ap gov unit 2 review

Enumerated Powers

Specific powers granted to Congress as outlined in the Constitution.

Bicameral

A legislative body composed of two chambers, the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Allows Congress to pass laws that are necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers.

Gerrymandering

The process of drawing district boundaries to favor a particular political party.

Power of the Purse

The ability of Congress to control government spending and allocation of funds.

Filibuster

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

Cloture

A procedure to end a filibuster in the Senate, requiring a two-thirds majority vote.

Trustee Model of Representation

A model where representatives are trusted to make decisions in the best interest of their constituents.

Delegate Model of Representation

A model where representatives directly listen to and carry out the wishes of their constituents.

Politico Model of Representation

A model that combines elements of the trustee and delegate models depending on the context.

Lame Duck

A president or official in their final term who is unable to successfully influence legislation.

Pocket Veto

A special veto exercised by the president by not signing a bill within 10 days while Congress is adjourned.

Bully Pulpit

The president's ability to use their platform to influence public opinion and set the agenda.

Executive Agreement

An international agreement made by the president without the need for Senate approval.

Imperial Presidency

A critical term describing a president who acts with excessive power, akin to a monarchy.

Line Item Veto

The power of the president to reject individual provisions of a bill (found unconstitutional).

Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court to declare laws or actions unconstitutional.

Judicial Activism

A judicial philosophy that advocates for the protection of individual rights, even if not explicitly mentioned in the Constitution.

Judicial Restraint

A philosophy that encourages courts to limit their own powers, interpreting the law strictly.

Chief Legislator

The role of the president in guiding and influencing the legislative process.

Federal Budget

The government's plan outlining its expected revenues and expenditures for a fiscal year.

Caucus

A meeting of members of a political party to discuss and make decisions on policy and candidates.

Cabinet

A group of the president’s top advisors, typically the heads of the executive departments.

Speaker of the House

The presiding officer of the House of Representatives, typically chosen from the majority party.

Majority Party

The political party in Congress that holds the most seats in either the House or the Senate.

House Committee

A group that reviews and processes legislation before it is presented to the House for consideration.

Article 1

The part of the Constitution that establishes the legislative branch.

Article 2

The part of the Constitution that establishes the executive branch.

Federal Bureaucracy

Agencies and employees of the executive branch of government responsible for implementing policies.

13th Amendment

Constitutional amendment abolishing slavery.

14th Amendment

Constitutional amendment establishing equal protection under the law.

15th Amendment

Constitutional amendment granting the right to vote regardless of race.

17th Amendment

Constitutional amendment that established direct election of U.S. Senators.

22nd Amendment

Constitutional amendment limiting presidents to two terms in office.

12th Amendment

Constitutional amendment that requires separate votes for president and vice president.

Whips

Party officials in Congress responsible for ensuring party discipline and mobilizing votes.

Earmark

Provisions directing federal funds to specific recipients without normal competitive allocation.

Pork Barrel

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

Log Rolling

The practice of exchanging favors, especially in politics.