AP U.S. Government – Amendments, Checks & Balances, Bureaucracy, Majorities

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing the 27 constitutional amendments, key checks and balances among the branches, bureaucratic concepts, and required voting margins for major governmental actions.

How can the Legislative Branch check the Executive Branch's power to override a presidential veto?

It can override a presidential veto with 1/2 vote in each house of congress.

What form of oversight does the Legislative Branch use on the Executive Branch?

Oversight hearings.

How does the Legislative Branch influence the Executive Branch's budget?

It can reduce/increase the budget proposed by president.

What is the House of Representatives' role in checking the President?

The House of Representatives can impeach (accuse) the president.

What is the Senate's role in the impeachment trial of the president?

The Senate is the jury for the impeachment trial and convicts or acquits the president.

How does the Senate check the Executive Branch's treaty power?

The Senate ratifies treaties by 1/2 majority.

How does the Senate check presidential appointments?

The Senate approves presidential appointments by simple majority vote.

How can the Legislative Branch influence federal courts?

It can change the number and jurisdiction of federal courts.

What is Congress's power regarding lower federal court jurisdiction?

It sets lower federal court jurisdiction.

How can the Legislative Branch influence the Supreme Court specifically?

It can change the number of justices on the Supreme Court.

What is the Senate's role in judicial appointments?

The Senate approves federal judge appointees.

What is the House of Representatives' role in checking a federal judge?

The House of Representatives can impeach (accuse) a federal judge.

What is the Senate's role in the impeachment trial of a federal judge?

The Senate is the jury for the impeachment trial and convicts or quits a federal judge.

How can the Legislative Branch directly influence the Constitution?

It can initiate a constitutional amendment.

What are some ways the Executive Branch checks the Legislative Branch?

The Executive Branch can:

• Veto a bill
• Decide not to enforce a law
• Issue executive orders
• Make executive agreements
• Use the 'bully pulpit' (appealing directly to the people)
• Convene congress

What are some ways the Executive Branch checks the Judicial Branch?

The Executive Branch can:

• Appoint federal judges
• Choose not to enforce a court decision
• Exercise pardon power

How does the Judicial Branch check the Legislative Branch?

Through Judicial review.

How does the Judicial Branch check the Executive Branch?

Through Judicial Review.

What is Bureaucratic Discretion?

Bureaucratic discretion is the power given to agencies by Congress to implement laws using their expert judgement.

What is Bureaucratic Rulemaking?

Bureaucratic rulemaking is the process by which agencies create the regulations necessary to carry out the laws that Congress makes. These regulations have the same effect as laws.

How does the Executive Branch check the Bureaucracy?

The Executive Branch can:

• Appoint and remove agency heads
• Reorganize the bureaucracy (with congressional approval)
• Change an agency's budget
• Adjust policies that would alter the bureaucracy's activities
• Issue executive orders

How does the Legislative Branch check the Bureaucracy?

The Legislative Branch can:

• Pass legislation that alters the bureaucracy's activities
• Abolish existing programs
• Reduce funding to bureaucracy
• Conduct Congressional oversight (hearings requiring bureaucrats to testify)
• Have the Senate approve bureaucrat appointments

How does the Judicial Branch check the Bureaucracy?

Through Judicial Review.

What is the margin required to override a presidential veto?

1/2 majority in the House of Representatives and 1/2 majority in the Senate.

What is the margin required to ratify a treaty?

1/2 majority in the Senate.

What is the margin required to impeach a president?

A simple majority (half plus one) in the House of Representatives.

What is the margin required to convict an impeached president?

1/2 majority in the Senate.

What is the margin required to elevate a president's nominee to a federal court seat?

A simple majority in the Senate.

What is the margin required to elect the president?

A simple majority (270 electoral votes).

What is the margin required to pass a law?

A simple majority in both houses of congress.

What is the margin required to propose a constitutional amendment?

1/2 majority in both houses of congress or if 1/2 of state legislatures request a convention.

What is the margin required to ratify a constitutional amendment?

3/4 of states.