AP Gov Flashcards: Congress & Lawmaking

committee

A group of members of Congress that reviews, debates, and revises bills.

conference committee

A temporary joint committee that reconciles differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.

veto

The power of the President to reject a bill passed by Congress.

pocket veto

When the President does nothing with a bill for 10 days when Congress is adjourned, effectively killing the bill.

majority party

The political party with more than half of the seats in either the House or Senate.

markup process

The process of reviewing and amending a bill in committee.

delegate model

A representation model where legislators vote according to the preferences of their constituents.

trustee model

A representation model where legislators vote based on their own judgment.

filibuster

A tactic used in the Senate to delay a vote by extending debate indefinitely.

gerrymandering

The process of drawing district boundaries to benefit a particular political party or group.

cloture vote

A procedure in the Senate to end debate and force a vote, requiring 60 votes.

mandatory spending

Expenditures that are required by law, such as Social Security and Medicare.

discretionary spending

Expenditures set by Congress through the appropriations process, such as defense and education.

interest groups

Organizations that advocate for specific issues and can influence congressional votes.

pork barrel spending

Government spending for localized projects secured primarily to bring money to a representative's district.

executive orders

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

bully pulpit

The President's use of their platform to persuade the public and influence legislation.

impeachment

The process by which a legislative body formally accuses a government official of wrongdoing.

Necessary and Proper Clause

The clause in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution that gives Congress the power to make laws deemed necessary and proper for executing its enumerated powers.

logrolling

The practice of exchanging favors by reciprocal voting for each other's proposed legislation.