Topic_2_Study_Guide

U.S. House of Representatives

The lower chamber of Congress, composed of 435 members elected for 2-year terms.

U.S. Senate

The upper chamber of Congress, composed of 100 members elected for 6-year terms.

Reapportionment

The process of redistributing the number of representatives each state has in the House based on population changes.

Redistricting

The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries, which occurs every ten years following the census.

Gerrymandering

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

Incumbent advantage

The phenomenon where current officeholders have a higher percentage (usually over 90%) of being reelected.

Standing Committee

A permanent committee that meets regularly to consider legislation and oversee its implementation.

Subcommittee

A smaller, specialized committee within a standing committee that focuses on specific issues.

Rules Committee

A committee in the House that determines the rules for debate, amendments, and scheduling of bills.

Conference Committee

A temporary committee composed of members from both houses to reconcile differences in bills passed by the House and Senate.

Pork barrel legislation

Government spending that benefits a specific district or constituency to win votes.

Logrolling

The practice where legislators support each other's pet projects or bills in exchange for their own.

Chief Administrator

The President's role in overseeing the executive branch and implementing federal laws.

Chief Legislator

The President's role in influencing the making of laws and shaping legislative agendas.

Impeachment process

A constitutional process by which a sitting president can be charged with misconduct, leading to potential removal from office.

Chief of State

The President's role as the ceremonial leader and representative of the country.

Commander in Chief

The President's role as the head of the armed forces.

Chief Diplomat

The President's role in directing foreign policy and engaging with other countries.

Writ of Certiorari

A document issued by the Supreme Court to review a lower court's decision.

Judicial review

The power of the courts to examine and invalidate laws or actions that conflict with the Constitution, established by Marbury v. Madison.

Judicial Restraint

The principle that courts should be cautious in overturning laws and defer to the decisions of legislatures.

Judicial Activism

Judicial philosophy that promotes active interpretation of the Constitution and may lead to the expansion of civil rights.

Amicus Curiae Brief

A document filed by a non-litigant with a strong interest in the subject matter, offering information or arguments for the court's consideration.