EXP FLASHCARDS

Bicameral Legislature

A legislature with two houses, as established by the Constitution for the United States Congress.

Constituents

Residents in the area from which an official is elected.

Incumbents

Candidates currently holding a seat and running for reelection.

Trustees

Members of the Senate who act on behalf of the states.

Delegates

Members of the House who act to directly represent the people's interests.

Apportionment

The distribution of seats among the 50 states within Congress.

Redistricting

The highly political process of redrawing the boundaries of congressional districts.

Gerrymandering

Manipulation of electoral districts to serve the interests of a particular group.

Descriptive Representation

When representatives share similar backgrounds with their constituents.

Substantive Representation

When representatives are accountable to their constituents and work to serve their interests.

Incumbency Advantage

The benefits that incumbents have over challengers in elections.

Standing Committees

Committees that cover particular subject matters and can propose legislation.

Select Committees

Committees that take up issues outside the jurisdiction of existing committees.

Joint Committees

Committees that hold hearings on economic and financial issues.

Conference Committees

Committees that reconcile differences in legislation passed by the House and Senate.

Filibuster

A tactic to prevent action on legislation by extending debate.

Cloture

A procedure used to end debate with the agreement of 3/5 of senators.

Pocket Veto

A presidential veto automatically triggered if a bill is not signed within ten days.

Expressed Powers

The powers specifically established by the Constitution.

Delegated Powers

Powers assigned to the executive branch from another branch of government.

Implied Powers

Powers derived from the necessary and proper clause of the Constitution.

Inherent Powers

Powers claimed by the president not explicitly stated in the Constitution.

Judicial Review

The power of the judiciary to examine legislative and executive actions for constitutionality.

Writ of Certiorari

An order to a lower court to deliver records of a case for review by a higher court.

Majority Leader

The leader in the Senate who oversees legislative priorities for the majority party.

Speaker of the House of Representatives

The presiding officer of the House, overseeing its operations.

Whips

Party leaders who help to build support for legislation and manage party votes.

Bills

Proposed laws that are sponsored by a member of Congress.

Resolutions

Formal expressions of opinion or decisions by Congress.

Concurrent Resolutions

Resolutions considered and agreed to by both chambers of Congress.

Joint Resolutions

Legislative measures similar to bills but may address specific issues.

Regular Order

The standard procedure followed in Congress for lawmaking.

Rules Committee

A committee that sets the rules for debate and amendments on legislation in the House.

Floor Debate

The stage in the legislative process where a bill is discussed and debated by the full chamber.

Supreme Court

The highest court in the United States, with original and appellate jurisdiction.

Judicial Expansion

The broadening role of the federal judiciary through significant changes in judicial policy.

Opinion Writing

The process where justices draft their decisions on cases heard.

Confirmation Power

The Senate's authority to approve presidential appointments.

Impeachment Power

Congress's power to formally charge a federal official with misconduct.

Public Opinion

The attitudes and beliefs of the general public towards government actions.

Political Questions

Issues that the courts may refuse to decide because they are deemed inappropriate for judicial resolution.

Roll-call Votes

Votes in which each member's individual vote is recorded.

Legislative Agenda

The set of issues that a legislative body prioritizes for consideration.

Caucuses

Groups within Congress that meet to discuss and coordinate issues of common interest.

Clerk of the House/Senate

The official responsible for maintaining the records and proceedings of the legislative chamber.

Case Act

A law governing the reporting of international treaties and executive agreements.

Majority Vote

More than half of the votes cast; required for a bill to pass in Congress.

Each of these votes

Refers to the method by which legislators communicate their stance on proposed legislation.

Law of Supply and Demand

A fundamental economic principle that describes the relationship between supply, demand, and pricing.

Supremacy Clause

The clause in the Constitution that establishes federal law as the highest authority over state laws.

Bureaucracy

A form of organization that implements and enforces laws, and makes rules. 

Mission statements, specialized expertise, and hierarchical structures

What are some characteristics of bureaucracy?

To promote public welfare, provide services, promote national security, and maintain a strong economy

What are the goals of bureaucracies?

Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1883

Created a hiring system for bureaucracy based on merit

Incumbent

Candidates currently holding a seat and running for reelection

Apportionment

The distribution of seats among the 50 states

Redistricting

Controlled by the legislature and is a highly political process to create an advantage

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral districts to serve the interests of a particular group

Military powers

Commander in Chief, Head of Intelligence network and deploy troops in a national emergency

Judicial powers

Nominate federal judges and grant pardons, reprieves, and amnesty

Diplomatic powers

Act as head of state, make treaties, and recognize other nations

Legislative powers

Veto bills passed by Congress and address the Congress annually

Executive powers

Act as head of government, see all laws are faithfully executed, and nominate heads of agencies and offices