permanent committees handling specific policy areas

Committee System - Select

temporary committees for investigations or special issues

Committee System - Joint

committees with members from both the House and Senate

Committee System - Conference

resolves differences between House and Senate versions of a bill

Committee System - Rules

determines how and when bills are debated in the House

Committee of the Whole

A procedural mechanism in the House that allows for faster debate and amendment of bills with fewer members present

Ways & Means Committee

The House committee responsible for taxation, trade, and revenue-related policies

Appropriations Committee

Allocates funding for government programs and agencies

Judiciary Committee

Oversees judicial appointments, constitutional issues, and legal policy

Congressional Gridlock

When Congress is unable to pass legislation due to political polarization or procedural obstacles

Caucus System

Informal groups of legislators with shared interests or party affiliation that strategize and influence policy

Calendar Assignment of Legislation

Determines the scheduling and order in which bills are considered for debate and voting

Rider Amendments

Unrelated provisions added to bills to secure passage or benefit a particular interest

Legislative Veto

A now-unconstitutional process where Congress could overturn executive actions without the president’s consent

Pocket Veto

When the president indirectly vetoes a bill by not signing it within 10 days while Congress is adjourned

Franking

The privilege allowing members of Congress to send official mail free of postage

Incumbents vs. Challengers (election process) - who has the advantage and why

Incumbents have an advantage due to name recognition, fundraising power, and access to government resources

Single Member Districts (House)

Electoral districts that elect one representative per district to the House

Descriptive Representation in Congress

When legislators physically resemble the demographics of their constituents (e.g., race, gender).

Substantive Representation in Congress

When legislators advocate for constituents’ interests, regardless of personal background

Role of Congressional Staff

Assist with research, drafting legislation, communication, and constituent services

Lobbyists, the relationship between lobbyists and members of Congress, and the impact of lobbyists on the legislative process

Lobbyists advocate for interest groups by influencing lawmakers through funding, research, and policy recommendations

Congressional Budget Office (CBO)

Provides nonpartisan economic and budgetary analysis for Congress

Senate Confirmation Hearings & Senatorial Courtesy

The Senate reviews and votes on presidential appointments, with deference given to a nominee’s home-state senators

Judicial Authority

The power of courts to interpret laws and determine their constitutionality

Role of Congress in the impeachment and removal process

The House impeaches (charges), and the Senate conducts a trial and votes on removal

Congressional Oversight of Executive Agencies

Congress monitors and investigates executive branch actions to ensure accountability

Congressional Investigations

Inquiries conducted by Congress to oversee government operations and expose misconduct

War Powers Act 1973

Limits the president’s ability to deploy troops without congressional approval

Federalist 10

James Madison’s argument that a large republic can control factions and protect minority rights

Federalist 51

Advocates for checks and balances to prevent tyranny within government

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Established the principle of “one person, one vote,” ensuring equal representation in legislative districts

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Ruled that racial gerrymandering must be scrutinized to prevent unconstitutional discrimination