Government Study Guide for Final (Short Version)

This is the shorter version of the original 110 Flashcard Study Guide. It is a little less detailed but if you want to practice the big one, that is here: https://knowt.com/flashcards/20154373-adef-435d-be57-2d267a15b381?isNew=true

Constituency

People residing in a members state or district

Service Strategy

Addressing constituents' needs

Party Caucus

Strategy and policy planning session

Standing Committees

Permanent committees for specific policy areas

Incumbent

Candidate running for reelection

Oversight

Monitoring bureaucracys actions

Bully Pulpit

Platform for influencing public agenda

PACs

Usually support incumbents

Redistricting Advantage

Benefits House members during redistricting

Committee system

Why can Congress handle many bills?

Percent of bills that die in committee?

Over 90%

2nd most powerful federal official?

Speaker of the House

Who elects the Speaker?

House members, usually majority party

What is committee seniority?

Time served, not absolute

Committees Senators serve on?

Standing Committees

Who schedules House floor debates?

House majority

Bill becomes law without President's signature?

After veto override

Presidency established in which article?

Article II

Presidents impeached?

Johnson, Clinton, Trump

War Powers Act purpose?

Limit President's war powers

Jimmy Carter's VP reform?

Assigned real duties

When does President have most influence?

First year in office

What does the Executive Office include?

WHO, OMB, NSC, NEC

How many Courts of Appeals?

13

Lowest federal courts?

U.S. District Courts

Federal judge requirements?

No constitutional requirements

How long do federal judges serve?

Life

Plurality opinion?

Agree on outcome, not legal basis

Role of judicial review?

Declare laws unconstitutional

Policy Implementation?

Enforcing laws and decisions

What is Neutral Competence?

Non-partisan, skilled workforce

What is Amtrak?

Government Corporation

Example of Independent Agency?

CIA or EPA

What is a Cabinet Department?

Broad policy area agency

Why was FDA created?

Progressive Era reforms

Who wrote Silent Spring?

Rachel Carson

Silent Spring impact?

Sparked environmental policy

Purpose of EPA?

Regulate environmental standards

NLRA (1935) impact?

Protected union rights

What is Fiscal Policy?

Gov spending & taxation to stabilize economy

Keynesian Economics?

Increase spending to boost demand

Supply-Side Economics?

Tax cuts to promote investment

Progressive Tax?

Higher rates for higher incomes

GI Bill benefits?

Education, housing for veterans

Poverty line for family of 4 (2020)?

$28,000

What is SNAP?

Food assistance program

What is EITC?

Refundable credit for low-income workers

What is a Means Test?

Proves eligibility based on income

Medicare vs Medicaid?

Seniors vs Low-income individuals