AP GOV Unit 2 Part 1 Test Review:

Senate

The upper chamber of Congress, designed to represent states equally with two senators from each state.

House of Representatives

The lower chamber of Congress, which allocates seats based on population.

Reapportionment

The process of redistributing the number of House seats among states after each decennial census.

Redistricting

The process of redrawing the boundaries of electoral districts within states, typically done every 10 years after the census.

Gerrymandering

The practice of intentionally manipulating district boundaries to favor one political party or specific group of voters.

Chamber size of the House

The House of Representatives consists of 435 members.

Chamber size of the Senate

The Senate consists of 100 members.

Term Length for House members

Members of the House serve two-year terms.

Term Length for Senate members

Senators serve six-year terms.

Coalitions in Congress

Shorter terms in the House encourage more immediate responsiveness to local needs, while longer Senate terms facilitate strategic alliances.

Enumerated Power: Taxing Power

The authority of Congress to levy taxes, providing significant financial control.

Enumerated Power: Borrowing Power

The ability of Congress to borrow money on the credit of the United States.

Enumerated Power: Commerce Power

The authority of Congress to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among states.

Necessary and Proper Clause

A clause that allows Congress to make laws necessary to execute its enumerated powers, broadening its legislative authority.

Policymaking Process

The sequence of actions including the introduction of bills, committee review, debate, voting, and passage through Congress.

Difference in House and Senate policymaking

The House has stricter rules and faster decision-making; the Senate allows more extensive debates.

Role of Committees in Congress

Committees provide detailed examination, expert input, amendment, and recommendation of proposed legislation.

Main role of Standing Committees

Review and revise bills focused on specific policy areas.

Powerful House Committee Example

Ways and Means Committee, influential in tax and revenue policies.

Powerful Senate Committee Example

Judiciary Committee, influential in confirming judicial nominees.

Select Committee

Temporary committees created to investigate specific issues.

Example of a Select Committee

The Watergate Committee, which investigated the Watergate scandal.

Conference Committee

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

Speaker of the House

The highest-ranking member in the majority party responsible for managing House activities.

President of the Senate

The Vice President of the U.S., who presides over Senate sessions.

Committee Leadership

Chairs committees and subcommittees, shaping policy discussions and recommendations.

Filibuster

A tactic used by Senators to delay or block a vote on legislation.

Cloture

A procedure used to end a filibuster, requiring a 3/5 majority vote.

Hold

A Senator’s informal objection to bringing a bill to the floor.

Unanimous Consent

Agreement by all Senate members to move forward on legislation without objection.

Rules Committee

The House committee responsible for setting rules for debate and amendments.

Committee of the Whole

A House procedure where all members act as a committee for expedited debate.

Discharge Petition

A mechanism to bring a bill out of committee for a vote in the House.

Ideological Divisions in Congress

Disagreements based on political ideology leading to legislative gridlock.

Divided Government

When the presidency and at least one chamber of Congress are controlled by different parties.

Lame Duck Sessions

The period after an election but before the new Congress is sworn in.

Voting Style: Trustee

Votes based on personal judgment of what is best for the country.

Voting Style: Delegate

Votes according to the wishes of constituents.

Voting Style: Politico

Balances both trustee and delegate roles depending on the situation.

Baker v. Carr (1961)

Established 'one person, one vote' standard for legislative district apportionment.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Declared that racially gerrymandered districts require strict scrutiny under the Equal Protection Clause.

Veto

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

Pocket Veto

The President’s power to withhold signing a bill into law if Congress is adjourned.

Treaty Negotiation

The President’s power to negotiate treaties, requiring Senate ratification.

Executive Agreements

Informal agreements between the President and other countries without Senate approval.

Commander in Chief

The President's role as the leader of the U.S. military.

Executive Orders

Directives issued by the President to manage the federal government.

Signing Statements

The President’s written comments when signing a bill into law.

Pardon

The President's power to grant clemency to individuals convicted of federal crimes.

Appointment Power

The President's authority to appoint federal judges and officials, subject to Senate confirmation.

Unified vs. Divided Government Impact on Judicial Appointments

Unified governments see higher confirmation rates for judicial appointments compared to divided governments.

Federalist 70's View on Executive

Hamilton advocated for a strong, energetic executive for decisive leadership.

22nd Amendment

Limits presidents to two terms in office to prevent excessive power.

Franklin D. Roosevelt's Impact on Executive Power

Expanded presidential power significantly through his New Deal programs.

Bully Pulpit

The President’s use of their platform to influence public opinion.

State of the Union Address

An annual address by the President to Congress outlining the legislative agenda.