Unit Three Outline: Congress, the Presidency, and International Relations

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on the Unit Three lecture outline covering congressional functions, the executive branch, and the facets of International Relations.

Bicamerialism

The defined two-house structure of the U.S. Congress.

Apportionment

The process in the House of Representatives involving court mandates, rules, gerrymandering, and the formation of "safe" districts.

Gerrymandering

A practice within the House of Representatives apportionment process that often results in the creation of "safe" districts.

Filibusters/cloture

Procedural tactics and rules specifically associated with the Senate legislative process.

Holds

A procedural mechanism used within the organization of the Senate.

Presiding officers

Leaders within the organization of Congress who possess specific duties and powers.

Committee chairs

Individuals responsible for leading the structure and duties of committees in Congress.

Fiscal Policy

The aspect of congressional organization related to managing the national budget.

Availability

A factor considered during the selection process of potential candidates for the Presidency.

Barber typology

A framework utilized to analyze and categorize Presidential style.

Electoral college

The structure used in the nomination and election of the President, known for specific problems and proposed reforms.

Neustadt’s analysis

A specific analytical approach used for evaluating the nature of Presidential power.

Facets of policy decisions

The four components of Foreign Policy: political, economic, diplomatic, and military.

Goals of nations (IR)

The fundamental objectives including maintaining security, economic stability, international prestige, and the spread of ideology.

Real power vs. perceived power

Categories of power in International Relations often compared using the poker game analogy.

Deterrence

An IR concept defined by the dynamics of its creation and maintenance, as well as the principle of proportional response.

Proportional response

A key component within the dynamics and maintenance of deterrence policy.

Principles of IR

Guidelines including secrecy of communications, state limits of tolerance, follow through on commitments, and allowing a graceful exit from conflicts.