AP Gov Unit 2

bicameral legislature

bicameral legislature

Definition: A type of legislative system that consists of two separate chambers or houses, typically known as the upper house and the lower house, which work together to create and pass laws. This structure is designed to provide a system of checks and balances within the legislative process.

filibuster

Definition: A tactic used in legislative bodies to delay or prevent a vote on a proposal by extending debate. It often involves prolonged speechmaking or other forms of obstruction. This strategy can be employed by a minority to influence or block majority decisions, particularly in the U.S. Senate, where it requires a supermajority to end.

marginal districts

one in which a close election takes place, where the winner gets less than 55 percent of the vote

safe districts

one where the margin is at least 60 percent of the vote

conservative coalition

Definition: A mid-20th century U.S. political alliance of conservative groups advocating traditional values, limited government, and free-market policies, influencing Republican strategies in the 1960s and 1970s by uniting social conservatives, fiscal conservatives, and libertarians.

majority leader

Definition: The elected head of the majority party in a legislative body, responsible for scheduling legislation, guiding party strategy, and ensuring party discipline. This leader plays a key role in negotiating with the opposition and advancing the party's agenda.

minority leader

Definition: The head of the party with fewer seats in a legislative body, responsible for coordinating strategy, promoting party unity, and representing the party's interests. This leader often serves as the primary spokesperson for their party, negotiating with the majority party and advocating for their members' concerns.

whip

A party member responsible for ensuring party discipline, counting votes, and mobilizing support for legislation. They communicate party positions and strategies to members, often serving as a liaison between leadership and rank-and-file members. Whips play a crucial role in maintaining party unity and managing the flow of legislative business.

party polarization

the growing divergence of political attitudes to ideological extremes, resulting in an unwillingness to collaborate across party lines and a more contentious political environment.

caucus (congressional)

A meeting of members of a political party in Congress, where they gather to discuss party policies, select candidates for office, and strategize legislative agendas. This gathering allows for collective decision-making and can influence the direction of party initiatives.

standing committees

established committees to consider and refine proposed legislation, conduct hearings, and oversee relevant government functions. They play a crucial role in the legislative process by providing expertise and continuity, often leading to more informed decision-making. Examples include committees on finance, education, and foreign relations.

select committees

These groups are established to conduct detailed examinations of particular subjects, gather evidence, and provide recommendations. They play a crucial role in oversight and can influence legislation by highlighting concerns or areas needing reform. Members typically come from various political parties, ensuring diverse perspectives.

joint committees

Includes members from both houses of congress. These committees facilitate collaboration and streamline legislative processes by combining expertise and resources, allowing for more comprehensive oversight and recommendations on legislation. They play a crucial role in shaping policies and can lead to the creation of joint reports or recommendations.

conference committees

A group formed to reconcile differences between two versions of a bill passed by both chambers of a legislature. These committees consist of members from both the House and Senate, aiming to create a unified piece of legislation. They negotiate and make compromises to address disagreements, often leading to a final report that both chambers can agree upon.

public bill

pertain to matters that affect the general public or classes of citizens

private bill

affects just certain individuals and organizations

simple resolution

addresses matters involving only one house, such as establishing a committee or altering the houses’ rules

concurrent resolution

matters affecting the operations of both houses