Policymaking and Congress Flashcards

Flashcards about Policymaking and Congress

Gridlock

The inability of the government to act due to partisan conflict or divided government.

Polarization

The growing ideological distance between political parties, leading to more extreme positions.

Sorting

When individuals align their partisanship with their ideological beliefs more consistently.

Nationalization of Politics

The trend of voters focusing more on national political issues and figures than local ones.

Competitive Majorities

Closely divided control in Congress where small shifts in votes or seats can swing majority power.

Legislative Process

The sequence of steps a bill goes through to become law, including introduction, committees, floor debate, and presidential signature.

HRC - Open Rule

Allows any member to propose amendments to a bill.

HRC - Closed Rule

Prohibits any amendments to the bill from the floor, streamlining passage.

Filibuster

A Senate tactic where a senator speaks at length to delay or block legislative action.

Cloture

A vote to end a filibuster; requires 60 votes in the Senate.

Rule 22

The Senate rule that governs cloture and ending debate.

Omnibus Legislation

A single bill that packages together several measures or diverse topics, often to secure broad support.

Budget Reconciliation

A special legislative process allowing certain budget-related bills to pass with a simple majority in the Senate.

Party Unity

Members of a party voting together consistently.

Fear of Primary Challenge

Concern among lawmakers that being too moderate may result in a primary election loss.

Rational Inaction

When politicians deliberately choose not to act due to political risk or strategic reasons.

Centralization of Power

Shifting legislative control toward party leaders or committee chairs, reducing rank-and-file influence.

Power of the Purse

Congress’s constitutional authority to raise and spend money.

Authorization

Legislation that creates programs and sets maximum funding levels.

Sunsets

Provisions in laws that cause them to expire after a set period unless renewed.

Revenues

Money the government collects, mainly from taxes.

Outlays

Money the government spends.

Discretionary Spending

Federal spending that must be approved each year by Congress.

Mandatory Spending

Spending required by law, such as Social Security and Medicare.

Entitlements

Programs that guarantee benefits to individuals who meet eligibility requirements.

National Debt

The total amount the government owes due to past borrowing.

Deficit

The annual shortfall between government revenues and expenditures.

Budget Process

The cycle of planning, approving, and executing the federal budget.

Budget Resolution

A non-binding framework for the budget that guides Congress’s work.

Appropriations

Laws passed by Congress to allocate money to federal agencies and programs.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

Executive branch office that helps the president prepare the budget.

Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Provides auditing, evaluation, and investigative services for Congress.

Congressional Budget Office (CBO)

Provides nonpartisan analysis for economic and budget decisions.

Automatic Continuing Resolutions

Policy to avoid shutdowns by continuing funding at current levels if no new budget is passed.

Budget Sequester

Automatic, across-the-board spending cuts triggered if budget goals aren't met.

Veto Threats

President signals intent to reject legislation, influencing Congress’s actions.

Executive Orders

Directives from the president that manage operations of the federal government.

Signing Statement

President's commentary when signing a bill into law, sometimes suggesting parts won’t be enforced.

State of the Union

Annual presidential address to Congress proposing a legislative agenda.

Bully Pulpit

Using the presidency’s visibility to influence public opinion and pressure Congress.

Going Public

President appeals directly to the public to gain support for policies.

Congress Ceding Authority to POTUS

Congress often defers to the executive branch, especially in emergencies.

Imperial Presidency

Criticism that the presidency has grown too powerful, especially in foreign affairs.

Congress’s Checks on the POTUS

Impeachment, oversight hearings, and veto overrides limit presidential power.

Judicial Appointments

President nominates judges; Senate confirms.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.

Judicial Activism

Philosophy favoring judicial rulings that change public policy.

Judicial Restraint

Judges defer to elected branches unless laws clearly violate the Constitution.

Nuclear Option

Senate rule change allowing confirmation with a simple majority (used for judges).

Bureaucratic Discretion

Agency officials use judgment in interpreting and implementing laws.

Delegating and Rulemaking

Congress gives agencies authority to create regulations under laws.

Administrative Oversight

Routine reviews of executive branch operations.

Investigative Oversight

In-depth probes of suspected wrongdoing or failures.

Fire Alarm Oversight

Citizens or media raise issues, prompting congressional investigation.

Oversight as Spectacle

Political, public hearings designed for media attention.

Effect of Internet on Politics

Enabled faster news cycles and broader public engagement, but also misinformation.

Nationalization of News

Local news replaced by national media focused on political conflict.

Lobbying

Direct interaction with government officials to influence policy.

Revolving Door

Movement between government jobs and lobbying firms.

Gift Rule

Limits on what gifts lawmakers and staff can accept from lobbyists.

Inside Lobbying

Direct engagement with legislators or bureaucrats.

Outside Lobbying

Mobilizing public opinion to influence policymakers.

PACs (Political Action Committees)

Raise money to support candidates.

Leadership PACs

Funded by political leaders to support allies and build influence.

Super PACs

Can raise unlimited money but cannot coordinate with candidates.

Focusing Events

Major events that draw attention to specific issues (e.g., crises).

Identity Politics

Politics shaped by race, gender, class, and geography.

Political Hobbyism

Treating politics as entertainment rather than civic duty.

Our Role in Improving

Engaged citizenship: voting, advocacy, informed discussion.