Government Powers and Legislative Processes

Flashcards covering key concepts related to government powers, legislative processes, and important Supreme Court cases.

Veto

President’s power to reject a bill; Congress can override with a 2/3 vote.

Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly listed in the Constitution.

Divided Government

Different parties control the presidency and Congress.

Pork Barrel Legislation

Spending on local projects to gain political support.

Cloture

Senate procedure requiring 60 votes to end a filibuster.

War Powers Resolution

Limits president: notify in 48 hours; troops return after 60 days without approval.

Powers Granted to the President

Commander-in-Chief, veto, treaties, appointments, pardons, executive orders.

Cabinet

Heads of major executive departments advising the president.

Discretionary Spending

Spending Congress decides yearly (defense, education).

Presidential Appointments

President selects officials; most require Senate confirmation.

3 Models of Representation

Trustee = own judgment; Delegate = constituents; Politico = mix.

Congressional Committees

Groups in Congress that review and shape bills.

Executive Agreements

International agreements made by the president without Senate approval.

Baker v. Carr (1961)

Allowed courts to review redistricting; established 'one person, one vote.'

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Racial gerrymandering unconstitutional; race can't dominate districting.