AP GOV unit 2

Bicameral Legislature

A legislature with two separate chambers, as seen in Congress, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically listed in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution, including federal funding and foreign policy.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but necessary to carry out the enumerated powers, justified by the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Speaker of the House

The leader of the House of Representatives, chosen by members of the House and typically from the majority party.

Committee of the Whole

A procedural move in the House that relaxes debate rules to allow for quicker consideration of amendments.

Filibuster

A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block legislation by extending debate.

Cloture Rule

A procedure to end a filibuster, requiring a two-thirds vote (60 senators) to bring a bill to a vote.

Rider

An additional provision added to a bill that may not be related to the main topic, often aimed at benefiting a representative's agenda.

Pork Barrel Spending

Government spending that benefits a specific location, often used to win votes or support for legislation.

Gerrymandering

The practice of drawing congressional districts in a way that gives one political party an advantage over others.

Joint Committee

A committee composed of members from both the House and Senate, typically focused on specific issues.

Judicial Activism

The judicial philosophy that the court should actively interpret the Constitution to promote social change.

Judicial Restraint

The judicial philosophy that judges should limit their own power by adhering closely to the Constitution as written.

Iron Triangle

The relationship among bureaucratic agencies, congressional committees, and interest groups that influences policy-making.

Administrative Discretion

The ability of bureaucrats to make choices concerning the best way to implement laws.

Significant Power of the Speaker

Controls debate and committee assignments; recognized as a leader in the House of Representatives.

Bureaucratic Accountability

The mechanisms in place to hold bureaucratic agencies responsible for their actions and decisions.

Census

A population count that occurs every ten years, used to apportion representatives among the states.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Allows Congress to make laws required to exercise its enumerated powers, sometimes called the Elastic Clause.

Marbury v. Madison

The landmark case that established the principle of judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional.