AP GOV: Unit 2

What is a bicameral legislature?

A law-making body with two separate houses (chambers) that must both pass identical versions of a bill.

Why did the Founders choose a bicameral system?

To balance the interests of large and small states (The Great Compromise) and to provide "checks and balances" within the legislative process itself.

How many members are in the House of Representatives?

435 members, with seats apportioned based on state population.

How many members are in the Senate?

100 members, with two senators representing each state equally.

Compare the term lengths of the House and Senate.

House members serve 2-year terms (entire house up for reelection); Senators serve 6-year terms (staggered; 1/3 elected every two years).

What are Enumerated Powers?

Specific powers explicitly listed in the Constitution (Article I, Section 8), such as the power to tax, coin money, and declare war.

What is the "Necessary and Proper" Clause?

Also called the Elastic Clause, it allows Congress to pass laws required to carry out its enumerated powers (the basis for Implied Powers).

Who is the most powerful leader in the House?

The Speaker of the House, who is elected by the majority party and controls the legislative agenda.

What is the role of a "Whip"?

A party leader who acts as an enforcer, ensuring members vote according to the party line and counting potential votes.

Who presides over the Senate?

The Vice President (who only votes to break a tie) or the President pro tempore in the VP's absence.

What is a Standing Committee?

A permanent committee that handles specific policy areas (e.g., Agriculture or Defense) and is the first stop for most bills.

What is the purpose of a Conference Committee?

A temporary joint committee formed to resolve differences when the House and Senate pass different versions of the same bill.

What is a Filibuster?

A tactic used only in the Senate to stall or kill a bill by speaking indefinitely, preventing a vote.

How is a filibuster ended?

Through a Cloture vote, which currently requires 60 senators (3/5) to agree to end debate.

What is the difference between Mandatory and Discretionary spending?

Mandatory is required by law (Social Security, Medicare); Discretionary is what Congress chooses to fund annually (Defense, Education).

What is "Deficit Spending"?

When the government borrows money to cover the gap between what it spends and what it collects in revenue.

Compare the Trustee vs. Delegate models of representation.

A Trustee uses their own judgment to vote; a Delegate votes exactly how their constituents want.

What is a "Politico"?

A representative who acts as a delegate on high-profile issues that constituents care about, but as a trustee on complex or low-profile issues.

What is Gerrymandering?

Drawing congressional district boundaries to favor a specific political party or group.

What was the ruling in Baker v. Carr (1962)?

It established the "one person, one vote" principle, ruling that the Supreme Court can hear cases regarding state redistricting.

What was the ruling in Shaw v. Reno (1993)?

It ruled that while racial representation is important, redistricting based solely on race is unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause.

What are the President’s Formal Powers?

Powers listed in Article II, including the Veto, acting as Commander-in-Chief, and making treaties or executive agreements.

What is a Pocket Veto?

A way for the President to kill a bill by taking no action for 10 days if Congress adjourns during that period.

What is an Executive Order?

A presidential directive to the federal bureaucracy that has the force of law but does not require congressional approval.

What is the "Bully Pulpit"?

The President's unique ability to use their visibility and the media to speak directly to the public and pressure Congress.

How are federal judges appointed?

They are nominated by the President and must be confirmed by a simple majority vote in the Senate.

What is "Judicial Review"?

The power of the courts to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional; established in Marbury v. Madison.

What is the difference between Original and Appellate jurisdiction?

Original means the court hears the case for the first time; Appellate means the court reviews a decision from a lower court.

What is the principle of Stare Decisis?

A Latin term meaning "let the decision stand," referring to the practice of following legal precedents set by previous court rulings.

Compare Judicial Activism vs. Judicial Restraint.

Activism argues that the Court should play a role in shaping social policy; Restraint argues the Court should defer to elected branches unless a law clearly violates the Constitution.

What is the "Iron Triangle"?

The three-way relationship between a Bureaucratic Agency, a Congressional Committee, and an Interest Group that dominates a policy area.

What is "Delegated Discretionary Authority"?

The power Congress gives to bureaucratic agencies to write the specific regulations and rules needed to implement a law.

How does the "Power of the Purse" act as a check on the Bureaucracy?

Congress can influence agencies by increasing or decreasing their funding during the budget process.

What was the Pendleton Civil Service Act (1883)?

A law that ended the "spoils system" (patronage) and created a merit-based system for hiring federal employees based on exams and experience.

What is the incumbency advantage?

An electoral edge held by current officeholders due to name recognition, fundraising ability, franking privileges, and constituent services.

What is the House Rules Committee?

A powerful committee that controls what bills reach the House floor and sets rules for debate, amendments, and timing of legislation.

What is the cloture requirement in the Senate?

A procedure to end a filibuster requiring 60 votes (3/5 of the Senate) to force a final vote on a bill.

What is the War Powers Act?

A law limiting presidential military power by requiring Congress to approve sustained military action after 60–90 days.

What is the Commerce Clause?

A constitutional power allowing Congress to regulate interstate commerce, which has been used to expand federal authority over the economy and civil rights.