AP GOV Unit 2 Part 1 Test Review:

2.1 Congress: The Senate and the House of Representatives (Article I of the Constitution)

• How does the Constitution reflect that the Senate is designed to represent states equally, while the House is designed to represent population? The Senate is structured with two Senators per state, ensuring equal representation for each state regardless of population size. The House of Representatives, on the other hand, allocates seats based on population, with larger states receiving more representatives.
  
  

• What is reapportionment? How often does it happen? Reapportionment is the process of redistributing the number of House seats among the states after each decennial census. It happens every 10 years, based on population changes recorded in the census.
  
  

• What is redistricting? How often does it happen? Who is usually in control of redistricting? Redistricting is the process of redrawing the boundaries of electoral districts within states, typically occurring after every census (every 10 years). State legislatures usually control the redistricting process, although in some states independent commissions are tasked with this responsibility.
  
  

• What is gerrymandering? Gerrymandering is the practice of intentionally manipulating district boundaries to favor one political party or a specific group of voters.
  
  

• How does gerrymandering impact elections? Gerrymandering can distort election outcomes by giving an unfair advantage to one party, diluting the voting power of opposing groups and undermining democratic representation.
  
  

• What is the chamber size for the House? For the Senate? The House of Representatives consists of 435 members, while the Senate consists of 100 members.
  
  

• How do the differences in chamber sizes and constituencies influence the formality of debate in the House and the Senate? The House, with its larger membership, has more formal rules and time limits on debate to manage the volume of legislation. The Senate, with fewer members, tends to allow for more extended and less formal debates, often requiring unanimous consent for quick action.
  
  

• What is the term for members of the House? For the Senate? Members of the House serve two-year terms, while Senators serve six-year terms.
  
  

• How are coalitions in Congress affected by term length differences? Shorter terms in the House encourage members to focus on immediate constituent needs, making them more responsive to local concerns and less likely to form long-term, bipartisan coalitions. Longer terms in the Senate provide more opportunity for strategic, cross-party alliances, but also allow Senators to prioritize national issues over localized concerns.
  
  

• Regarding powers/areas of specialization, what is the House known for? The House is known for initiating revenue bills and has a more centralized structure, making it effective for rapid decision-making, especially on fiscal matters.
  
  

• Regarding powers/areas of specialization, what is the Senate known for? The Senate is known for its “advise and consent” power on presidential appointments, such as cabinet members and federal judges, as well as its authority to ratify treaties.
  
  

• What are three enumerated powers of Congress (Article I, Section 8) that significantly increase their power?
  
  

  1. Taxing Power: Congress has the authority to levy taxes, which gives it significant financial control.

  2. Borrowing Power: Congress can borrow money on the credit of the United States.

  3. Commerce Power: Congress can regulate commerce with foreign nations and among states, significantly impacting the economy.

• How does the Necessary and Proper clause impact the amount of power Congress has? Explain. The Necessary and Proper Clause, also known as the Elastic Clause, allows Congress to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. This broadens Congressional power by permitting it to pass laws that are not explicitly listed in the Constitution but are essential to executing its responsibilities.
  
  

2.2 Structures, Powers, and Functions of Congress

• What does the policymaking process look like? The policymaking process involves the introduction of bills, committee review, debate and amendments, voting, and passage through both chambers of Congress before being sent to the President for approval.
  
  

• How do differences in the House and Senate impact the policymaking process? The House’s larger size and stricter rules lead to faster decision-making and more centralized control. The Senate, with fewer members, allows for more extensive debates, more amendments, and a greater emphasis on individual Senators’ powers (e.g., filibuster).
  
  

• What role do committees serve in Congress? Committees are essential for the detailed examination of proposed legislation. They allow for expert input, amendment, and recommendation of bills for further consideration by the full House or Senate.
  
  

• What is the main role of a standing committee? Give an example of a powerful one in the House and one in the Senate. Standing committees review and revise bills, often focusing on specific policy areas. In the House, the Ways and Means Committee is powerful in shaping tax and revenue policies. In the Senate, the Judiciary Committee is influential in confirming judicial nominees.
  
  

• What is the function of a select committee? Give an example of one. Select committees are temporary and created to address specific issues, often investigative in nature. An example is the Watergate Committee, which investigated the Watergate scandal.
  
