Unit 2 Heimler Review Guide: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branches

This set of flashcards covers the primary institutions, committee types, representation models, and bureaucratic departments detailed in the Unit 2 Review Guide.

What does it mean that Congress is considered bicameral?

It means the legislature is divided into two distinct houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

How is a joint committee defined in Congress?

A committee that has members of both the House and Senate.

What is a select (or temporary) committee?

A committee created for a specific purpose that is temporary in nature.

What is the purpose of a conference committee?

It is a committee used to reconcile two different versions of a bill.

How is a standing committee characterized?

A committee that endures for a long time.

What is mandatory spending in the federal budget?

Spending required for required programs, such as Social Security.

What is discretionary spending in the federal budget?

Money that is allocated by Congress, such as pay for federal employees.

How is the trustee model of representation defined?

A representative that has been entrusted with voter’s faith that they will do what is best according to the representative’s best judgement.

How is the delegate model of representation defined?

A representative that believes that they should vote the will of their voters even if it goes against their best judgement.

How is the politico model of representation defined?

A representative that blends the trustee and delegate models and votes depend on the situation.

What is the function of the Department of Homeland Security?

Protects the U.S. from terrorism and controls national borders.

What is the function of the Department of Transportation?

Manages many types of transportation including highways and air travel.

What is the function of the Department of Veteran’s Affairs?

Manages Veteran’s Hospitals and the welfare of American Veterans.

What is the function of the Department of Education?

Oversees states and their implementation of federal education standards.

What is the function of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)?

Regulates the stock market and prevents financial fraud.

What is the function of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?

Works for protect the environment and human health through regulation.

What is the function of the Federal Election Commission (FEC)?

Administers and enforces campaign finance laws.