AP Gov chapter 4

Apportionment

The process, occurring every 10 years after the census, to determine the number of representatives for each state using census data.

Redistricting

State’s redrawing of boundaries of electoral districts for the House of Representatives following each census.

Malapportionment

The uneven distribution of the population among legislative districts. 

Gerrymandering

The intentional use of redistricting to benefit a specific group, usually a political group.

Majority-minority districts

A district in which voters of a minority ethnicity constitute an electoral majority within that electoral districts. 

Pork Barrel Spending

Legislation in approbations bills that funds projects within districts of states.

Logrolling

Combining several different bills into a single bill to get enough votes for the legislation to pass.

Oversight

The power of congress to review and investigate actions by executive branch agencies, bureaus and cabinet departments, as well as their officials, to ensure that they are acting legally and in accordance with congressional goals. 

Incumbency

Being already in office when running for reelection.

Incumbency Advantage

institutional advantages held by those already in office who are trying to fend off challengers in an election.

Entitlement program

A program that provides benefits for those who qualify under the law regardless of income.

mandatory Spending

Spending required by existing laws that is “locked in” the budget.

Discretionary Spending

Spending for programs and policies at the discretion of congress and the president.

Budget surplus

The amount of money remaining when the government takes in more than it spends.

budget Deficit

The annual shortfall when a government takes more money than was alotted.

National Debt

The total amount of money owed by the federal government.

Delegate Role

The idea that the main duty of a member of congress is to vote according to their constituents’ wishes.

Trustee Role

The idea that members of congress should make decisions based on their own knowledge and judgement.

Politico Role

Representation where members of congress blame their choices with the interests of their constituents and parties in making decisions.

Bipartisanship

Agreement between two parties to work together in congress to pass legislation. 

Gridlock

A slowdown or halt in congress’ ability to legislate and overcome divisions especially those based on partisanship.

Divided government

Control of the presidency and one or both chambers of congress split between the two major parties.

Lame Duck Period

Period at the end of a presidential term when congress may block presidential initiatives and nominees. 

Authorization Bill

Creates a program or targets money with a ceiling of giving legal permission to exist and operate.

Appropriations Bill

Determines how much money federal agencies and programs receive for a given fiscal year.