U.S. Government Structure and Functioning

Flashcards covering key concepts related to the structure and functions of the U.S. government as discussed in lecture notes.

What are the three branches of government?

Legislative, Executive, Judicial.

What is the role of standing committees in Congress?

Members of congress can specialize in a few topics, such as handling impeachment or holding confirmation hearings for presidential nominations.

What is discretionary authority?

When bureaucratic offices have to follow a law but the law is vague so they have to make up their own way of following the lawto implement regulations and policies.

What is the difference between mandatory and discretionary spending?

Mandatory spending is required by existing laws, while discretionary spending is not legally required and depends on annual budget decisions.

What does 'gridlock' mean in the context of Congress?

A situation where Congress is unable to pass laws due to disagreement or political standoff.

What does 'gerrymandering' refer to?

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

What is the significance of Baker v. Carr?

Ruled that federal courts could hear cases on legislative apportionment, leading to the principle of 'one person, one vote'.

Who leads each committee in Congress?

The chairlead is the senior member of the majority party, while the vice chair is the senior member from the minority party.

What is a conference committee?

A temporary committee formed to reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.

What does the 'politico' decision-making model suggest?

Legislators should use their judgment until constituents become vocal about an issue, at which point they should align with public opinion.

What is 'pork barrel spending'?

Government funds allocated for local projects, often criticized as wasteful.

What is the purpose of a cloture motion?

To end debate and force a vote on a legislative measure, typically used to overcome a filibuster.

Who can serve on a standing committee?

Members of Congress, including both Senators and Representatives, are appointed to standing committees.

What is the difference between standing committees and select committees?

Standing committees are permanent and focus on specific legislative areas, while select committees are temporary and address specific issues.

What do standing committees in Congress focus on?

Permanent committees focused on specific areas of legislation.

How do standing committees benefit members of Congress?

They allow members to specialize in a few topics and become experts.

What is one responsibility of standing committees regarding presidential nominees?

Standing committees hold confirmation hearings for presidential nominations.

What significant task can standing committees undertake?

They can handle impeachments.

What are joint committees?

Committees composed of members from both the House and Senate to address specific issues or tasks.

What are the types of committees within Congress?

Conference, Select, Rules, and Standing Committees.

What is discretionary authority in bureaucratic offices?

The ability to interpret and implement laws that are vague, often leading to the development of their own procedures.

What is an example of discretionary authority in action?

The Zero Tolerance Policy and the Flores Agreement, which addressed illegal immigration and conditions for children.

What political situation is described by divided government?

A situation where one political party controls the presidency while another party controls one or both chambers of Congress.

What is a select committee?

A temporary committee that investigates a particular issue or scandal.

What is the purpose of a conference committee?

To reconcile similar bills from the House and Senate into a final draft for approval