AP GOV UNIT 2

Standing Committees

Permanent committees in Congress that handle specific areas of legislation, such as finance or foreign relations.

Conference Committees

Temporary committees formed to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill.

Pork Barrel Spending

Government spending that benefits a specific constituency, typically involving funds allocated for projects that enhance the home district of a legislator.

Gerrymandering

The practice of drawing congressional district boundaries to favor one political party over another.

Executive Agreement

An international agreement made by the president that does not require Senate approval, often used for foreign policy.

Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court to declare a law or executive action unconstitutional, established by Marbury v. Madison.

Stare Decisis

The legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent; 'let the decision stand'.

Judicial Activism

A judicial philosophy that advocates for judges to interpret the Constitution broadly and consider the social implications of their decisions.

Judicial Restraint

A judicial philosophy where judges limit their own power, deferring to the elected branches of government unless a law clearly violates the Constitution.

Iron Triangle

A stable, mutually beneficial relationship between a congressional committee, a bureaucratic agency, and an interest group.

Merit System

A system of hiring and promotion based on the ability to perform a job rather than political connections or favoritism.

Bully Pulpit

The president's ability to influence public opinion and communicate directly with the nation to advocate for their agenda.

Mandatory Spending

Government spending that is required by law, including entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare.

Discretionary Spending

Government spending that must be approved by Congress each year, as opposed to mandatory spending.

Trustee Model

A representation theory where elected officials act according to their own judgment and the best interests of their constituents.

Delegate Model

A representation theory where elected officials act strictly according to the wishes of their constituents.

Pocket Veto

A tactic whereby the president can prevent a bill from becoming law by taking no action on it for ten days while Congress is adjourned.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Section of the Constitution granting Congress the authority to create laws required to carry out its enumerated powers.

Stare Decisis

The legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent; 'let the decision stand'.

Importance of Stare Decisis

Stare Decisis ensures stability and predictability in the law, allowing individuals and entities to rely on established legal standards.

Limitations of Stare Decisis

While stare decisis promotes consistency, courts may overturn precedents if deemed outdated or incorrect, especially in landmark cases.

Case Example of Stare Decisis

In the case of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court relied on the precedent of privacy rights established in earlier decisions to support its ruling.

Stare Decisis vs. Judicial Activism

Stare Decisis emphasizes adherence to precedent, while judicial activism allows for broader interpretations of the law, sometimes disregarding existing precedents.

Impact on Legal System

Stare Decisis shapes the evolution of law in the United States, influencing how new cases are approached and decided based on prior rulings.

Stare Decisis in Lower Courts

Lower courts are generally obligated to follow the precedent set by higher courts in their jurisdiction to maintain uniformity in the legal system.