AP GOV unit 2

iron triangles

The relationship between Congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups where each helps and influences the others: Congress funds/agrees with agencies; agencies implement policies interest groups want; interest groups give information and support to Congress.

enumerated powers

Powers explicitly listed in the Constitution (ex: Congress declaring war, coining money, regulating interstate commerce).

implied powers

Powers not listed but necessary to carry out enumerated powers (ex: creating a national bank, regulating air travel, establishing IRS).

bureaucracy

Executive branch agencies that implement and enforce laws; they have rule-making authority, discretionary power, and can issue regulations.

judicial branch

The branch that interprets laws and uses judicial review to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.

legislative branch

Creates laws; House: initiates revenue bills, impeaches officials; Senate: confirms appointments, ratifies treaties, holds impeachment trials.

executive branch

Enforces laws; includes president’s powers such as commander-in-chief, veto, appointments, and managing the bureaucracy.

discharge petition

A petition in the House that forces a bill out of committee and onto the floor with 218 signatures.

mandatory spending

Required, automatic government spending (ex: Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid).

discretionary spending

Spending Congress can change yearly through appropriations (ex: education, defense, environmental programs).

pork-barrel legislation

Funding local projects to benefit a representative’s district to gain voter support.

appropriation bill

A bill that approves government spending and allocates money to federal programs.

logrolling

When members of Congress agree to vote for each other’s bills to ensure passage.

baker v carr

Case that established “one person, one vote” and allowed federal courts to hear redistricting cases.

shaw v reno

Case that banned racial gerrymandering and said race cannot be the primary factor in drawing districts.

marbury v madison

Case that established judicial review, giving the Supreme Court power to strike down unconstitutional laws.

trustee role

When a representative votes based on their own judgment, even if constituents disagree.

delegate role

When a representative votes exactly as their constituents want.

politico role

A mix of trustee and delegate roles depending on the issue and political situation.

cabinet

Heads of executive departments who advise the president; they help carry out laws and oversee major federal agencies.

federalist no. 70

Hamilton argues for a single, energetic executive to ensure accountability and effective action.

federalist no. 78

Discusses judicial review and argues for judicial independence and life tenure for judges.

formal powers of president

Constitutional powers such as veto, commander-in-chief, making treaties, appointing officials, pardons.

informal powers of president

Powers gained through practice, such as executive orders, bargaining and persuasion, executive agreements, and the bully pulpit.

article 3 of the constitution

Establishes the judicial branch, the Supreme Court, and defines its jurisdiction.

14th amendment

Provides equal protection, due process, and citizenship rights; used in many civil rights cases.

judicial activism

When judges interpret the Constitution broadly and are willing to strike down laws or create new policy.

judicial restraint

When judges defer to elected branches and avoid overturning laws unless clearly unconstitutional.

congressional oversight

Congress monitoring the executive branch and bureaucracy through hearings, investigations, and budget control.