AP GOV UNIT 2

Here’s a breakdown of the vocabulary terms with definitions, examples, differentiation tips, and basic congressional requirements:

Bicameralism

• Definition: The system of having two separate chambers in a legislature (in the U.S., the Senate and the House of Representatives).

• Example: The U.S. Congress is bicameral because it has both a Senate and a House of Representatives.

• Tip: “Bi-” means two, so think of two chambers in the legislature.

Virginia Plan

• Definition: A proposal at the Constitutional Convention to create a strong central government with a bicameral legislature, where representation in both chambers would be based on state population.

• Example: The Virginia Plan favored larger states like Virginia.

• Tip: “V” for Virginia and “V” for “population-based” representation.

New Jersey Plan

• Definition: A proposal at the Constitutional Convention for a unicameral legislature where each state would have one vote, regardless of its population size.

• Example: The New Jersey Plan was favored by smaller states like New Jersey.

• Tip: “J” for “Equal Representation” (every state gets one vote).

Connecticut Compromise

• Definition: The agreement at the Constitutional Convention that combined the Virginia and New Jersey Plans, creating a bicameral legislature with equal representation in the Senate and population-based representation in the House.

• Example: This compromise established the modern structure of Congress.

• Tip: “Connecticut” is the key—think of this as the compromise between Virginia and New Jersey.

Federalists

• Definition: Supporters of the Constitution who favored a strong central government.

• Example: Alexander Hamilton and James Madison were key Federalists.

• Tip: Federalists are “for” the Federal government.

Anti-federalists

• Definition: Opponents of the Constitution, fearing a strong central government and advocating for states’ rights.

• Example: Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were notable Anti-federalists.

• Tip: “Anti” means against, so they were against a strong central government.

The Federalist Papers

• Definition: A series of 85 essays written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay promoting the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

• Example: Federalist Paper No. 10 argues against factions.

• Tip: “The Federalist Papers” = “papers” of the Federalists.

Separation of Powers

• Definition: The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.

• Example: The executive, legislative, and judicial branches each have different powers.

• Tip: Think of “separation” as dividing the powers into three groups.

Checks and Balances

• Definition: A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches.

• Example: The president can veto a bill passed by Congress, but Congress can override the veto.

• Tip: “Checks” and “Balances” prevent any one branch from getting too powerful.

Divided Government

• Definition: When different political parties control different branches of government (e.g., the President is from one party, and the majority in Congress is from another).

• Example: If a Democrat is president, but Republicans control the Senate and House, it’s a divided government.

• Tip: Think “divided” like a family where members have different opinions.

Impeachment

• Definition: The process by which a sitting president, vice president, or other officials are charged with misconduct.

• Example: Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton were impeached, but neither was removed from office.

• Tip: “Impeach” = accuse, but not necessarily remove.

Impoundment

• Definition: When the president refuses to spend money appropriated by Congress.

• Example: A president might impound funds for a program they don’t agree with.

• Tip: “Impound” means to take away—think of not spending the money.

Federalism

• Definition: A system where power is shared between a central government and smaller political units (like states).

• Example: The U.S. federal system divides powers between national and state governments.

• Tip: “Fed” = federal, think of “federal” as national versus “states.”

Reapportionment

• Definition: The process of redistributing seats in the House of Representatives based on population changes.

• Example: After the 2020 census, some states gained or lost House seats.

• Tip: “Re-” means to redistribute.

Redistricting

• Definition: The process of redrawing the boundaries of electoral districts.

• Example: States redistrict every 10 years after the census.

• Tip: “Redraw” = “re-” districting.

Gerrymandering

• Definition: The manipulation of electoral boundaries to favor one party or group.

• Example: In some states, district boundaries are drawn to ensure one party’s victory.

• Tip: “Gerry” = “manipulation” of districts.

Safe Seat

• Definition: A legislative seat that is very likely to be won by a particular party or candidate.

• Example: A district that has always voted for the same party is a safe seat.

• Tip: “Safe” means unlikely to change.

Incumbent

• Definition: The current holder of a political office.

• Example: An incumbent president running for re-election.

• Tip: “In” = current officeholder.

Enumerated Powers

• Definition: Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution (Article I, Section 8).

• Example: The power to coin money is an enumerated power.

• Tip: “Enumerated” = specifically listed.

Speaker

• Definition: The presiding officer of the House of Representatives.

• Example: Nancy Pelosi served as Speaker of the House.

• Tip: The Speaker “speaks” for the House.

Party Caucus

• Definition: A meeting of members of a political party within a legislature.

• Example: The Democratic Caucus in the House meets to discuss party strategy.

• Tip: “Caucus” = “conference” of party members.

Majority Leader

• Definition: The leader of the party with the most seats in either the House or the Senate.

• Example: The Majority Leader helps direct the party’s legislative agenda.

• Tip: “Majority” = most seats.

