AP Gov Flashcards: Congress & Lawmaking

Flashcard 1:
Q: What happens to most bills after they are introduced in Congress?
A: Most bills die in committee; committees act as gatekeepers deciding which bills move forward.

Flashcard 2:
Q: What is the purpose of a conference committee?
A: Temporary joint committee that reconciles differences between House and Senate versions of a bill and produces a single compromise bill.

Flashcard 3:
Q: What are the three options a President has after Congress passes a bill?
A: 1) Sign it → becomes law. 2) Veto it → Congress can override (2/3). 3) Do nothing → becomes law after 10 days if Congress in session, or dies (pocket veto) if Congress adjourned.

Flashcard 4:
Q: What is the main role of committees in Congress?
A: Review, debate, and revise bills before sending them to the full chamber. Most bills die in committee. Allows expertise and efficiency.

Flashcard 5:
Q: Who usually serves as the committee chair, and what powers do they have?
A: Senior member of the majority party. Controls the agenda, schedules hearings, oversees markup process, and influences which bills advance.

Flashcard 6:
Q: What’s the main purpose of the committee system?
A: Divides workload, allows specialization, screens bills, and conducts oversight.

Flashcard 7:
Q: What are the three models of representation in Congress?
A: 1) Delegate – vote according to constituents. 2) Trustee – vote based on own judgment. 3) Partisan / Politico – vote with party or balance models.

Flashcard 8:
Q: What are two major factors besides representation models that influence congressional votes?
A: 1) Party leadership / party pressure. 2) Interest groups & lobbyists. Bonus: constituents’ opinions and logrolling.

Flashcard 9:
Q: Name two ways Congress can check the President.
A: 1) Override veto (2/3 vote). 2) Impeach and remove. Also: confirm appointments, ratify treaties, control spending, conduct oversight.

Flashcard 10:
Q: What is the Necessary and Proper Clause, and what does it do?
A: Article I, Sec. 8 clause giving Congress power to make laws necessary and proper to execute its enumerated powers → creates implied powers.
Example: McCulloch v. Maryland (national bank).

Flashcard 11:
Q: What is a cloture vote, and why is it important?
A: Senate procedure to end debate and force a vote. Requires 60 votes. Stops filibusters.

Flashcard 12:
Q: Difference between mandatory (entitlement) spending and discretionary spending?
A: Mandatory – required by law (Social Security, Medicare).
Discretionary – set annually by Congress (defense, education).

Flashcard 13:
Q: What is gerrymandering, and how can it affect elections?
A: Drawing districts to benefit a party or group, often using racial or partisan lines. Can skew House representation.
Cases: Baker v. Carr, Shaw v. Reno.

Flashcard 14:
Q: What is the difference between a filibuster, logrolling, and pork barrel spending?
A: Filibuster → endless Senate debate.
Logrolling → vote trading between members.
Pork barrel → spending for local projects to gain support.

Flashcard 15:
Q: How can the President check Congress besides vetoing bills?
A: Executive orders, public persuasion (bully pulpit), calling special sessions, VP breaking Senate ties.

Flashcard 16:
Q: What are the main differences between the House and the Senate?
A: