study guide 2.1-2.3 ap gov

Partisan Voting

Voting based on party affiliation

Polarization

Extreme ideological division between political parties

Ideology

A set of political beliefs

Compromise

An agreement where each side gives up something

Gridlock

When Congress is unable to pass laws

Cause of Increased Partisanship

Growing ideological differences between parties

Effect of Polarization

Less cooperation and compromise in Congress

Partisan Gridlock

Laws blocked due to party conflict

Divided Government

Different parties control Congress and the presidency

Unified Government

One party controls Congress and the presidency

Effect of Divided Government

Increased conflict and gridlock

Confirmation Process

Senate approval of presidential appointments

Partisan Confirmation

Appointments blocked due to party opposition

Lame Duck President

A president nearing the end of their term

Redistricting

Redrawing congressional district boundaries

Reason for Redistricting

Population changes after the census

Gerrymandering

Drawing districts to favor one political party

Effect of Gerrymandering

Creates safe districts and increases polarization

Safe District

A district dominated by one party

Unequal Representation

Voters have unequal influence

Accountability

Responsibility of representatives to voters

Constituents

The people a representative serves

Electoral Pressure

Fear of losing reelection

Trustee Model

Representatives use their own judgment

Delegate Model

Representatives follow constituent opinions

Politico Model

Mix of trustee and delegate roles

House Responsiveness

More responsive due to 2-year terms

Senate Responsiveness

Less responsive due to longer terms

Effect of Elections on Behavior

Members vote to please voters

Fear of Reelection Loss

Leads to cautious voting