The Constitution and its Underpinnings

What is pork barrel spending?

Legislation that directs specific funds to projects within districts or states, often criticized for prioritizing narrow interests over national voters.

What is logrolling in Congress?

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

What are earmarks?

The allocation of money to specific projects in states or congressional districts.

What does oversight refer to in a congressional context?

Efforts by Congress to ensure that executive branch agencies are acting legally and in accordance with congressional goals.

What is meant by constituency?

A body of voters in a given area who elect a representative or senator.

What did the 1842 Apportionment Act mandate?

The establishment of single member districts.

What is apportionment?

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

What is redistricting?

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

What is gerrymandering?

The intentional use of redistricting to benefit a specific interest or group of voters.

What is partisan gerrymandering?

The drawing of district boundaries into strange shapes to benefit a political party.

What is a majority-minority district?

A district in which voters of a minority ethnicity constitute an electoral majority.

What was the decision in Baker v. Carr (1962)?

The Supreme Court decided that it had the authority to review district boundaries created by state legislatures.

What is malapportionment?

The uneven distribution of population among legislative districts.

What does incumbency mean?

Being already in office as opposed to running for the first time.

What is incumbency advantage?

Institutional advantages held by those already in office who are trying to fend off challengers.

What was the outcome of Shaw v. Reno (1993)?

The Supreme Court overturned the race-conscious drawing of a strangely shaped legislative district.

What is the Office of Management and Budget?

The executive branch office that assists the president in setting national spending priorities.

What defines an entitlement program?

A program that provides benefits for those who qualify under the law, regardless of income.

What is mandatory spending?

Spending required by existing laws that is locked in the budget.

What is discretionary spending?

Spending for programs and policies at the discretion of Congress and the president.

What is a budget surplus?

The amount of money remaining when the government takes in more than it spends.

What is a budget deficit?

The annual shortfall when a government takes in less money than it spends.

What is national debt?

The total amount owed by the federal government.

Who is the Speaker of the House?

The leader of the House of Representatives, chosen by an election of its members.

What is a political action committee (PAC)?

An organization that raises money for candidates and campaigns.

Who is the House majority leader?

The person who is the second in command of the House of Representatives.

What is the role of a whip in Congress?

A member of Congress whose job is to ensure party unity and discipline.

What is the minority leader’s role?

The head of the party with the second-highest number of seats in Congress.

Who is the Senate majority leader?

The person who has the most power in the Senate and is the head of the party with the most seats.

What are the 4 types of committees in Congress?

Standing, joint, conference, and select.

What is a discharge petition?

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

What does the House Rules Committee do?

Determines when a bill will be debated, how long the debate will last, and whether amendments will be allowed.

What is the Committee of the Whole?

A meeting of all members of the House that is governed by different rules to consider complex legislation.

What is a hold in the Senate?

A delay placed on legislation by a senator who objects to a bill.

What is a unanimous consent agreement?

An agreement in the Senate that sets the terms for consideration of a bill.

What is a filibuster?

A tactic used by an individual senator to delay action on legislation.

What is cloture?

A procedure to end a filibuster, requiring 60 senators' agreement.

What is a veto?

The power of a president to reject a bill passed by Congress.

What factors influence legislative voting decisions?

Constituents’ interests, members of the political party, and input from congressional staff.

What is the delegate role in Congress?

The idea that the main duty of a congressperson is to carry out constituents' wishes.

What is the trustee role?

The belief that members should make decisions based on their knowledge and judgment.

What is the politico role?

A representation style where Congress balances constituents' interests with party interests.

What is bipartisanship?

Agreement between the parties to cooperate on legislation in Congress.

What is gridlock?

A slowdown or halt in Congress's ability to legislate and overcome divisions.

What is a lame duck period?

The end of a presidency when Congress blocks initiatives.

What are some advantages of being in office?

Performing casework for constituents, bringing money back to districts, and franking privilege.

What are incumbency advantages?

Factors like name recognition, gerrymandering, fundraising, and media access.

What is a rider in legislation?

Something added to a bill that may or may not be relevant.

What is the role of the president pro tempore?

Acts as president of the Senate if the vice president is unable to.

What are ex post facto laws?

Laws that punish someone for a crime that was not illegal when committed; these laws are illegal.

What does habeas corpus protect against?

Unlawful and indefinite imprisonment.

What is meant by advice and consent in the Senate?

The authority of the Senate to ratify treaties and confirm cabinet and judicial appointments.