Terms for AP GOV

Republicanism

A democratic principle where the will of the people is reflected in government debates and decisions through their elected representatives.

Bicameral Structure

A two-chamber legislative system, consisting of the Senate (representing states equally) and the House of Representatives (representing the population).

Senate

The upper chamber of Congress, with 100 members (two per state), designed to represent states equally.

House of Representatives

The lower chamber of Congress, with 435 members, designed to represent the population proportionally.

Formality of Debate

The rules and structure governing discussions in Congress, which vary between the House and Senate.

Two-Party System

A political system where two major political parties dominate government interactions and decision-making.

Term Lengths

Duration members of Congress hold office; Senators serve six-year terms, House members serve two-year terms.

Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly granted to Congress by the Constitution, such as passing federal budgets and collecting taxes.

Implied Powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but derived from enumerated powers through the necessary and proper clause.

Necessary and Proper Clause

A constitutional provision granting Congress the authority to pass laws required to carry out its enumerated powers.

Federal Budget

A financial plan created by Congress that outlines government spending and revenue collection.

Interstate Commerce

Trade, business, or economic activity conducted between states, regulated by Congress.

Naturalization

The process by which non-citizens become citizens of the United States, determined by laws passed by Congress.

Federal Courts

Courts established by Congress under its constitutional authority to create courts and define their jurisdictions.

Congressional Oversight

The power of Congress to monitor and supervise executive branch activities, including federal agencies.

Continuous Legislative Body

A characteristic of the Senate, where staggered elections ensure that two-thirds of its members remain in office at any given time.

Speaker of the House

Elected by a majority of members; presides over legislative work in the House of Representatives.

Revenue Bills

Must originate in the House of Representatives as per constitutional requirements.

Rules Committee

Sets debate rules for bills in the House, including time limits.

Discharge Petition

A mechanism where a majority of House members can force a bill out of committee for floor debate.

Unanimous Consent

Agreements used in the Senate to streamline debate and bring bills to the floor.

Filibuster

A tactic used by Senators to prolong debate and block a vote on a bill.

Cloture Motion

A procedure requiring 60 votes to end a filibuster and proceed to a vote.

Conference Committees

Formed to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill.

Pork-Barrel Legislation

Funds local projects within larger appropriation bills to benefit specific districts or states.

Logrolling

The practice of combining multiple pieces of legislation into one bill or trading votes between legislators.

Gridlock

A situation where the legislative process is stalled due to disagreements or inability to pass legislation.

Incumbency

Refers to the current holder of an office seeking re-election, enjoying advantages such as name recognition.

Gerrymandering

The practice of manipulating electoral district boundaries to favor one political party or group over another.