AP U.S. Government: Congress, Federalism & Article V Procedures

What is the law-passing procedure?

The constitutional and procedural process a bill must go through to become federal law.

What is the first step in the law-passing procedure?

Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill.

Where must revenue bills originate?

In the House of Representatives.

What happens during committee review?

The relevant committee studies the bill, holds hearings, makes revisions, and may approve or reject it.

What occurs during floor debate and vote?

The full chamber debates the bill and votes on it.

What is required for both chambers of Congress regarding a bill?

Both chambers must approve identical text.

What happens if the chambers pass different versions of a bill?

The differences must be resolved and both chambers must approve the same final version.

What actions can the president take regarding a bill?

The president can sign the bill, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature.

What is a filibuster?

A Senate tactic used to delay or block action on a bill by extending debate.

What is required to end a filibuster?

Cloture generally requires three-fifths of the full Senate, usually 60 votes.

What is cloture?

A formal Senate procedure used to end debate and overcome a filibuster.

What does a discharge petition do?

It allows members of the House to force a bill out of committee for floor consideration.

How many signatures are needed for a discharge petition?

A majority of the House's full membership: 218 members when all 435 seats are filled.

What is congressional oversight?

Congress's monitoring of the executive branch to ensure laws are properly implemented.

What are two major techniques of gerrymandering?

Packing and cracking.

What is the principle of limited government?

The principle that government power is restricted by the Constitution and laws.

What are enumerated powers?

Powers specifically granted to the federal government, such as coining money.

What is the Supremacy Clause?

It states that federal law takes precedence over conflicting state law.

What is judicial review?

The power of courts to determine whether laws or government actions violate the Constitution.

What landmark case is most closely associated with judicial review?

Marbury v. Madison (1803).

What does it mean for a law to be constitutional?

It is consistent with the U.S. Constitution and complies with applicable constitutional requirements.

What can a law be challenged for violating?

A specific constitutional provision, a protected individual right, or the separation of powers.

What is the difference between oversight and judicial review?

Oversight monitors implementation of laws; judicial review examines if laws violate the Constitution.

What can happen if the president vetoes a bill?

Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate.

What is the effect of gerrymandering on elections?

It can make elections less competitive and help incumbents retain power.

What is the significance of the Bill of Rights?

It protects individual liberties against government infringement.

What does the term 'packing' refer to in gerrymandering?

Concentrating the opposing party's voters into a small number of districts.

What does the term 'cracking' refer to in gerrymandering?

Splitting the opposing party's voters among multiple districts.

What is the division of authority between federal and state governments?

It refers to how power and responsibilities are allocated between the federal government and state governments.

What does Article V of the Constitution establish?

The process for proposing and ratifying constitutional amendments.

What are the two methods for proposing amendments under Article V?

Congressional proposal (two-thirds approval in both chambers) and convention proposal (requested by two-thirds of state legislatures).

What is required for ratifying an amendment?

Approval by three-fourths of the states, either through state legislatures or state ratifying conventions.

Who has no formal role in the amendment process?

The President.

How many states must approve an amendment for it to be ratified?

Currently, 38 out of 50 states.

What is the process by which Congress proposes a constitutional amendment?

An amendment is proposed, requiring two-thirds approval from both the House and Senate.

What is the state-level process for ratifying a proposed constitutional amendment?

Three-fourths of the states must ratify it, either through state legislatures or conventions.

What is a constitutional convention under Article V?

A convention called by Congress when two-thirds of state legislatures request it to propose amendments.

What is the difference between an Article V convention and a state ratifying convention?

An Article V convention proposes amendments, while a state ratifying convention approves or rejects proposed amendments.

What is a unified government?

When the same political party controls the presidency and both chambers of Congress.

What is a divided government?

When different political parties control the presidency and at least one chamber of Congress.

What are Congress's constitutional roles?

Legislation, representation, oversight, impeachment, and advice and consent.

What is the definition of a delegate in Congress?

A representative who votes according to constituents' expressed preferences.

What does a trustee do?

A representative who uses personal judgment to make decisions.

What is the role of a politico?

A representative who alternates between delegate and trustee roles depending on the issue.

What is federalism?

The division of governmental power between national and state governments.

What is gerrymandering?

The practice of drawing electoral districts to create an unfair political advantage.

What is a discharge petition?

A House procedure that can force a bill out of committee for floor consideration.

What is the age requirement to be a Senator?

At least 30 years old.

What is the age requirement to be a member of the House of Representatives?

At least 25 years old.

What is limited government?

The principle that government power is restricted by the Constitution and law.

What is the significance of the Twenty-Sixth Amendment?

It lowered the voting age to 18 through the Article V amendment process.

What is the difference between proposing and ratifying amendments?

Congress can propose an amendment with two-thirds support, while three-fourths of states must ratify it.

What is the difference between judicial review and oversight?

Judicial review assesses constitutionality, while oversight monitors the implementation of laws and executive actions.

What is the difference between packing and cracking in gerrymandering?

Packing concentrates opposing voters in a few districts, while cracking divides them among multiple districts.