AP Government Unit 2 Overview

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the three branches of government and their interactions, focusing specifically on the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, as well as related processes and terms.

Congress

The legislative branch of the U.S. government, consisting of two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Bicameral

A legislative body that has two houses or chambers.

Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly stated in the Constitution that Congress has, such as taxation, military legislation, and declaring war.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Committee

A group of members of Congress who manage the detailed work of drafting, evaluating, and amending proposed legislation.

Filibuster

A tactic used in the Senate to stall legislation by extending debate on a bill.

Cloture

A procedure for ending a debate and taking a vote in the Senate, requiring a two-thirds majority.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to interpret laws and determine their constitutionality.

Bureaucracy

The system of government agencies and departments responsible for implementing federal laws and policies.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one party over another.

Iron Triangle

The relationship between bureaucratic agencies, congressional committees, and interest groups that influences policy-making.

Executive Orders

Directives issued by the president to manage the operations of the federal government.

Legislative Coalitions

Temporary alliances formed among members of Congress to support specific legislation.

Speaker of the House

The presiding officer of the House of Representatives, responsible for maintaining order and overseeing debate.

Majority Leader

The head of the majority party in each house of Congress, responsible for setting the legislative agenda.

Redistricting

The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries, often done every ten years after the census.