AP US Gov Unit 2, Waples Ch. 4 Terms

Apportionment

The process of distributing seats in the House of Representatives among the states based on population, as determined by the U.S. Census every ten years.

Cloture

A procedure used in the Senate to end a filibuster and bring a bill to a vote; requires a three fifths (60-senator) majority.

Constituency

The people or voters that an elected official represents.

Delegate Role

When members of Congress vote according to the preferences of their constituents, even if it conflicts with their own views.

Discharge Petition

A motion in the House of Representatives to force a bill out of committee and onto the floor for a vote; requires a majority (218) signatures.

Discretionary Spending

Federal spending that must be approved annually by Congress through the appropriations process (e.g., defense, education).

Divided Government

When one political party controls the presidency and another controls one or both chambers of Congress.

Entitlement Program

A government program that provides benefits to individuals who meet certain eligibility requirements (e.g., Social Security, Medicare).

Filibuster

A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block legislation by extending debate indefinitely.

Gerrymandering

Drawing congressional district boundaries to benefit a particular political party or group.

Gridlock

A situation where little or no legislative progress occurs because of political divisions or partisan conflict.

House Rules Committee

The committee that sets the terms for debate and amendment on bills coming to the House floor; it controls the legislative agenda.

Incumbency Advantage

The electoral edge enjoyed by current officeholders due to name recognition, access to campaign funds, and established constituent networks.

Logrolling

When lawmakers agree to support each other’s bills or projects to ensure mutual benefit.

Mandatory Spending

Spending required by law on certain programs that cannot be changed easily through the budget process (e.g., entitlement programs, interest on debt).

Oversight

The power of Congress to monitor, review, and supervise the actions of the executive branch and its agencies.

Pork Barrel Spending

The allocation of government funds for local projects designed mainly to please constituents or win votes.

Politico Role

When members of Congress act as delegates on issues important to their constituents and as trustees on issues they deem less public or more complex.

Speaker of the House

The presiding officer and most powerful member of the House of Representatives; elected by the majority party and second in line to the presidency.

Trustee Role

When members of Congress make decisions based on their own judgment and expertise, rather than strictly following constituent opinions.