A.P. US Government & Politics – Chapter 4: Congress

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the structures, powers, functions, and behaviors of the Senate and House of Representatives as outlined in Chapter 4.

Bicameral

The structure of Congress resulting from the Great Compromise, consisting of two houses: the Senate and the House of Representatives.

17th Amendment

A constitutional amendment that established the direct election of senators by the people, influencing the structure of the Senate.

Reapportionment Act of 1929

A law concerning the structure of the House of Representatives and the distribution of seats based on population.

Enumerated powers/Expressed powers

Specific powers granted to Congress that are explicitly listed in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.

Power of the purse

A specific power of Congress related to controlling the budget and government spending.

Commerce Clause

A clause in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution giving Congress the power to regulate trade.

War Powers Act

An example of legislation related to the foreign and military powers of Congress.

Necessary and Proper Clause

A provision that allows Congress to exercise powers not specifically listed in the Constitution to carry out its functions.

Speaker of the House

The leader of the majority party and the presiding officer in the House of Representatives.

House Rules Committee

A committee unique to the House of Representatives that establishes the rules and procedures for bills.

Committee of the Whole

A parliamentary procedure unique to the House used to expedite the consideration of legislation.

Discharge petition

A unique House procedure used to bring a bill out of committee and onto the floor for consideration.

Filibuster

A rule and procedure unique to the Senate used to delay or block a vote on legislation by speaking for an extended period.

Unanimous consent

A procedure unique to the Senate that sets aside formal rules to expedite business.

Cloture rule

A Senate procedure used to end a filibuster and bring a debate to a conclusion.

Omnibus bill

A large piece of legislation that packages many smaller bills or budget items into a single vote.

Earmarks (pork barrel spending)

Specific spending included in the legislative process for projects that benefit a member's district or constituents.

Logrolling

The practice of trading votes or favors between members of Congress to ensure the passage of legislation.

OMB

The Office of Management and Budget, which is responsible for generating the federal budget.

Mandatory spending

Budget expenditures required by law, such as Social Security, that do not require annual approval from Congress.

Discretionary spending

Budget spending that Congress must approve annually through the appropriations process.

Baker v. Carr

A required Supreme Court case (SCOTUS) addressing congressional behavior and the principle of one person, one vote in redistricting.

Shaw v. Reno

A required Supreme Court case (SCOTUS) regarding racial gerrymandering and congressional redistricting.

Delegate model

A voting model where members of Congress vote exactly as their constituents would want them to.

Trustee model

A voting model where members of Congress use their best judgment to make decisions for their constituents.

Politico model

A voting model that combines delegate and trustee perspectives, depending on the situation and political climate.

Gerrymandering

The practice of drawing congressional district boundaries to favor one political party or group.

Lame duck president

A president at the end of their term who can't do anything or pass any bills because there isn’t enough time