Minority Leader

• Definition: The leader of the party with fewer seats in either the House or the Senate.

• Example: The Minority Leader helps coordinate the party’s opposition.

• Tip: “Minority” = fewer seats.

Whip

• Definition: A member of Congress who assists party leaders in managing party members’ votes.

• Example: A party whip makes sure members vote according to party lines.

• Tip: “Whip” = “whip” people into line to vote a certain way.

Closed Rule

• Definition: A rule that prohibits amendments to a bill during debate in the House.

• Example: Under a closed rule, no one can change the text of a bill once it’s on the floor.

• Tip: “Closed” means no changes allowed.

Open Rule

• Definition: A rule that allows amendments to a bill during debate in the House.

• Example: Under an open rule, representatives can propose changes to the bill.

• Tip: “Open” means amendments are allowed.

President Pro Tempore

• Definition: The temporary presiding officer of the Senate when the Vice President is absent.

• Example: The President Pro Tempore is typically the longest-serving member of the majority party.

• Tip: “Pro tempore” = “temporary.”

Hold

• Definition: A senator’s request to delay a bill or nomination.

• Example: A senator might place a hold on a judicial nomination.

• Tip: Think “hold” = “pause.”

Filibuster

• Definition: A tactic used by senators to delay or block a vote by speaking for an extended period of time.

• Example: Senator Strom Thurmond famously filibustered the Civil Rights Act of 1957.

• Tip: “Filibuster” = “long speech” to block legislation.

Cloture

• Definition: A procedure used to end a filibuster and bring a bill to a vote.

• Example: Cloture requires 60 votes in the Senate to end debate.

• Tip: “Cloture” = “close” debate.

Senatorial Courtesy

• Definition: The tradition that senators from a state must approve a presidential appointment (e.g., federal judge) for that state.

• Example: A senator may block an appointment if they do not approve.

• Tip: “Courtesy” means being polite and seeking approval from fellow senators.

Standing Committee

• Definition: A permanent committee in the House or Senate that handles specific policy areas.

• Example: The House Ways and Means Committee handles tax policy.

• Tip: “Standing” means it stays in place, ongoing.

Special or Select Committees

• Definition: Temporary committees established for a specific purpose.

• Example: A select committee might be formed to investigate a scandal.

• Tip: “Special” = temporary or specific purpose.

Joint Committee

• Definition: A committee made up of members from both the House and Senate.

• Example: The Joint Committee on Taxation includes members from both chambers.

• Tip: “Joint” = together from both chambers.

Earmarks

• Definition: Funds provided by Congress for specific projects in a member’s district.

• Example: Earmarks are often used to fund local projects.

• Tip: “Earmarks” are “marked” for specific purposes.

Seniority Rule

• Definition: The practice of giving preference to the longest-serving members when making committee assignments.

• Example: The longest-serving senator usually becomes the chair of the committee.

• Tip: “Seniority” = seniority first.

Conference Committee

• Definition: A committee made up of members from both the House and Senate to reconcile differences in a bill.

• Example: A conference committee works out the final details of a bill before it is sent to the president.

• Tip: “Conference” = a meeting to finalize differences.

Delegate

• Definition: A representative who votes based on the wishes of their constituents.

• Example: A delegate in Congress represents the interests of their district.

• Tip: “Delegate” = “direct” representative.

Trustee

• Definition: A representative who votes based on their own judgment and conscience.

• Example: A trustee may vote against their constituents’ wishes if they believe it is for the greater good.

• Tip: “Trustee” = trust in judgment.

Logrolling

• Definition: The practice of exchanging favors or votes to benefit both parties.

• Example: A senator agrees to vote for a bill if another senator supports their bill.

• Tip: “Logroll” = mutual back-scratching.

Attentive Public

• Definition: A group of citizens who pay close attention to political issues and are well-informed.

• Example: Political activists and regular voters may form the attentive public.

• Tip: “Attentive” means paying attention.

Discharge Petition

• Definition: A petition that allows the House of Representatives to bring a bill directly to the floor, bypassing committee action.

• Example: A discharge petition can force a vote on a bill stuck in committee.

• Tip: “Discharge” = release from committee.

Rider

• Definition: An additional provision added to a bill, often unrelated to the main topic, to secure its passage.

• Example: A senator might add a rider to a defense bill to fund a local project.

• Tip: “Rider” = something added to an existing bill.

Pocket Veto

• Definition: A presidential power to prevent a bill from becoming law by not signing it within 10 days when Congress is adjourned.

• Example: If Congress adjourns, and the president doesn’t sign a bill, it’s a pocket veto.

• Tip: “Pocket” = tucked away, not signed.

Override

• Definition: The power of Congress to pass a bill into law despite a presidential veto, requiring a two-thirds vote in both chambers.

• Example: Congress can override a veto if they have enough support.

• Tip: “Override” = override a veto with enough votes.

Congressional Requirements (Article I, Sections 2 & 3)