Unit 2 Ap Gov

These flashcards cover critical vocabulary and concepts related to government, congressional powers, the law-making process, and the roles of the branches of government.

Bicameral legislature

A legislature with two chambers, specifically the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Enumerated powers

Powers explicitly granted to Congress by the Constitution, including taxation, declaring war, and regulating commerce.

Implied powers

Powers that are not explicitly stated but are inferred from the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Standing Committees

Permanent committees in Congress responsible for specific policy areas.

Select Committees

Temporary committees created to address specific issues in Congress.

Impeachment

The process by which the House of Representatives brings charges against an official, and the Senate conducts the trial.

Checks and Balances

The system that ensures no branch of government exceeds its power; legislative can override vetoes, executive can veto laws, and judicial can declare laws unconstitutional.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to review laws and executive actions to determine their constitutionality.

Executive Orders

Directives issued by the President to manage the operations of the federal government.

Original jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear a case for the first time.

Writ of certiorari

The process a higher court uses to select cases to be heard.

Chief Executive

The role of the President in enforcing federal laws and managing executive departments.

Commander-in-Chief

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

Majority whip

A member of Congress who aids the party leader in managing the party's legislative program.