Federal Government POLS 2305 Final Exam Review

Bicameral Legislature

A legislature with two chambers or houses, typically an upper and a lower house, such as the United States Congress, which comprises the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Representation Models

Theories that describe how elected officials should represent their constituents, including whether to act as delegates, trustees, or politicos.

Enumerated Powers

Specific powers granted to Congress by the Constitution, including the authority to tax, regulate commerce, and declare war.

Committee System

A hierarchical structure within legislative bodies that organizes members to review and discuss proposed legislation and oversee specific areas of government, improving efficiency and specialization in the legislative process.

Incumbency Advantage

The benefits that current officeholders have over challengers in elections, such as greater name recognition, easier access to campaign funds, and established relationships with constituents.

What is the first step in a bill becoming law?

The bill must be introduced in the government.

What is the second step in a bill becoming law?

It must go under committee review and senate hearings

What is the third step in a bill becoming law?

The bill goes out onto the house floor, has it’s articles and stipulations debated, then voted on.

What is the fourth step in a bill becoming law (if it is needed)

it is discussed by a conference committee.

What is the fifth and last step in a bill becoming law?

It is sent to the president of the United States for final approval. If it is vetoed, or denied, it is sent back to the house of representatives.

What are the rules for House of Representatives members?

They serve 2-year terms and are elected based on population.

What are the rules for a member of the Senate?

They serve 6-year terms and are elected based on the need for equal representation

What is a delegate?

A representative who votes according to the constituents wishes.

What is a trustee?

A representative who acts based on personal judgment.

What is a politico?

A representative who takes a balanced approach.

What is the Necessary and Proper clause (otherwise known as the Elastic clause?)

Clause in the constitution that grants Congress the flexibility to fulfill its duties.

Formal Powers

Powers granted “formally” to the president in the constitution such as veto, treaties, commander-in-chief of army, and appointments.

Informal Powers

Powers that are implied and enacted by the president such as executive agreements, public persuasion, party leadership, agenda setting, and crisis management.

Executive Office of the President (EOP)

Office that is comprised of advisors and policy support

Approval ratings

a gauge of public opinion and political influence.

How does Congress keep the President in check?

By having budgeting power, oversight, impeachment power, and the ability to override vetoes with enough votes.

How do the Courts keep the President in check?

Through judicial review of executive actions

What other ways is the president kept in check?

Public opinion and media constraints

What is an Executive Order?

A directive to the executive branch of government with the force of law, which must stem from the Constitution, be published in the Federal Register, and is subject to judicial review.

What are the three leadership models?

Neustadt, Kernell, and Howell or Moe

What is a Bureaucracy?

A government agency that enforces and carries out laws.

What is a Regulation?

Rules created by bureaucracies that have the force of law.

Administrative Discretion

Rule that allows for flexibility in implementation

What are the three components of an Iron Triangle?

Congress, Agencies, and Interest Groups

Red Tape

Procedural burdens that can inhibit certain government actions.

Judicial Review

A power granted to the judicial branch of government to declare laws as unconstitutional. Established in Marbury v. Madison.

Precedent

A court decision that guides future cases

Stare Decisis

Latin word for “let the decision stand”. Holds that courts and judges should honor “precedent” or the decisions, rulings, and opinions from prior cases.

Judicial Activism

Court is willing to overturn precedent and influence policy

Judicial Restraint

Court defers to elected branches or precedent

Marbury v. Madison

Declared that the courts have the authority to review acts of congress.

Brown v. Board of Education

Desegregated students in schools

Gideon v. Wainwright

Granted the right to have counsel within a court case.

Roe v. Wade

Granted right to privacy and reproductive rights.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Prohibited discrimination against voters based on race, gender, religion, and national origin.

Shelby County v Holder

Changed a provision of the voting rights act where states and provinces with a history of voter discrimination no longer need federal preclearance to implement procedural voting changes.

Gerrymandering

act of reassigning districts based on voter’s political leanings for advantage

Descriptive Representation

Form of representation where representatives have similar background to the people they represent.

Substantive Representation

Form of representation where representatives focus in the issues of a particular group

Agenda-Setting

Media tells the public what to think about, not what to think

Framing

How an issue is presented

Priming

Influencing the criteria people use to evaluate leaders

Misinformation

Deliberate lies told to dissuade or distract the public. Spread through social media, algorithms amplify sensational content, confirmation bias and echo chambers.

Echo Chambers

Online spaces where same beliefs and critiques are reinforced over and over

Healthcare Policy

Medicare, Medicaid, Affordable Care Act

Immigration Policy

DACA, border security, citizenship pathways

Fiscal Policy

Controlled by congress and the president. Includes taxing, spending, and the federal budget

Monetary Policy

Controlled by the federal reserve. Includes interest rates, money supply, and bank regulation.