AP Government and Politics Unit 2 Review

bicameral legislature

a law-making body with two chambers (House + Senate), designed for checks and balances.

incumbency advantage

the high likelihood that the current officeholders win reelection due to name recognition, fundraising, and constituent services. 

constituents

the people represented by an elected official.

filibuster

a Senate tactic allowing unlimited debate to delay or block a vote.

cloture

a Senate vote (60 members) to end a filibuster.

the Rules Committee

a House committee that sets debate rules and amendment limits for bills.

gerrymandering 

drawing district lines to favor a political party or group

reapportionment

redistributing House seats among states after the census.

redistricting 

redrawing congressional district boundaries within states. 

divided government

when different political parties control the presidency, House, or Senate. 

lame duck 

an outgoing elected official with reduced influence after a successor is elected

veto

the president’s power to reject a bill passed by Congress

pocket veto

when the president lets a bill die by taking no action for 10 days while Congress is adjourned

executive order

a directive from the president that carries the force of law.

treaty

a formal agreement with another nation that requires Senate approval. 

War Powers Resolution (1973)

A law limiting presidential use of the military; requires notifying Congress within 48 hours and withdrawal in 60 days unless authorized. 

trustee relationship

when a representative votes based on their own judgement, not just constituents’ wishes. 

judicial activism

the belief that courts should interpret the Constitution boldly and can shape policy. 

judicial restraint

the belief that courts should defer to elected branches and avoid overturning laws. 

bureaucracy

federal agencies that implement and enforce laws.

iron triangle

a stable relationship between a congressional committee, an agency, and an interest group. 

issue network

a broader, more fluid coalition of experts, interests, and agencies around specific policy issues. 

oversight

Congressional monitoring of the executive branch and bureaucracy. 

judicial review

The Supreme Court’s power to declare laws or actions unconstitutional. 

stare decisis

the principle of following precedent in judicial decision-making.  

precedent 

previous court decisions that guide future rulings

James Madison

“Father of the Constitution,” author of Federalist Papers, advocate for checks and balances. 

Alexander Hamilton 

Federalist leader, strong national government advocate, author of Federalist 70. 

George Washington

First president; set key precedents including a two-term tradition.

Richard Nixon

President who resigned during Watergate; central figure in U.S. v. Nixon.

John Marshall

Chief Justice who established judicial review in Marbury v. Madison. 

impeachment proceedings (Johnson, Clinton, Trump)?

The House impeaches (charges), the Senate tries; illustrates checks and balances on the executive. 

Federalist No. 70

Hamilton argues for a single, energetic executive for accountability and decisive leadership. 

Federalist No. 78

Hamilton argues for judicial independence and supports judicial review. 

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Established judicial review.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Allowed federal courts to hear redistring cases; established “one person, one vote.”

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Racial gerrymandering is unconstitutional. 

U.S. v. Nixon (1974)

Executive privilege is not absolute; Nixon had to turn over tapes. 

Rules for debate in the House of Representatives

limited

Rules for debate in the Senate

members can filibuster; debate is prolonged and deliberate (unlimited) 

Executive agreements have been cited as evidence that: 

modern presidents often try to avoid legislative checks and balances on their authority. 

The expansion of the executive branch since 1939 has affected the separation of powers by: 

increasing presidential control over the legislative process

Describe the selection of the caseload for the U.S. Supreme Court: 

The Supreme Court is free to choose the cases it hears with only a few limitations. 

Difference between an appellate court and a district court is that an appellate court: 

reviews previous court decisions 

According to Hamilton in Federalist No. 70, why is a strong executive important?

It provides energy and decisiveness in government.

What are the four ingredients Hamilton identifies as necessary for an energetic executive?

Unity, Duration, Adequate provision for its support (a guaranteed salary), and Competent powers (enough constitutional authority to act).

Why does Hamilton argue against a plural executive (having multiple presidents or an executive council)?

It would lead to infighting, slow decision-making, and weaken accountability. 

How does Hamilton use examples from ancient Rome to support his argument for a strong executive?

He shows how Rome often needed a dictator to protect itself in times of crisis. 

What is the main reason Hamilton believes unity in the executive leads to greater accountability?

A single executive can be held responsible for mistakes, while a group can shift blame. 

How does Hamilton justify the need for secrecy and speed in the executive branch?

The executive must act quickly and confidentially in crises (e.g., military threats or diplomacy) because large groups deliberate slowly and cannot keep sensitive information secure.

Explain how Federalist No. 70 supports the idea of a unitary executive and how this principle has been applied in modern presidencies.

Hamilton argues one executive ensures energy, accountability, and decisive action. Modern presidents use this principle to justify strong control over the bureaucracy, rapid decision-making, and broad use of executive orders.

What is Hamilton's argument against an executive council? What problems does he believe it would create?

A council would cause disagreements, slow decisions, hide responsibility, and weaken accountability because members could blame one another.

How does Hamilton balance the need for a strong executive with the principles of a republican government?

He argues the executive is strong but still limited—checked by elections, impeachment, separation of powers, and the Constitution—preventing tyranny while ensuring effective leadership.

Is the filibuster a Constitutional provision or Senate rule?

Senate rule