AP Government and Politics - Chapter 11 (4)

Chapter 11 Study Guide

Congress

1789 - now

Makes laws, controls spending, and provides checks on the executive branch

Speaker of the House

1789 - now

Leads the House of Reps. and is second in line to the presidency

President of the Senate

1789 - now

The VP presides over the Senate and casts tie-breaking votes

Government Accounting Office

1921 - now

Audits federal spending and ensures accountability in government programs

Congressional Budget Office

1974 - now

Provides Congress with nonpartisan analysis on budget and economic issues

President of the U.S.

1789 - now

Serves as head of state, head of government, and commander in chief of the military

22nd Amendment

1951

Limits the President to two terms in office

25th Amendment

1967

Clarifies presidential succession + procedures for presidential disability

War Powers Act

1973

Limits the president’s ability to commit U.S. forces to combat without congressional approval

National Security Council

1947 - now

Advises the president on national security and foreign policy issues

Council of Economic Advisors

1946 - now

Provides economic advice to the president based on date and analysis

Office of Management and Budget

1970 - now

Prepares the federal budget and oversees the implementation of executive policies

16th Amendment

1913

Gave Congress the power to levy a federal income tax

Social Security

1935 - now

Provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to eligible Americans

Medicare

1965 - now

Federal health insurance program for people over 65 and certain younger disabled individuals

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

1930s - now

Measures the total value of goods and services produced within a country

House Ways and Means Committee

1789 - now

Handles tax legislation and revenue related matters in the House of Reps.

Cabinet Departments

1789 - now

Major administrative units that oversee specific areas of national policy

Federal Reserve Board

1913 - now

Controls U.S. monetary policy including interest rates and money supply

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

1934 - now

Regulates interstate communications by radio, television, and other media.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

1934 - now

Regulates the stock market and protects investors from fraud

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

1914 - now

Promotes consumer protection and prevents anti-competitive business practices

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

1933 - now

Provided electricity, flood control, and economic development in the Tennessee Valley

Title IX

1972 - now

Prohibits sex based discrimination in federally funded education programs

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

1920 - now

Defends individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution

National Association for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

1909 - now

Works to ensure the political educational and social equality of African Americans

Brown v. Board of Education

1954

Declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional

John Marshall

1801 - 1835

As Chief Justice, he strengthened the power of the Supreme Court and federal governments

Warren Court

1953 - 1969

Expanded civil rights and liberties through landmark rulings

Burger Court

1969 - 1986

Known for decisions on abortion rights, school busing, and executive privilege

Baker v. Carr

1962

Established the principle of “one person, one vote” in legislative redistricting

Shaw v. Reno

1993

Ruled that racial gerrymandering violates the Equal Protection Clause

Federalist No. 10

1788

Argues for a strong, energetic executive as essential for good government

Federalist No. 78

1788

Defends the independence of the judiciary and the power of judicial review

Define gridlock

When government can’t pass laws due to political conflict

Who is both the main policy making group & the main representative group in the U.S.?

Congress

Why did the Founders want Congress to be the center of policy-making?

It best represents the people and limits executive power

What are 2 of the attractions of being a member of Congress?

a. Power/Influence

b. Salary/Benefits

How many of each of these in the U.S. Congress?

a. Representatives

b. Senators

a. 435

b. 100

What 2 professions make up the background of most Congress people?

a. Law

b. Business

What are the 2 types of representation in the U.S.? Define each

a. Trustee - vote by judgment

b. Delegate - vote by constitutional wishes

Give any 2 reasons for women being under-represented in Congress

a. Family/Career Conflict

b. Male-dominated

What is an incumbent?

Current officeholder

Name 3 advantages of being an incumbent?

a. Name recognition

b. Access to funds

c. Constituent services

What is franking?

Free mail to constituents

Why is advertising so important to an incumbent?

Build visibility and support

What are the 2 ways incumbents can brag on their achievements? Define each

a. Credit claiming - taking credit for policies

b. Position taking - showing stance on issues

What is the average cost to run a campaign for the following?

a. House of Reps.

b. Senate

a. 1.5 million

b. 10 million

What is the connection between spending and election to office?

More spending → higher chance of winning

When people cast votes, what do 90% base their vote upon?

Party Identification

Name any 3 ideas that could defeat an incumbent for re-election

a. Scandals

b. Redistricting

c. Strong Challenger

What is the most difficult job of Congress?

Lawmaking

Why is this the most difficult part of what Congress does?

Requires compromise among many interests

Describe the function of the House of Reps. in 2 complete sentences

Initiates revenues, bills, and impeachments; represents districts by population

Describe the function of the Senate in 2 complete sentences

Confirms appointments/treaties; conducts impeachment trials and represents states equally

What is a filibuster?

Unlimited Senate debate to block a vote

What is the only leadership position in the House of Reps. mandated by the Constitution?

Speaker of the House

Name any 3 jobs of the Speaker of the House

a. Presides over house

b. Assigns bills/committees

c. Leads majority party

What are the significant leadership positions in both houses of Congress? Define each

a. House: Speaker, Majority/Minority, Whips

b. Senate: Majority/Minority, Whips

c. Both: Committee Chairs

What is the most powerful leadership position in the Senate?

Majority leader

Where is the most of the work of Congress done?

Committees

Name the 4 types of committees. Define each.

a. Standing - permanent

b. Select - temporary

c. Joint - members of both chambers

d. Conference - reconcile house/Senate bill versions

How many bills appear before Congress every year?

~10,000+

What are the 4 significant steps a bill goes through once it is proposed?

a. Introduction

b. Committee Election

c. Floor Debate/Vote

d. Presidential Approval/Veto

What is legislative oversight?

Congress monitors executive agencies

How are members of Congress assigned to committees?

Party leaders decide based on seniority/expertise

Why are committee appointments so important in Congress?

Gives power over policies and visibility

Who has the most influence within a committee?

Chairperson

What is a caucus and what is the goal of each caucus?

Group of members with common interest

Push shared agenda

What is the average number of staff people for each?

• Representative

• Senator

a. ~14

b. ~40

What are the main jobs of Congressional staffers? List any 3

a. Draft bills

b. Communicate w/ Constituents

c. Research issues

What are the 3 major Congressional staff agencies? Define each

a. Congressional Research Service - provides policy research

b. Government Accountability Office - audits spending

c. Congressional Budget Office - budget/economic analysis

What is a bill?

A proposed law presented to Congress

What impact do presidents have on the process of legislation?

Can propose; influence, sign, or veto legislation

What role do political parties have in passing legislation?

Organize members, set agendas, and unify votes to pass or block legislation

What are the 3 roles of Congress people, especially in regards to legislation? Define each

a. Trustee - own judgment

b. Delegate - constituents

c. Politico - mix

What is a lobbyist?

Influences law makers

How many lobbyists are there in Washington D.C?

~12,000

What impact does the Citizens United case have on lobbying?

Unlimited corporate/Union spending

What is the key to success of a Republic?

Active informed citizens