AP US Gov Test 2/20

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Established the principle of 'one person, one vote,' allowing federal courts to hear cases about legislative redistricting under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Ruled that racial gerrymandering violates the Equal Protection Clause, even if done with good intentions like increasing minority representation.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Established judicial review, allowing the Supreme Court to declare laws and executive actions unconstitutional.

Federalist 70

Hamilton argues for a strong, single executive to ensure accountability, energy, and decisive leadership.

Pork Barrel Spending

Government spending directed toward specific projects in a legislator's district, often to gain political support.

Logrolling

A practice where legislators trade votes to secure the passage of their favored bills.

Oversight

Congress's ability to monitor and review the executive branch's implementation of laws through hearings and investigations.

Gerrymandering

Manipulating district boundaries to favor a political party.

Incumbency Advantage

The electoral edge enjoyed by current officeholders, often due to name recognition, fundraising, and constituent services.

Filibuster

A Senate tactic where a senator speaks indefinitely to block or delay a vote on a bill.

Executive Privilege

The president's right to withhold information from Congress or the courts for national security reasons.

Judicial Review

The Supreme Court's power to declare laws and executive actions unconstitutional.

Bureaucratic Discretion

The authority of bureaucrats to interpret and implement laws as they see fit.