ap gov unit 2 study guide

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Bicameral

A two-house legislature consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Representation in Congress

House is based on population; Senate has equal representation (2 per state).

Size of House of Representatives

435 members.

Term Limits in Congress

No term limits; House serves 2-year terms, Senate serves 6-year terms.

Minimum Age for House

25 years old.

Minimum Age for Senate

30 years old.

Enumerated/Expressed Powers

Powers specifically listed in the Constitution for Congress, like taxing and declaring war.

Implied Powers

Powers not written in the Constitution but needed to carry out expressed powers.

Clause that gives Congress Implied Powers

Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause).

Domestic Powers of Congress

Taxation, regulating commerce, making laws, coin money, and approving budgets.

Foreign Powers of Congress

Declare war, ratify treaties (Senate), regulate foreign commerce, fund the military.

War Powers Act of 1973

Limits the president's ability to send troops without Congressional approval after 60 days.

House Leadership

Speaker of the House is the top leader.

Senate Leadership

Vice President is the official presiding officer; day-to-day leadership is by the Senate Majority Leader.

Types of Congressional Committees

Standing, Select, Joint, and Conference Committees.

Congressional Caucus

A group of members of Congress sharing a common interest or goal.

House Ways and Means Committee

Handles tax policy and revenue.

House Rules Committee

Sets rules for debate on bills and schedules them for floor action.

Filibuster

A Senate tactic where a senator talks continuously to block a vote.

Cloture Rule

A vote in the Senate to end a filibuster; needs 60 votes.

Senate-Only Foreign Policy Powers

Ratifies treaties and confirms ambassadors.

How a Bill Becomes a Law

Bill introduced → committee → floor debate → other chamber → conference committee → president signs or vetoes.

Logrolling

When lawmakers agree to support each other's bills.

Gerrymandering

Drawing congressional district lines to benefit a political party.

Overriding a Presidential Veto

Requires a two-thirds vote in both House and Senate.

17th Amendment

Established the direct election of U.S. Senators by the people.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

Prepares the president's budget proposal and oversees spending.

Federal Revenue Sources

Income taxes, payroll taxes, corporate taxes, tariffs.

Mandatory Spending

Required by law (e.g., Social Security, Medicare).

Discretionary Spending

Optional spending approved by Congress (e.g., defense, education).

Executive Check on Congress

President can veto laws.

Judicial Check on Congress

Courts can declare laws unconstitutional (judicial review).

Three Levels of Federal Courts

District (trials), Courts of Appeals (appeals), Supreme Court (final authority).

Becoming a Federal Judge

Appointed by the president, confirmed by the Senate, serve for life to stay independent.

Original Jurisdiction

The power to hear a case first.

Appellate Jurisdiction

The power to review decisions of lower courts.

Cases Heard by Federal Courts

Cases involving the Constitution, federal laws, treaties, or disputes between states.

Stare Decisis

Let the decision stand; courts follow precedent.

Judicial Activism

Judges use their power to promote social change or correct injustices.

Judicial Restraint

Judges avoid making policy and stick closely to laws and precedents.

Writ of Certiorari

A request for the Supreme Court to hear a case from a lower court.

Majority Opinion

The official ruling of the Supreme Court with reasoning.

Concurring Opinion

A justice agrees with the outcome but for different reasons.

Dissenting Opinion

A justice disagrees with the majority and explains why.

Executive Check on Judiciary

President appoints federal judges.

Legislative Check on Judiciary

Congress confirms judges, can impeach judges, and change court structure.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Allowed federal courts to intervene in redistricting; established 'one person, one vote.'

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Racial gerrymandering is unconstitutional; districts can't be drawn only based on race.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Established judicial review, giving courts power to declare laws unconstitutional.

Federalist No. 78 Main Argument

The judicial branch is the weakest but essential to protect rights; supports life tenure and judicial review.