AP Government & Politics Unit 2: Interactions Among the Branches of Government

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts from Unit 2 of AP Government & Politics regarding interactions among government branches.

Constituency

A body of voters in a specified area who elect a representative to a legislative body.

Filibuster

A tactic used in the US senate to block or stall the passing of a bill.

Cloture

The procedure to end a filibuster; requires 60 votes.

Discharge petition

A tactic used in the house to force a bill onto the house floor for a vote.

Advice and Consent

The constitutional power of the senate to reject or approve of presidential appointments.

Power of the Purse/Appropriations

Congress’s ability to control government spending through levying taxes and creating appropriations (budget).

Discretionary spending

Federal funding set annually by Congress for non-essential programs.

Mandatory spending

Federal spending required by existing laws for entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare.

Entitlement programs

Government programs that provide benefits or services to those who qualify based on disability, age, or income.

Germane Amendments

Proposals that directly relate to the bill on the floor.

Nongermane Amendments

Proposals that do not relate to the bill on the floor.

Budget deficit

Occurs when spending exceeds revenue in a period.

Pork barrel legislation

Allocating government funds to projects that benefit a politician’s constituents rather than the public.

Logrolling

Exchange of support for legislation or issues between politicians.

Gerrymandering

Redrawing of congressional lines to benefit one party in an election.

Redistricting

The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries to reflect population change.

Reapportionment

Redistribution of seats in the House based on population changes.

Divided Government

One party controlling the presidency while another party controls the house and senate.

“Lame duck” president

The president who has been elected out of office and the time period before the new president takes office.

Trustee model

An elected official makes choices based on their own judgment for their constituents.

Delegate model

An elected official acts strictly at the requests of their constituents.

Politico model

Mix of delegate and trustee models; representatives act as delegates or trustees depending on the decision.

Pocket veto

An absolute veto when the POTUS does not sign a bill after Congress adjourns.

Executive order

A declaration made by the president that requires no action by Congress.

Executive agreement

An agreement made by the president without congressional approval.

Signing statement

A quick summary of the president's perspective after signing a bill into law.

Stare decisis

The legal doctrine that requires courts to follow precedents to promote stability.

Certiorari

Order from a higher court to a lower court for case records to review.

Amicus Curiae Brief

A 'friend to the court' who provides information that might influence a court's decision.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to determine if executive and legislative actions are constitutional.

Judicial activism

Judges making decisions based on personal policy views rather than strict laws.

Judicial restraint

Judges limiting their own power to overturn laws unless they clearly violate the constitution.

Issue network

A flexible alliance of officials, groups, and experts around a specific policy to share information.

Iron triangle

A stable, beneficial relationship between government agencies, interest groups, and congressional committees.

Congressional Oversight

Congress's authority to oversee federal agencies' operations and policies.

Delegated Discretionary Authority

The power granted by a legislative body to an executive agency to fill in details of laws.

Compliance Monitoring

The process ensuring entities adhere to federal laws or regulations.