Government Federalism and Congress Notes

Flashcards summarizing key concepts of government federalism and congressional processes for exam preparation.

Categorical Grants

Federal funds provided to states for a specific purpose, with strict regulations on usage.

Block Grants

Federal funds given to states with flexibility on how they can be spent.

Unfunded Mandates

Federal requirements imposed on states without providing the necessary funding to implement them.

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between a national (federal) government and state governments.

Separation of Powers

The principle that divides government responsibilities into distinct branches (executive, legislative, judicial) to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.

Checks and Balances

A system where each branch of government has some control over the others to prevent abuse of power.

Enumerated Powers of Congress

Specific powers granted to Congress by the Constitution, such as regulating commerce, declaring war, and levying taxes.

Necessary and Proper Clause

A clause in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution that gives Congress the power to pass laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers.

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both federal and state governments, such as taxation and law enforcement.

Dual Federalism

A system where federal and state governments remain separate, each with its distinct powers.

Cooperative Federalism

A system where federal and state governments work together to solve issues, with overlapping responsibilities.

Devolution

The process of transferring power from the federal government to state and local governments.

Power of the Purse

The ability of Congress to control government spending and taxation.

Partisanship

Strong allegiance to a political party, often leading to unwillingness to compromise.

Coalition-building

The process of forming alliances among different groups or political parties to achieve a common goal.

Divided Government

A situation where the presidency is controlled by one party while at least one house of Congress is controlled by the other party.

Gridlock

A political deadlock where little or no progress is made due to conflicting interests.

Speaker of the House

The presiding officer of the House of Representatives, elected by the majority party.

Majority Leader

Head of the majority party in either the House or Senate, responsible for legislative strategy.

Minority Leader

Head of the minority party in either the House or Senate, serving as the chief spokesperson and strategist.

Majority Whip

Assists the majority leader by ensuring party members vote in line with party policy.

Minority Whip

Assists the minority leader by coordinating party members' votes and strategies.

President of the Senate

The U.S. Vice President who oversees Senate sessions but only votes in case of a tie.

President Pro Tempore

Senior senator from the majority party who presides over the Senate when the Vice President is absent.

Congressional Oversight

The process by which Congress monitors the executive branch and its agencies.

Committee Hearings

Congressional committee meetings that gather information & discuss bills or policies.

Standing Committee

Permanent committee in Congress that handles specific policy areas.

Rules Committee

House committee that sets the terms for debate and amendment of bills.

Select Committee

A temporary congressional committee created for a specific purpose.

Joint Committee

Committee composed of members from the House & Senate to discuss specific issues.

Conference Committee

Committee formed to reconcile differences between House & Senate versions of a bill.

Discharge Petition

Procedure to bring a bill out of committee and onto the floor for a vote if it has been stalled.

Quorum

The minimum number of members needed for a legislative body to conduct official business.

Hold

A tactic by which a senator prevents a bill from coming to the floor.

Filibuster

A prolonged speech in the Senate used to delay or block legislative action.

Cloture

A procedure to end a filibuster, requiring a 60-vote supermajority in the Senate.

Logrolling

The practice of exchanging political favors, such as voting for each other's bills.

Omnibus Bill

A large bill that combines multiple issues into one legislative package.

Riders

Unrelated amendments added to a bill to secure passage.

Pork Barrel Legislation

Government spending designed to benefit a specific district or state.

Earmarks

Funds set aside for specific projects, often benefiting a legislator’s home district.

Reapportionment

The process of reallocating congressional seats among states based on population changes.

Census

A national population count conducted every ten years.

Gerrymandering

The practice of redrawing district lines to benefit a political party.

Redistricting

The redrawing of legislative district boundaries to reflect population shifts.

Cracking

Gerrymandering tactic that spreads party voters across multiple districts.

Packing

Gerrymandering tactic that packs voters of one party into a single district.

Racial Gerrymandering

Redistricting to enhance or weaken the electoral power of a racial or ethnic group.

Baker v Carr (1961)

A Supreme Court case that established the principle of 'one person, one vote.'

Safe Seat

A legislative district consistently won by a particular party or candidate.

Marginal Seat

A competitive district where elections are closely contested.

Political Polarization

The increasing ideological divide between political parties.

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals develop their political beliefs and values.

Political Party

An organization that seeks to influence government by electing its members to office.

Direct Primary

A primary election in which voters directly select candidates for an upcoming general election.

Closed Primary

A primary election in which only registered party members can vote.

Open Primary

A primary election in which any registered voter can participate.

Interest Group

An organization that seeks access and influence public policy on specific issues.

Lobbying

The act of attempting to influence government decisions by meeting with officials and legislators.

Horserace Journalism

Media coverage that focuses on political campaign strategies & polling over policy issues.

Iron Triangle

A close relationship between a congressional committee, an interest group, and a bureaucratic agency that influences policy decisions.