AP Gov Content notes

what is the politico model?

A combination of trustee and instructed delegate. Representatives sometimes follow constituents and sometimes use their own judgement

what is the instructed delegate model?

Representatives act as the voice of their constituents and vote according to what the people they represent want

what is a constituent?

A person who lives in the area represented by an elected official

how does the Constitution connect to representation?

The Constitution establishes a representative government in which citizens elect lawmakers to make decisions on their behalf

how can Federalist No. 51 connect to representation?

Madison argues for a government that is powerful enough to govern but also controlled and accountable. This supports the idea of balancing representatives’ independence with accountability to citizens

Trustee model of representation

Representation model where elected officials use their own judgment to make decisions they believe are best, even if constituents disagree.

Politico model of representation

Representation model combining trustee and instructed delegate approaches, where representatives alternate depending on the situation.

Instructed delegate model of representation

Representation model where elected officials act strictly as the voice of their constituents, voting according to public preferences.

Constituent

A person living in the geographic area represented by an elected official.

Constitutional basis of representation

The establishment of a representative republic in which citizens elect lawmakers to make decisions on their behalf.

Federalist No. 51 connection to representation

James Madison's argument for checks and balances, supporting a government that balances representative independence with public accountability.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Federal department responsible for national security, aviation safety, border security, and disaster response.

Department of Transportation (DOT)

Federal department responsible for ensuring national transportation safety and efficiency.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

Federal department providing healthcare, services, and benefits to military veterans.

Federal Election Commission (FEC)

Independent agency that administers and enforces federal campaign finance laws.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

Independent agency that regulates securities markets and protects investors.

Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

Agency created by 1978 civil service reforms that develops and implements federal personnel policies.

Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)

Agency created by 1978 civil service reforms that acts as a watchdog to protect fair employment practices and enforce the merit system.

Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA)

Agency created by 1978 civil service reforms that oversees labor relations between the federal government and unionized workers.