AP U.S. Government & Politics Unit 2 Flashcards

Flashcards covering interaction among branches of government, congressional leadership, powers, and functions.

How many members serve in the House of Representatives?

435

How long is a term in the House of Representatives?

2 years

How many members serve in the Senate?

100

How long is a term in the Senate?

6 years

What is the main function of standing committees?

Edit/revise/markup bills, hold hearings, conduct congressional oversight, investigate executive branch and bureaucratic agencies

Which chamber initiates all tax and revenue bills?

House of Representatives

What is the power of impeachment?

House of Representatives

Define filibuster.

A long speech to prevent a vote on a bill (Senate)

What vote is required for Cloture?

3/5 vote (60) to end debate/end a filibuster or hold

Define enumerated powers.

Powers specifically listed in the Constitution

What is discretionary spending?

Must be approved annually as part of budget bills

What is mandatory spending?

Required by law, can only be changed by new legislation; includes entitlements and interest on the debt

Define entitlement spending.

Spending on programs/benefits people are entitled to receive by law; Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Who is the President of the Senate?

Vice President of the U.S.; casts tie-breaking vote

Define pork barrel legislation.

Provides tangible benefits, jobs, money to a district

Define logrolling.

Vote-trading; often, but not necessarily, related to pork barrel legislation

Define Reapportionment.

Changing the number of seats each state has in the House of Representatives; following the census

Define Redistricting.

Redrawing congressional districts; done by state legislatures

Define Gerrymandering.

Drawing congressional districts in bizarre shapes usually to benefit a party

What was the outcome of Baker v. Carr (1962)?

Banned malapportionment; established "One person, one vote" principle of equal representation

What was the outcome of Shaw v. Reno (1993)?

Banned racial gerrymandering; held that race-conscious redistricting violates the equal protection clause even if the purpose is to help minorities; held that the Constitution is color blind

Define the trustee model of representation.

Representative votes his/her conscience regardless of what constituents want

Define the delegate model of representation.

Vote how constituents want, even if (s)he personally disagrees

Define the politico model of representation.

Sometimes act as a trustee, sometimes as a delegate

What is a pocket veto?

President takes no action AND session of Congress ends within 10 days of receiving bill. Can't be overridden

What is the bully pulpit?

A position of authority that allows the president to speak out on any issue

What are signing statements?

A written comment issued by president when signing a bill that provides president's interpretation of bill

What are executive orders?

Have the power of law, don't require congressional approval; generally used to direct the bureaucracy and foreign policy

What is judicial review?

The power of the Court to rule on the constitutionality of congressional laws, executive actions, and state laws

Define precedent.

A past decision that influences future decisions

Define stare decisis.

"Let the decision stand." Means to follow precedent

Define judicial activism.

Courts can and should overrule other branches when wrong, should freely use their power to advance societal goals

Define judicial restraint

Courts should defer to democratically elected branches whenever possible

What is the function of cabinet departments?

Major area of responsibility over a broad policy area; broad area of responsibility

What is the function of executive agencies?

Perform public services

What is the function of Independent regulatory commissions?

Make rules regulating specific industries to protect public; more narrow area of responsibility

What is the function of government corporations?

Provide services that could be provided by private companies, but are not profitable

Define political patronage.

Bureaucrats receiving jobs as political favors

What is the civil service?

Merit system promotes professionalism, specialization, and neutrality

Define merit system.

Bureaucrats earn jobs based on merit and/or civil service exam