AP Gov Congress Quiz

Shaw v. Reno

1993 case on racial gerrymandering

Incumbent Advantages

Name recognition, fundraising ability, casework and constituent services, gerrymandered safe districts

Casework

Helping constituents with federal agencies, done by members of Congress

Political Polarization

Growing ideological differences between parties, leads to gridlock and fewer compromises

Trend Toward Political Polarization

Parties becoming more ideologically homogeneous, increased media influence and party primaries

Bill Becomes Law Without President Signature

If the President does nothing for 10 days while Congress is in session, bill automatically becomes law

Bicameralism Creation

Great Compromise at Constitutional Convention, House based on population; Senate equal representation

Members of Congress vs General Population

More wealthy, educated, older; less diverse than general population

Earmarks and Pork Barrel

Funds for local projects to benefit districts, helps incumbents gain support

Stopping a Filibuster

Cloture vote requiring 60 senators

Where Congress Does Most Work

Committees and subcommittees

Vice President Role

President of the Senate, casts tie-breaking votes

Representation Models

Trustee: vote based on judgment; Delegate: vote based on constituency; Politico: combination of both

Article I Section 7

Outlines process for bills and vetoes

Lobbyists and Interest Groups

Provide info, draft bills, influence votes

Gerrymandering

Redrawing districts for political advantage; legal when equal population & race not predominant; illegal racial gerrymandering

Committees Types

Standing: permanent; Select: temporary; Subcommittees: specialized groups

Discharge Petitions

Force a bill out of committee to House floor

Enumerated Powers of Congress

Taxing, spending, declaring war, regulating commerce

House vs Senate

House: larger, rules, revenue bills; Senate: smaller, filibuster, confirmations

Leadership Power Flow

House: Speaker strongest; Senate: Majority Leader most powerful

First-Year Member Power

Join committees, focus on casework, build constituent relationships

House Rules Committee

Sets debate rules, acts as 'traffic cop' for bills

Variable in Elections

Party identification is strongest predictor

Bill Becomes Law

Introduced → committee → floor → other chamber → conference → President

Congress After SCOTUS Strikes Law

Rewrite law or propose constitutional amendment

Impeachment Process

House impeaches by majority; Senate holds trial and convicts with 2/3 vote

Redistricting

Done every 10 years; usually state legislatures draw maps

Tax Bills Originate

House Ways and Means Committee

Legislative Oversight

Monitoring executive agencies

Most Powerful Position

Speaker of the House

House Ways and Means Committee Job

Handles taxes and revenue legislation

Constitutional Provision Broadening Power

Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)