AP Gov Review Sheet -- Congress & Legislative Process

House Rules Committee

• Plays a unique role in the House. 

• Controls how bills are debated (time allowed, whether amendments are permitted). 

• Often called the “traffic cop” of Congress because it schedules how and when bills move forward. 

Bill Fate in Congress

• Most bills never make it past committee review. 

• Committees act as gatekeepers, screening proposed legislation before floor debate. 

Conference Committee

• Formed to reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of the same bill. 

• Produces a unified version both chambers vote on. 

Committee Chairs

• Typically belong to the party that holds the majority in the chamber. 

• Have substantial influence over agenda, hearings, and legislative progress. 

Discharge Petition

• A procedural tool in the House. 

• Can force a bill stalled in committee onto the floor for consideration. 

Filibuster & Cloture

• Found in the Senate. 

• A filibuster allows extended debate to delay or block legislation. 

• Ending one requires a motion known as cloture, which requires a supermajority vote. 

Congressional Powers

Enumerated Powers (Art. I, Sec 8)

Congress can:

• Collect taxes 

• Coin money 

• Establish post offices 
  Congress cannot grant aristocratic titles—doing so violates American republican principles (Think Stanford Law Professor Pam Karlen…’The President can name his son Barron, he can’t make him a Baron” 

• I would make sure I know all the powers from the handout you received on Friday 

Commerce Clause

• Allows regulation of interstate and international trade. 

• Businesses affecting multiple states or trade across borders are most impacted. 

Power of the Purse

• Congress controls spending. 

• Can fund, cut, or condition funding for federal agencies (including the bureaucracy). 

Representation & Elections

Redistricting

• Occurs every 10 years after the census. 

• Done by state governments, often state legislatures. 

Swing & Safe Districts

• Marginal or swing districts → competitive races, winner receives less than ~55%. 

• Safe districts → incumbents or parties win easily by large margins. 

Descriptive Representation

Idea that elected officials should mirror the demographic traits of their constituents (race, religion, ethnicity, gender, etc.). 

Open Primary

• A type of nominating election. 

• Voters do not need to be a registered member of a party to participate. 

Midterm Elections

• Occur halfway through a presidential term. 

• Entire House and part of the Senate are elected. 

  

Political Behavior & Public Opinion

Valence Issues

• Topics most Americans agree on (economic growth, fighting crime). 

• Debate usually focuses on which candidate is more effective—not the issue itself. 

Wedge Issues

• Controversial and divisive topics that split voters sharply (examples often relate to morality or ideology). 

• Used strategically to break loyalty to a party. 

Opinion on Congress

• Public generally disapproves of Congress as an institution. 

• Yet most voters rate their own representative favorably—called the “incumbency approval paradox.” 

Federalism & Funding

Dual Federalism

Describes a system where state and national governments operate in separate spheres with distinct responsibilities. 

Categorical vs. Block Grants

• Categorical grants: Federal funds with strict conditions for specific purposes. 

• Block grants: Allow states more flexibility in spending to meet local needs. 

Extradition

Process where states transfer accused persons to other states for trial. 

Executive Appointments & Presidential Relationships

Position Requiring Senate Confirmation

• Cabinet members 

• Ambassadors 

• Federal judges, including Supreme Court justices 

Positions NOT requiring Senate approval

• The President’s immediate advisory staff, such as White House or Oval Office staff. 

Political Parties & Congressional Strategy

Logrolling

• A legislative bargaining practice. 

• Lawmakers agree to support each other’s proposals in exchange for reciprocal votes—common in major spending or regional projects. 

Whip System

• Party whips act as discipline enforcers and vote counters. 

• They communicate leadership goals to party members and secure votes. 

Economics & Fiscal Policy

Keynesian Theory

Advocates increased government spending and/or lower taxes during economic decline to stimulate demand. 

Judicial & Constitutional Interpretations

Free Exercise Clause (1st Amendment)

• Protects individual religious practice. 

• Major court cases involving religious freedom test whether government restrictions violate this constitutional protection.