AP Gov Unit 2: Chapter 4

Mr Edwards class vocabulary (because the notes are so long I'm about to cry)

What is Pork Barrel Spending?

The mighty list of federal projects, grants, and contracts available to cities, businesses, colleges, and institutions in a congressional district.

What does Logrolling refer to in Congress?

An arrangement in which two or more members of Congress agree in advance to support each other’s bills.

What are Earmarks?

Provisions in the legislation that direct funds to specific projects or programs, typically at the request of a member of Congress.

What is the function of Oversight in Congress?

The essential function through which legislators determine whether current laws and appropriations are achieving the intended results.

What are Checks and Balances?

Checks the executive branch and the powers one house of Congress holds to limit the other, such as the House impeaching and the Senate trying impeachment cases.

Who are Constituents?

The people who live in a member of Congress’s district or state and whom they represent.

What is Apportionment?

Laws that provide actual funding to federal programs and agencies.

What is Redistricting?

The process of redrawing the boundaries of electoral districts to reflect changes in population and ensure fair representation.

What is Gerrymandering?

Manipulating district lines to favor a party or group.

What is Partisan Gerrymandering?

Drawing of the district boundaries into strange shapes to benefit a political party.

What does Racial and Ethnic Gerrymandering entail?

Drawing districts where race is the dominant factor shaping the map.

What are Majority-minority Districts?

An electoral district, in which the majority of the constituents in the district are racial or ethnic minorities.

What was the outcome of Baker v Carr?

It allowed federal courts to hear redistricting disputes under the Equal Protection Clause, establishing 'one person, one vote.'

What does One Person One Vote mean?

A principle that asserts each individual’s vote should carry equal weight in the electoral process, ensuring fairness and equality.

What is Malapportionment?

The creation of electoral districts with divergent ratios of voters to representatives.

What did Shaw v Reno determine?

That race cannot be the predominant factor in drawing districts; certain racial gerrymanders violate equal protection.

What does Incumbency refer to?

Those already holding office, who usually win congressional elections due to voter familiarity.

What is Incumbency Advantage?

Advantages held by those already in office who are trying to fend off challengers in an election.

What is the role of the Speaker of the House?

The presiding officer and top leader of the House who controls the agenda and key assignments.

What are Political Action Committees?

An organization that raises money for candidates and campaigns.

What 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?

Party members who count votes and rally colleagues to support party positions.

Who is the Minority Leader?

The top leader of the minority party, coordinating strategy and opposition.

What 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 is the Committee System in Congress?

The organizational structure within the U.S. Congress that divides the legislative workload among smaller, specialized groups.

What is a Discharge Petition?

A means of bringing a bill out of committee and to the floor for consideration without a committee report.

What does the House Rules Committee do?

It reviews all bills coming from a House committee before they go to the full House.

What is the Committee of the Whole?

A committee of the House on which all Representatives serve for the consideration of measures from the Union Calendar.

What is a Hold in the Senate?

An informal practice by which a senator informs Senate leadership that he or she does not wish a particular measure or nomination to reach the floor for consideration.

What is a Unanimous Consent Agreement?

Agreement that sets aside a rule of procedure to expedite proceedings on any question or matter before the Senate.

What is a Filibuster?

A Senate tactic to delay or block a vote by extending debate.

What is Cloture?

A Senate procedure requiring 60 votes to end debate and move to a vote.

What is the Office of Management and Budget?

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

What are Entitlement Programs?

Programs that provide 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 by which a government's revenue exceeds its expenditures over a specific period.

What is a Budget Deficit?

When a government or organization spends more money than it earns.

What is National Debt?

The total amount of money a government owes because it has borrowed to cover past budget deficits.

What is Social Insurance Public Policy?

A government program that helps people by providing money or services when they face certain needs.

What does the Delegate Role in Congress entail?

A representation style where a lawmaker votes the way most constituents want, regardless of personal views.

What are Trustees in Congress?

A representation style where a lawmaker votes based on personal judgment about what is best.

What is the Politico Role in Congress?

A hybrid approach where lawmakers switch between trustee and delegate roles depending on the issue.

What is Bipartisanship?

Agreement between the parties to work together in Congress to pass legislation.

What is Gridlock in the political context?

A stalemate where political divisions prevent laws from passing.

What does Divided Government refer to?

When one party controls the presidency and the other controls one or both chambers of Congress.

What is a Lame Duck Period?

A period where presidents near the end of their term have reduced influence.

What is the Affordable Care Act?

A law that helps more people get health insurance and makes healthcare more affordable.