AP Government and Politics Unit 4 Flashcards

Logrolling

Trading of votes on legislation by members of Congress to get their earmarks passed into legislation.

Apportionment

The process of determining the number of representatives for each state using census data.

Redistricting/Gerrymandering

States’ redrawing of boundaries of electoral districts following each census.

Majority-Minority District

A district in which a racial minority group or groups comprise a majority of the district's total population.

Malapportionment

The uneven distribution of the population among legislative districts.

Whip

• Party unity and discipline.

Discharge Petition

A motion filed by a member of Congress to move a bill out of committee and onto the floor of the HOR for a vote.

Mandatory Spending vs. Discretionary Spending

Mandatory Spending

• Social Security

• Medicare

• Medicaid

Discretionary Spending

• Defense

• Education

• Transportation

Delegate Role

• Constituents’ wishes.

Trustee Role

• Making decisions based on their knowledge and judgement.

Politico Role

• Trustees or delegates.

Bi(+)partisanship

• Agreement between the parties.

Gridlock

A slowdown in Congress’s ability to legislate and overcome divisions.

Lame Duck Period

Period at the end of a presidential term when Congress may block presidential initiatives and nominees.

Civil Society

• Outside the government.

Economic Interests Group 

• Financial Interests

Public Interest Groups

• Collective interests.

Lobbying

The practice of individuals or groups attempting to influence government decisions, particularly the legislative process, through direct communication with lawmakers or by influencing public opinion to encourage action on specific issue.

Amicus Curiae Brief 

A written submission to a court by a person or organization not directly involved in a case, offering information, expertise, or insight to assist the court in its decision-making. 

Civil Disobedience

Intentionally breaking a law to call attention to an injustice.