Congress, The Presidency, Bureaucracy, and The Courts

These flashcards cover key concepts related to Congress, the Presidency, the Bureaucracy, and the Courts, as per the provided lecture notes.

What are the key differences in term lengths between the House of Representatives and the Senate?

House members serve 2-year terms while Senators serve 6-year terms.

What unique power does the Senate have regarding presidential appointments?

The Senate alone confirms presidential appointments such as judges, cabinet members, and ambassadors.

What is a filibuster?

A filibuster allows for unlimited debate to block a vote in the Senate and can be ended by cloture, which requires 60 votes.

What are enumerated powers?

Powers explicitly listed in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, including taxation, declaring war, and regulating commerce.

What are implied powers?

Powers derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause that allow Congress to adapt its powers to modern issues.

What are inherent powers?

Powers any sovereign government holds, such as border control and acquiring territory.

What is the Power of the Purse?

The authority of Congress to control federal spending and budgeting.

How are House of Representatives seats apportioned?

House seats are divided among states based on population, determined by a census every 10 years.

What is gerrymandering?

The manipulation of district boundaries to favor a political party or group.

What does descriptive representation mean?

When a representative shares traits with the group they represent, such as race or gender.

Describe the incumbency advantage.

Incumbent members often have very high reelection rates, usually over 90%.

What is the role of the Speaker of the House?

The Speaker is the most powerful member of the House, controlling the agenda and committees.

What roles does the President hold?

The President serves as Commander-in-Chief, Chief of Government, and Chief of State.

What are executive orders?

Instructions issued by the President to the executive branch that do not require Senate approval.

What is the significance of the State of the Union address?

It sets the policy agenda for the President and can influence Congressional actions.

What is the Principal-Agent Game in bureaucratic control?

It describes the relationship where Congress (the principal) tries to control bureaucrats (the agents) who may have different goals.

What is judicial review?

The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional, established in Marbury v. Madison (1803).

What is the process for selecting federal judges?

The President nominates, followed by Senate Judiciary Committee hearings and a Senate confirmation vote.