unit 2 ap gov

Bicameral

A legislature with two chambers (House of Representatives and Senate).

Bully pulpit

The president’s informal power to use their position to influence public opinion.

Cloture

A Senate vote (60 members) to end a filibuster and move to a final vote.

Committee of the whole

A committee including all House members to debate and amend bills.

Compliance monitoring

Tracking whether laws and policies are being properly implemented.

Congressional oversight

Congress’s power to monitor and investigate executive branch actions.

Delegate

A representative who votes based on constituents’ wishes.

Discharge petition

A petition to force a bill out of committee to the House floor.

Discretionary spending

Government spending decided annually in the budget process.

Divided government

When different political parties control different branches of government.

Entitlement

A government program that guarantees benefits to eligible individuals.

Enumerated power

Powers specifically listed in the Constitution.

Executive order

A directive from the president that has the force of law.

Filibuster

A tactic in the Senate to delay a vote by prolonged debate.

Formal power

Powers explicitly granted by the Constitution or laws.

Gerrymandering

Drawing electoral district lines to benefit a political party.

Gridlock

A situation where the government is unable to act due to conflict.

Reapportionment

Redistributing House seats among states based on population.

Hold

A tactic where a senator delays Senate action on a bill or nomination.

Implied power

Powers not explicitly stated but inferred from the Constitution.

Informal power

Powers not written in law but used to influence decisions.

Judicial activism

Judicial philosophy where courts actively interpret the Constitution to address issues.

Judicial restraint

Judicial philosophy of limiting court intervention in policy decisions.

Lame duck

An elected official nearing the end of their term.

Logrolling

Exchanging support for each other’s legislative proposals.

Mandatory spending

Government spending required by existing laws (e.g., Social Security).

Mark-up

The process where congressional committees revise bills.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Constitutional clause allowing Congress to pass laws needed to carry out powers.

One person, one vote

Principle that each person’s vote should carry equal weight.

Partisan voting

Voting along party lines.

Pocket veto

A veto that occurs when the president takes no action and Congress adjourns.

Polarization

Increasing ideological division between political parties.

Policy agenda

The set of issues the government prioritizes.

Politico

A person deeply involved or interested in politics.

Pork-barrel legislation

Government spending for local projects to benefit constituents.

Precedent

A legal decision that serves as a rule for future cases.

Redistricting

Redrawing district boundaries after reapportionment.

Rider amendment

An unrelated provision added to a bill.

Rules Committee

A House committee that sets rules for debate on bills.

Signing statement

A president’s written comment on a bill when signing it into law.

Stare decisis

The principle of following precedent in court decisions.

Trustee

A representative who uses their own judgment in decision-making.

Unanimous consent

Agreement in the Senate to expedite proceedings without objection.

Veto

The president’s rejection of a bill.

Whips

Party leaders who ensure members vote along party lines.

White House staff

Advisors and aides who assist the president.

Federalist No. 70

Written by Alexander Hamilton, this essay argues for a strong, single executive. Hamilton claims that unity in the presidency ensures energy, accountability, decisiveness, and effectiveness in enforcing laws, especially in times of crisis, compared to a plural executive.

Federalist No. 78

Written by Alexander Hamilton, this essay explains the role of the judiciary. It argues that courts should be independent and have the power of judicial review to declare laws unconstitutional, while also noting the judiciary is the “least dangerous” branch because it lacks control over the military and funding.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

This Supreme Court case addressed unequal legislative districts in Tennessee. The Court ruled that redistricting issues are justiciable under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, meaning federal courts can hear such cases. It led to the principle of “one person, one vote.”

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

This case challenged oddly shaped majority-minority districts in North Carolina. The Supreme Court ruled that racial gerrymandering, even if intended to benefit minority voters, can violate the Equal Protection Clause if race is the predominant factor in drawing district lines without sufficient justification.