unit two study guide for ap us gov boi

bicameral legislature

House of Representatives and Senate

house

435 members, based on population, 2-year terms, initiates revenue bills

senate

100 members, equal representation, 6-year terms, approves treaties and appointments

enumerated powers

Expressly listed in Article I, Section 8 (e.g., tax, spend, regulate commerce, declare war)

implied powers

Derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause

oversight

Congress monitors the executive branch and bureaucracy through hearings and funding

impeachment power of house

impeaches (brings charges)

impeachment power of the senate

Senate tries (removes with 2/3 vote)

checks and balances

• Override presidential vetoes (2/3 vote)

• Confirm appointments/treaties (Senate)

• Control budget

• Create lower courts

formal powers

Veto, commander-in-chief, appointments, pardons, negotiate treaties

informal powers

Executive orders, signing statements, persuasion/media, executive agreements

checks on president

• Congress can override vetoes, impeach, and control funding

• Courts can declare actions unconstitutional

expansion of power 

• National crises, media exposure, and public opinion enhance presidential influence

cabinet and bureacracy

Carry out policy decisions

judical review

Power to declare laws/executive acts unconstitutional (Marbury v. Madison, 1803)

structure of judicial branch

District Courts → Courts of Appeals → Supreme Court

judicial independence

Life tenure; salary protection

checks on judicial

• Congress can change jurisdiction, propose amendments; President appoints judges

the federal bureaucracy agencies

Implement and enforce laws (e.g., EPA, FBI, IRS)

the federal bureaucracy rule making

Agencies draft regulations to execute laws

the federal bureaucracy discretionary authority

Agencies decide how to enforce or interpret laws

the federal bureaucracy oversight

• Congress funds and investigates

• President appoints heads and issues orders

• Courts review regulations for constitutionality

marbury v. madison

1803- Established judicial review

baker v. carr

1962- “One person, one vote” — federal courts can review redistricting

shaw v. reno

1993- Racial gerrymandering violates the Equal Protection Clause

All of the following are congressional checks over bureaucratic agencies

congressional hearings, authorization of funds, senate confirmation of department heads

All of the following are examples of bureaucratic agencies

department of homeland security, department of education, environmental protection agency

The ideology, authority, and influence of bureaucratic agencies flows from

the executive branch

Iron Triangles, also called Issue Networks, describe the relationship between

the bureaucracy interests groups, and congress

The primary functions of executive departments and agencies is all of the following

writing and enforcing regulations, issuing fines for breaching regulations

The only ways to overturn a Supreme Court decision are

another Supreme Court decision or Constitutional Amendment.

The Pendleton Civil Service Act (1883) states that most federal government positions should be given based on

merit and ability

Stare Decisis is the belief that the courts should follow _____ in judicial decision making.

precedent

Lifetime appointments of judges to the Federal Courts is meant to

insulate judges from public opinions

“The interpretation of the laws is the proper and peculiar province of the courts." This quote is from

federalist 78 JUDGE

The role and function of the judicial branch can be found in

Article 3 of the Constitution

The nationally broadcast State of the Union used by the president for agenda setting is an example of

the bully pulpit

 "Energy in the Executive is a leading character in the definition of good government." This quote is from

federalist 70 EXCUTIVE

While Senate confirmation is an important check, lifetime presidential appoints of _____ gives long lasting influences.

federal judgeships

What role do experts from federal bureaucratic agencies play in congressional committees?

they testify and proviode expertise

How do issue networks differ from iron triangles?

they are temporary and can disrupt established iron triangles

The following acts as the primary presidential check against the legislative branch.

vetoing

The "politico" model of representation states that representatives should

act according to their constituency or with autonomy depending on context.

Pork-barrel legislation refers to bills that would bring

extra money for localized spending in a representative's district.

Paying for national defense, foreign aid, education, and transportation is an example of

discretionary spending.

Paying for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is an example of

entitlement spending.

The powers to confirm presidential appointments and ratify foreign treaties is found in

the senate holds this power

The powers of the purse and of impeachment are found in

the house holds this power

The power for senators to speak for any length of time on any topic of their choice is referred to as

the filibuster.

Three-fifths (60%) of the Senate can stop a filibuster and bring a bill to vote by invoking

cloture

Passing a federal budget, raising revenue, coining money, declaring war, and enacting legislation are examples of

enumerated powers of congress.

Which is a significant difference between the House and the Senate regarding their legislative processes?

The House can initiate revenue bills, the Senate can’t

Which committee deals with federal spending and appropriations in the Senate?

Appropriations Committee

What is the primary function of standing committees in Congress?

to debate and draft legislation on persistent issues

Which term describes a situation where no congressional action can be taken due to a lack of consensus

gridlock

How can high presidential approval ratings influence the President's informal power?

They enhance the President's ability to bargain and persuade Congress.

What is the primary purpose of a signing statement?

To interpret and explain how the President intends to execute a new law

Which group of Presidential appointees does not require Senate approval?

white house staff

The Twenty-Second Amendment was passed in response to concerns about what?

the number of presidential terms

What type of jurisdiction does the Supreme Court have?

both original and appellate jurisdiction

Which judicial principle emphasizes strict adherence to precedent and the literal interpretation of the Constitution?

judicial restraint

What role do bureaucratic organizations play when they issue fines?

compliance monitoring

What does the term "delegated discretionary authority" refer to?

bureaucratic agencies' power to create and enforce regulations

Why do bureaucratic agencies have rulemaking authority?

to ensure expert implementation of laws

According to Hamilton, what quality does unity in the executive branch promote?

accountability