AP U.S. Government & Politics Unit 2: Interaction Among Branches of Government

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the interaction among branches of government as outlined in the AP U.S. Government & Politics Unit 2 notes.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures that no one branch of government becomes too powerful.

Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court to declare laws or actions unconstitutional.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Supreme Court case that established that federal courts have the right to intervene in redistricting cases.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party.

Filibuster

A legislative tactic used to delay or prevent a vote on a bill by prolonging debate.

Executive Orders

Directives issued by the president to manage the operations of the federal government.

Veto

The constitutional right of the president to reject a bill passed by Congress.

Judicial Activism

Judicial rulings that are based on personal or political considerations rather than existing law.

Legislative Gridlock

A situation where there is difficulty passing laws due to opposing parties controlling different branches.

Divided Government

When one party controls the presidency and another party controls one or both houses of Congress.

Policy Agenda

The set of issues that are most important to policymakers at a given time.

Merit System

A system of hiring and promoting government employees based on their abilities and qualifications.

Social Media

Platforms that have changed how political information is disseminated and consumed.

Stare Decisis

The legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent.

Congressional Oversight

The review and supervision of federal agencies, programs, activities, and policy implementation.

Power of the Purse

The constitutional power of Congress to raise and spend money.