  

• What does a conference committee do? A conference committee resolves differences between House and Senate versions of a bill to create a final, unified version that both chambers can agree on.
  
  

Congressional Procedure Terms Impacting Policymaking

2.3 Congressional Behavior

• Ideological divisions within Congress:
  
  

  • Definition: Disagreements between political parties or factions within Congress based on ideological lines.

  • Impact: Can lead to gridlock and difficulty passing laws as consensus becomes harder to achieve.

• Divided government:
  
  

  • Definition: When the presidency and at least one chamber of Congress are controlled by different parties.

  • Impact: Often results in legislative gridlock, as parties in control of different branches resist compromise.

• Lame duck sessions:
  
  

  • Definition: The period after an election but before the new Congress is sworn in.

  • Impact: Limited legislative action, as outgoing members have less political leverage.

Voting Styles in Congress:

• Trustee: Votes based on personal judgment of what is best for the country.

• Delegate: Votes according to the wishes of constituents.

• Politico: Balances both trustee and delegate roles, depending on the situation.

Key Court Cases:

• Baker v. Carr (1961):
  
  

  • Facts: Court case concerning the issue of legislative district apportionment in Tennessee.

  • Precedent: Established the "one person, one vote" standard, ruling that federal courts could hear cases related to redistricting.

• Shaw v. Reno (1993):
  
  

  • Facts: Concerned the constitutionality of racially gerrymandered districts in North Carolina.

  • Precedent: Declared that district lines drawn based predominantly on race must meet strict scrutiny standards under the Equal Protection Clause.

PART 2 - THE PRESIDENCY

2.4 Roles and Powers of the President and 2.5 Checks on the Presidency

• Veto: The President's constitutional power to reject a bill passed by Congress. Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.
  
  

• Pocket veto: The President’s power to withhold signing a bill into law if Congress is adjourned, preventing it from becoming law.
  
  

• Treaty negotiation: The President’s power to negotiate and sign treaties, subject to Senate ratification with a two-thirds majority.
  
  

• Executive agreements: Informal
  
  

agreements between the President and other countries, not subject to Senate approval.

• Commander in Chief: The President's role as the leader of the U.S. military, though Congress can declare war and control military funding.
  
  

• Executive orders: Directives issued by the President to manage the federal government, which can be challenged in courts or overturned by subsequent Presidents.
  
  

• Signing statements: The President’s written comments when signing a bill into law, often signaling how the law should be interpreted.
  
  

• Pardon: The President's power to grant clemency to individuals convicted of federal crimes, a power that cannot be overridden by Congress.
  
  

• Appointment: The President's authority to appoint federal judges, cabinet members, and other high-ranking officials, subject to Senate confirmation.
  
  

Unified vs. Divided Government's Impact on Judicial Appointments: In a unified government (same party controls the presidency and Senate), judicial appointments are more likely to be confirmed. In a divided government, appointments can be delayed or blocked, especially if the Senate is controlled by a party opposite the President.

2.6 Expansion of Presidential Power (Federalist 70 + the Constitution)

• What kind of executive was set forth in Federalist 70? Hamilton advocated for a strong, energetic executive to ensure decisive leadership, national unity, and effective governance.
  
  

• Why did Hamilton argue this was the best type of executive? Hamilton argued that a single, energetic executive would provide clear accountability, be able to act swiftly, and prevent factionalism.
  
  

• How did the 22nd Amendment restrict the power of the president? The 22nd Amendment limits presidents to two terms in office, preventing them from holding excessive power through prolonged tenure.
  
  

• What president greatly expanded the power of the executive? President Franklin D. Roosevelt significantly expanded presidential power, especially through his New Deal programs, and his actions have influenced the modern presidency.
  
  

2.7 Presidential Communication

• Define bully pulpit: The president’s use of their platform to influence public opinion and promote policies.
  
  

• How can POTUS use the bully pulpit to advance policy wishes? The President can use speeches, media appearances, and public campaigns to garner support for policy goals, such as advocating for health care reform.
  
  

What is the State of the Union? Does POTUS have to give one? How can it help POTUS? The State of the Union is an annual address delivered by the President to Congress. It is not mandatory but is traditionally used to outline the administration's legislative agenda and can rally public and congressional support for the President's initiatives.