Unit 2 - Interaction Among the Branches of Government (BARRON'S REVIEW)

Bicameral

Referring to a legislative body that has two separate chambers or houses, such as the U.S. Congress.

Bully pulpit

A term used to describe the president's unique ability to influence and persuade the public and Congress.

Cloture

A procedure used in the Senate to end a filibuster, requiring a three-fifths majority vote to limit further debate on a bill.

Committee of the Whole

A procedure in which all members of the House of Representatives sit as a single committee, allowing for more informal debate.

Compliance Monitoring

The process by which government agencies ensure adherence to laws and regulations, often involving inspections and audits.

Congressional Oversight

The review and supervision of federal agencies and policies by Congress to ensure accountability.

Delegate

A member of Congress who represents the interests and preferences of their constituents.

Discharge petition

A legislative device used to bring a bill out of committee and to the floor for a vote.

Discretionary spending

Government spending that is not mandated by existing laws and can be adjusted by Congress.

Divided government

A situation in which one political party controls the presidency and another party controls one or both houses of Congress.

Entitlement

A government program that guarantees benefits to certain groups, funded by mandatory spending.

Enumerated power

Powers specifically granted to Congress by the Constitution.

Executive order

A directive issued by the President to manage government operations with the force of law.

Filibuster

A procedural tactic used to prolong debate and delay a vote on a bill in the Senate.

Formal power

Authority granted to a government official through the Constitution or statutory law.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one political party.

Gridlock

A stalemate in the legislative process, often due to divided government or conflicting interests.

Hold

The process of maintaining a legislative proposal in a committee without a vote.

Implied power

The authority of Congress to enact laws not explicitly outlined in the Constitution.

Informal power

Influence that arises from practices and relationships within Congress and the executive branch.

Judicial activism

A philosophy advocating for the judiciary to actively interpret laws and the Constitution.

Judicial restraint

A philosophy encouraging the judiciary to limit its power and respect legislative authority.

Lame duck

An official or group remaining in office after losing an election, often with diminished power.

Logrolling

A practice where legislators agree to support each other's proposed legislation.

Mandatory spending

Government expenditures required by existing law, including Social Security and Medicare.

Mark-up

The process of reviewing and amending proposed legislation in congressional committees.

Necessary and Proper clause

A constitutional provision granting Congress power to make all laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers.

One person, one vote

The principle that ensures each individual's vote carries equal weight in elections.

Partisan voting

The tendency of legislators to align their votes with their political party's stance.

Pocket veto

A special veto that occurs when the president takes no action on a bill while Congress is adjourned.

Polarization

The ideological divide between political parties that can hinder legislative progress.

Policy agenda

The set of issues prioritized for action by policymakers.

Politico

A model of political representation where officials consider constituents' opinions while exercising their judgment.

Pork-barrel legislation

The practice of including specific projects or funding in a bill that benefits a particular district.

Precedent

A legal principle established in a previous case used as a basis for decisions in subsequent cases.

Redistricting

The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries to reflect population changes.

Rider Amendment

A provision added to a bill that is often unrelated to the main topic of legislation.

Rules committee

A committee in the House responsible for determining rules under which legislation is considered.

Signing statement

A written declaration by the President outlining their interpretation of a bill when signing it into law.

Stare decisis

The legal principle of adhering to precedent in judicial decisions.

Trustee

A member of Congress who acts according to their own judgment rather than following constituents' preferences.

Unanimous consent

An agreement by all members in a legislative body to approve a proposal without a formal vote.

Veto

The constitutional power of the president to reject a bill passed by Congress.

Whips

Party leaders in Congress responsible for mobilizing votes and ensuring party discipline.

White House staff

Individuals who assist the president in policy development, communication, and administration.