Ap gov study guide

What does bicameral mean in the context of Congress?

Congress has two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Why did the Founders create a bicameral Congress?

To create balance between large and small states, known as the Great Compromise.

How is the number of Representatives per state determined?

Based on state population as determined by the Census conducted every ten years.

How many Senators does each state have?

Each state has two Senators.

How often do members of the House of Representatives run for office?

Every two years.

How often do Senators run for office and what makes their elections a continuous body?

Every six years with staggered elections.

Who initiates impeachment proceedings?

The House of Representatives.

Who holds the impeachment trial?

The Senate.

What are some expressed powers of Congress?

Declare war, tax, regulate commerce, coin money, raise an army.

What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?

Also known as the Elastic Clause, it allows Congress to expand its powers beyond those explicitly listed.

What are five powers Congress cannot exercise?

Cannot suspend habeas corpus, pass ex post facto laws, grant titles of nobility, tax exports, or favor one state in trade.

What was the purpose of the Federalist Papers?

To convince people to support the ratification of the Constitution.

What is the Trustee theory of representation?

Represents constituents using their own judgment.

Which representation theory did Edmund Burke favor?

The Trustee Model.

How are the House and Senate different in terms of size and member ages?

The House is larger with younger members; the Senate is smaller with older members.

What unique powers does the House of Representatives have?

Initiates revenue bills and impeaches officials.

What unique powers does the Senate have?

Holds impeachment trials and confirms presidential appointments and treaties.

What are some perks of being a member of Congress?

Salary of $174,000, free travel, franking privilege, office space, gym access.

What does a caucus in Congress do?

A group of Congress members who meet to pursue common legislative goals.

What is gerrymandering?

Manipulating district lines to favor one party.

What is the primary difference between reapportionment and redistricting?

Reapportionment is distributing House seats among states; redistricting is redrawing district boundaries within a state.

What does a majority-minority district mean?

A district where the majority of voters are from minority groups.

How did Baker v. Carr affect malapportionment?

Established the principle of 'one person, one vote' for equal district populations.

What is the role of the Speaker of the House?

Controls debates, assigns bills, and influences committees, chosen by the majority party.

Who is in charge of the Senate?

The Vice President, who breaks ties.

What is the purpose of a conference committee?

To resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill.

What is a filibuster and how can it be stopped?

A long speech to delay a vote, stopped by a cloture vote requiring 60 votes.

What are the president's options when a bill reaches the White House?

Sign it into law, veto it, allow it to become law by ignoring it for 10 days, or pocket veto it.

What is logrolling in Congress?

Trading votes among Congress members to gain support for their bills.

What is the impact of party polarization on Congress?

It makes compromise harder and increases the likelihood of gridlock.

Why might pork barrel legislation be problematic?

It wastes taxpayer money on local projects that do not benefit the wider population.

What is a hold used for by a Senator?

To pause a bill, either to review it or block it from moving forward.

What is the primary function of Congress?

To make laws.

What is the length of a term for a member of the House of Representatives?

Two years.

What is the length of a Senator's term?

Six years.

Who is responsible for writing and introducing bills in Congress?

Members of Congress.

What is the role of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO)?

To provide budgetary and economic information to Congress.

What is a markup session in Congress?

A meeting where committees review and amend proposed legislation.

What does a Senator need to end a filibuster?

A cloture vote requiring 60 votes.

What is the significance of the War Powers Resolution?

It limits the President's ability to engage U.S. forces without Congressional approval.

What is the role of committees in Congress?

To review proposed legislation and oversee government operations.

What does it mean to override a presidential veto?

It requires a two-thirds majority in both the House and Senate to pass a bill despite the President's refusal to sign.

What is Congress responsible for?

Making laws and overseeing government functions.

What are the two chambers of Congress?

House of Representatives and the Senate.

What is the Great Compromise?

The agreement that created a bicameral legislature to balance the interests of large and small states.

How many voting members are in the House of Representatives?

435 voting members.

How is the Speaker of the House selected?

Chosen by the majority party in the House.

What is the term used when the House of Representatives draws district boundaries?

Redistricting.

What is a Congressional session?

The period during which Congress assembles to conduct its business.

Which amendment established the direct election of Senators?

The 17th Amendment.

What is the purpose of the Senate Judiciary Committee?

To review judicial nominations and investigate judicial appointments.

What is the impeachment process in Congress?

Initiated by the House, followed by a trial in the Senate.

What is an executive order?

A directive issued by the President that has the force of law.

What powers are denied to Congress?

Suspending habeas corpus, passing ex post facto laws, and favoring one state over another in commerce.

What does 'cloture' mean in the Senate?

A procedure to end a filibuster and require a vote.

What is a 'pocket veto'?

When the President does not sign a bill within ten days, allowing it to become law or to die.

What is the role of the Majority Leader in Congress?

To set the legislative agenda and lead the majority party.

What does 'franking privilege' allow Congress members to do?

Use their signature instead of a stamp on mail to constituents.

What is a 'conference committee'?

A temporary committee formed to reconcile differences in House and Senate versions of a bill.

What is the 'Elastic Clause'?

The clause that gives Congress the power to pass all necessary and proper laws to carry out its duties.

What constitutional provision governs the legislative process?

Article I of the Constitution.

How are House representatives elected?

By the voters in their respective congressional districts.

What is a 'constituent'?

A person represented by an elected official.

What is the role of the minority party in Congress?

To provide opposition and alternative viewpoints to the majority party.

What is a legislative override?

The process by which Congress can overturn a presidential veto with a two-thirds vote in both houses.

What is the significance of the Congressional Research Service (CRS)?

It provides nonpartisan analysis and research to members of Congress.

What is the purpose of a Senate committee?

To conduct hearings and investigations on proposed legislation.

What is the difference between a bill and a law?

A bill is a proposed piece of legislation, while a law is a bill that has been signed by the President.

What is the function of the House Rules Committee?

To set the terms for debate and amendments on bills presented in the House.

What is a veto?

The President's constitutional power to reject legislation passed by Congress.

What does it mean to 'mark up' a bill?

The process whereby a committee reviews and suggests changes to a bill.

What is a quorum in Congress?

The minimum number of members required to conduct official business.

What is the significance of the War Powers Act?

It requires the President to consult Congress before engaging U.S. forces in military action.

What is the main function of Congress?

To make laws and oversee government functions.