Quiz AP Gov Congress + President

Congress (Bicameral)

The U.S. Congress is divided into two chambers — the House of Representatives and the Senate — to balance representation of the people and the states.

Republicanism

A democratic principle where people elect representatives to make government decisions reflecting the will of the people.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Gives Congress the power to pass laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers; also called the “Elastic Clause.”

House of Representatives

435 members, representation based on state population, elected every 2 years by district voters. Designed to represent the people.

Senate

100 members (2 per state), elected every 6 years by state voters. Designed to represent the states equally.

Term Limits

Congress has no term limits; members can serve unlimited terms as long as they are reelected.

House Qualifications

Must be at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for 7 years, and live in the state they represent.

Senate Qualifications

Must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for 9 years, and live in the state they represent.

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically listed in the Constitution, such as declaring war, coining money, and regulating commerce.

Implied Powers

Powers not directly stated in the Constitution but inferred through the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Federal Budget

Congress passes the federal budget each year, raising revenue through taxes, borrowing, and spending on programs.

Appropriations Bills

Bills that provide funding to government projects, programs, and agencies.

Mandatory Spending

Spending required by law, mainly for entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare.

Discretionary Spending

Spending decided annually by Congress for things like defense, education, and infrastructure.

Pork Barrel Spending

Funding for local projects added to larger bills to benefit specific districts or gain political support.

Logrolling

When legislators trade votes to gain support for each other’s bills.

Redistricting

The process of redrawing congressional district boundaries, usually done by state legislatures.

Gerrymandering

Drawing district lines to favor one political party, race, or group unfairly.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

The Supreme Court ruled that legislative districts must be equal in population (“one person, one vote”) and allowed courts to review redistricting cases.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

The Supreme Court ruled that race cannot be the main factor in drawing congressional districts; limited racial gerrymandering.

Rules Committee

Powerful House committee that sets the rules for debate and amendments on bills.

Filibuster

A Senate tactic where debate is prolonged to delay or block a vote on a bill.

Cloture

A Senate procedure requiring 60 votes to end a filibuster and move to a final vote.

Conference Committee

A joint committee that reconciles differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.

Discharge Petition

A House procedure that forces a bill out of committee and onto the floor for debate or vote.

Committee of the Whole

A procedure in the House that allows faster debate and consideration of bills with fewer rules.

Unanimous Consent

An agreement in the Senate that sets terms for debate or allows quick passage of a bill unless a senator objects.

Hold

A Senate practice where a senator delays a bill from reaching the floor by objecting to unanimous consent.

Speaker of the House

The presiding officer of the House and leader of the majority party; controls the legislative agenda.

Majority Leader (Senate)

The head of the majority party in the Senate; schedules debates and directs the party’s legislative strategy.

Trustee Model

A representative who votes based on their own judgment and knowledge rather than constituents’ opinions.

Delegate Model

A representative who votes solely based on their constituents’ wishes.

Politico Model

A mix between trustee and delegate models, where a representative switches based on the issue.

Partisanship

When lawmakers align strongly with their political party, often leading to gridlock.

Polarization

When political attitudes move toward ideological extremes, increasing division between parties.

Divided Government

When one party controls the presidency and another controls one or both chambers of Congress, causing policy conflicts.

Gridlock

When little or no legislative progress occurs because of political divisions or lack of compromise.

Bill to Law Process

A bill must pass both the House and Senate, be reconciled in conference if needed, and be signed (or vetoed) by the President to become law.

Bill Introduction

A member of Congress introduces a bill, and it’s sent to a committee for review.

Committee Action

Committees hold hearings, amend (mark up) the bill, and vote whether to send it to the floor.

Floor Debate

House debate is limited by the Rules Committee; Senate debate is unlimited unless cloture is invoked.

Presidential Action

The President can sign a bill into law, veto it, or take no action (leading to a pocket veto or automatic passage depending on session timing).

Pocket Veto

If Congress adjourns within 10 days of sending a bill and the President takes no action, the bill dies.

Executive Branch / President

The branch of government responsible for enforcing and implementing laws.

Executive Power

Authority granted to the President in Article II of the Constitution to enforce laws and manage the government.

Presidential Qualifications

Must be a natural-born U.S. citizen, at least 35 years old, and a resident for 14 years.

Electoral College

The system used to elect the President, where each state’s number of electors equals its total representation in Congress.

22nd Amendment

Limits the President to two 4-year terms.

Formal Powers

Constitutionally granted powers such as vetoing bills, commanding the military, making treaties, and appointing officials.

Informal Powers

Implied powers like issuing executive orders, using the bully pulpit, and negotiating executive agreements.

Delegated Powers

Powers given to the President by Congress to implement or enforce laws.

Veto

A formal rejection of a bill passed by Congress.

Pocket Veto

A veto taking place when the President doesn’t sign a bill within 10 days and Congress adjourns.

Commander-in-Chief

Role of the President as head of the armed forces.

Treaty

Formal agreement with another country; requires Senate approval.

Executive Agreement

Informal agreement with another nation that does not require Senate approval.

Executive Order

Directive issued by the President to manage federal operations; has the force of law.

Signing Statement

President’s written interpretation of a law when signing it, often used to influence how it’s enforced.

Bargaining and Persuasion

Informal power of the President to negotiate with Congress and use influence to achieve policy goals.

Bully Pulpit

The President’s use of media and visibility to promote their agenda and influence public opinion.

Impoundment Control Act

Limits the President’s ability to withhold funds; ensures Congress maintains control over spending.

Cabinet

Group of presidential advisors heading executive departments.

Executive Office of the President (EOP)

Includes the President’s key staff and advisors; helps manage executive agencies and policy.

National Security Council (NSC)

Advises the President on military and foreign policy matters.

White House Staff

Closest advisors and assistants to the President; help carry out political and administrative duties.

Federalist No. 70

Argued for a single, strong executive for accountability and energy in leadership.

Presidential Expansion of Power

Presidents have used executive orders, agreements, and the bully pulpit to increase influence beyond formal powers.

Checks on the Presidency

Congress and courts can limit presidential power through veto overrides, funding control, and judicial review.

Senate Confirmation

The Senate must confirm presidential appointments like judges, ambassadors, and Cabinet members.

Divided Government

Leads to more conflict between the President and Congress, often slowing down the policy process.

Executive Communication

Modern media and technology allow Presidents to communicate directly with the public, shaping the agenda.

State of the Union Address

Annual speech where the President outlines policy goals and priorities to Congress and the nation.

Social Media & Presidency

Used as a direct tool for communication, allowing immediate responses and public engagement.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Tennessee hadn’t redrawn its legislative districts in decades, giving rural votes more power than urban ones. The Supreme Court ruled this violated the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause and said courts can review redistricting cases. Established the principle of “one person, one vote.”

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

North Carolina drew a district mainly based on race to ensure African American representation. The Supreme Court ruled that race cannot be the only factor in drawing district lines, as it violates the Equal Protection Clause. Limited racial gerrymandering.

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

A law restricted corporate spending on political campaigns. The Supreme Court ruled that corporate funding of independent political broadcasts can’t be limited because it’s protected as free speech under the First Amendment. Led to the creation of Super PACs.