AP GOV UNIT 2

Congressional power of the purse

The authority of Congress to control government spending and taxation.

Implied powers of Congress

Powers not explicitly listed in the Constitution but necessary to carry out enumerated powers, justified by the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Pork barrel legislation

Government spending directed toward local projects to help a legislator’s district, often to gain political support.

Logrolling in Congress

The practice of lawmakers exchanging votes to secure passage of their favored legislation.

Congressional oversight

The power of Congress to monitor and review the executive branch and federal agencies.

Congressional leadership roles

Speaker of the House, Majority and Minority Leaders, Whips, and President Pro Tempore in the Senate.

House and Senate powers difference

The House initiates revenue bills and impeachment charges; the Senate confirms appointments, ratifies treaties, and conducts impeachment trials.

Trustee model of representation

Legislators vote based on their personal judgment rather than constituents’ preferences.

Delegate model of representation

Legislators vote based on their constituents’ desires, regardless of personal views.

Politico model of representation

A hybrid model where legislators act as trustees or delegates depending on the issue.

Presidential budget proposal

The president’s annual budget recommendation to Congress outlining government spending priorities.

Bully pulpit

The president’s ability to use public speeches and media to influence public opinion and Congress.

Executive privilege

The president’s power to withhold information from Congress or the courts for national security or confidentiality.

Signing statements

Statements issued by the president when signing a bill, often indicating how they interpret or intend to enforce it.

Executive orders

Directives issued by the president that have the force of law without congressional approval.

Executive agreements

International agreements made by the president that do not require Senate approval.

Pocket veto

When the president indirectly vetoes a bill by not signing it within 10 days while Congress is adjourned.

Formal and informal presidential powers

Formal powers include vetoes, commander-in-chief authority, and treaty-making; informal powers include executive orders and public persuasion.

Line-item veto

A former power that allowed the president to veto specific parts of a bill, ruled unconstitutional in 1998.

Federalist No. 70

Argues for a strong, energetic executive to ensure government efficiency and accountability.

Judicial review

The Supreme Court's power to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.

Supreme Court justices' life tenure

To ensure judicial independence and protection from political pressures.

Liberal vs. conservative Supreme Court decisions

Liberal decisions favor individual rights and government regulation, while conservative decisions favor limited government and strict constitutional interpretation.

Supreme Court’s constitutional role

To interpret the Constitution and ensure laws align with it.

Supreme Court appellate jurisdiction

The Court’s authority to review decisions from lower courts.

Federal judiciary as the “weakest” branch

Lacks enforcement power and relies on the executive and legislative branches to implement rulings.

Federalist No. 78

Argues for judicial independence, life tenure, and the power of judicial review.

Executive branch implementation of public policy

Through regulations, enforcement, and administration via federal agencies.

Role of the cabinet

Advises the president and oversees executive departments.

Federal agencies

Government organizations that enforce laws and regulations, such as the EPA or FDA.

Independent regulatory commissions

Agencies that enforce regulations independently of political influence (e.g., FCC, SEC).

Government corporations

Businesses owned by the government that provide services (e.g., USPS, Amtrak).

Checks and balances

The system where each branch of government limits the powers of the others.

Federalist No. 51 on separation of powers

James Madison emphasizes the need for separate branches to prevent tyranny.

Issue networks

Looser coalitions of interest groups, media, and policymakers focused on a specific issue.

Iron triangles

The close relationship between congressional committees, bureaucracies, and interest groups that influence policy.

Partisan voting in Senate confirmations

When senators vote along party lines for presidential nominees, especially for judges.

Congress response to Supreme Court rulings

By passing new laws, amending the Constitution, or limiting the Court’s jurisdiction.

Presidents avoiding judicial checks

By refusing to enforce rulings, using executive orders, or appointing sympathetic judges.