AP Government and Politics Chapter 9

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms from Chapter 9 of AP Government and Politics, providing definitions and explanations relevant to the legislative process and structure.

incumbents

Those already holding office, typically winning in congressional elections.

casework

Activities of members of Congress that help constituents as individuals, particularly by cutting through bureaucratic red tape.

pork barrel

Federal projects, grants, and contracts available to state and local governments within a congressional district.

bicameral legislature

A legislature divided into two houses, such as the U.S. Congress.

House Rules Committee

The committee in the House of Representatives that reviews most bills before they go to the full House.

filibuster

A strategy unique to the Senate that allows opponents of legislation to use unlimited debate to prevent a vote.

Speaker of the House

An office chosen by the majority party in the House, with both formal and informal powers.

majority leader

The principal partisan ally of the Speaker of the House, responsible for scheduling bills and managing party votes.

whips

Party leaders who work with majority or minority leaders to count votes and influence waverers.

minority leader

The principal leader of the minority party in the House or Senate.

standing committees

Separate subject-matter committees in each house of Congress that handle bills in different policy areas.

joint committees

Committees composed of members from both houses that focus on a few subject-matter areas.

conference committees

Committees formed to reconcile differences in bills passed by the Senate and House.

select committees

Committees appointed for a specific purpose such as investigations.

legislative oversight

Congress's monitoring of the bureaucracy and its implementation of policy.

committee chairs

Influencers of the congressional agenda, responsible for scheduling hearings and managing bills.

seniority system

A rule for selecting committee chairs based on length of service in Congress.

caucus (congressional)

A group of members of Congress sharing an interest or characteristic.

bill

A proposed law that must be submitted by a member of Congress for consideration.

representation in Congress

Members are generally wealthier, whiter, and more male than the average American, affecting their ability to represent constituents.

factors influencing congressional elections

Incumbents usually win due to weak opponents, recognition, funding, and being aligned with their constituents.

differences between House and Senate

The House is larger with more centralized power and discipline, while the Senate has equal power among members and allows filibusters.

influences on congressional decision making

Parties, constituencies, ideologies, and interest groups play key roles in Congressional decisions.

Congress's role as a representative body

Congress is responsive to public demands, balancing between expanding and limiting government scope.