AP GOV Unit 4 Notecards
1. Judicial review
Definition: Court power to declare laws/actions unconstitutional.
Key points:
From Marbury v. Madison (1803).
Makes courts a strong check on other branches.
Part of checks and balances.
Example: Brown v. Board striking down school segregation.
Historical significance: Lets the Court shape policy and protect/limit rights.
2. Marbury v. Madison
Definition: 1803 case that created judicial review.
Key points:
First time Court struck down a federal law.
Strengthened judicial branch power.
Made Court main interpreter of Constitution.
Example: Court voided part of Judiciary Act of 1789.
Historical significance: Foundation for modern Supreme Court power.
3. Filibuster
Definition: Senate tactic to delay/block a vote by talking.
Key points:
Only allowed in the Senate.
Gives minority party leverage.
Ended by cloture.
Example: Threatening filibuster to block a major bill.
Historical significance: Contributes to slow action and gridlock.
4. Cloture
Definition: Senate vote to end debate/filibuster.
Key points:
Usually needs 60 votes.
Limits further debate time.
Balances minority rights and majority rule.
Example: Cloture used to end debate on a spending bill.
Historical significance: High threshold makes passing big laws harder.
5. Executive order
Definition: President directive with force of law.
Key points:
Uses president’s executive power.
Can be overturned by courts or later presidents.
Bypasses Congress on some policies.
Example: Truman’s order desegregating the military.
Historical significance: Expands presidential role in making policy.
6. Veto
Definition: President’s power to reject a bill.
Key points:
Formal power in Constitution.
Congress can override with 2/3 vote.
Forces negotiation with Congress.
Example: President vetoes a spending bill.
Historical significance: Major check on legislative power.
7. Pork barrel spending
Definition: Local projects added to bills to help a member’s district.
Key points:
Aimed at pleasing constituents.
Often called “earmarks.”
Helps incumbents get re-elected.
Example: Funding for a specific bridge in one district.
Historical significance: Builds support for bills but seen as wasteful.
8. Gerrymandering
Definition: Drawing districts to benefit a party or group.
Key points:
Done mainly by state legislatures.
Reduces competition in elections.
Can weaken minority voter power.
Example: Packing one party’s voters into a few districts.
Historical significance: Strongly affects who wins seats and representation.
9. Federal bureaucracy
Definition: Executive agencies that carry out and enforce laws.
Key points:
Includes EPA, FDA, FBI, etc.
Makes rules (regulations).
Staffed by career civil servants.
Example: EPA enforcing pollution limits.
Historical significance: Expanded federal role in daily life and economy.
10. Judicial activism
Definition: Judge philosophy favoring bold use of Court power.
Key points:
Willing to strike down many laws.
Uses broad reading of Constitution.
Opposed to judicial restraint.
Example: Roe v. Wade often labeled activism.
Historical significance: Drove big changes in rights, but very controversial.