gov unit 3

Reapportionment Act of 1929

Fixed the number of Representatives at 435, ending the practice of increasing the size of the House after each census.

Wesberry v. Sanders

This 1964 Supreme Court case established the principle of 'one person, one vote,' requiring that congressional districts within each state have roughly equal populations.

17th Amendment

Established the direct election of US senators by popular vote, replacing the original method of selection by state legislatures.

Filibuster

A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block legislation by extending debate indefinitely; only Senators have this power.

Cloture Vote

A procedure used to end a filibuster, requiring 60 Senators to agree to end debate.

Presidential Succession Act of 1947

Established the order of succession to the presidency beyond the Vice President.

12th Amendment

Modified the Electoral College, requiring separate votes for President and Vice President.

Gerrymandering

The practice of manipulating district boundaries to favor one political party or group.

Partisan Gerrymandering

A form of gerrymandering that favors a particular political party.

Racial Gerrymandering

A form of gerrymandering that discriminates against racial minorities.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislative system comprised of two houses, specifically the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Chief Executive

The role of the President as the head of the executive branch, responsible for executing laws.

Commander-in-Chief

The role of the President as the head of the armed forces.

Executive Orders

Directives issued by the President to federal agencies and officials, carrying the force of law.

Unique Power of the House of Representatives

To originate revenue bills; given to ensure that the chamber closest to the people has control over taxation.

Unique Power of the Senate

To confirm presidential appointments and ratify treaties; this allows the Senate to check the President's powers.

National Popular Vote Interstate Compact

An alternative to the Electoral College that would award electoral votes to the national popular vote winner.