Unit 2:  Interactions Between the Branches

Study Guide

1. What is Separation of powers? The division of government into three branches—legislative, executive, and judicial—to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

2. How does representation differ between the House of Representatives and the Senate?The House is based on population, while the Senate has two members per state.

3. What is the difference in debate between the House of Representatives and the Senate? The House has strict time limits; the Senate allows unlimited debate, including filibusters.

4. Which level of government establishes lower courts and jurisdictions? Congress establishes lower courts.

5. Which chamber of Congress do revenue bills start?Start in the House of Representatives.

6. What is the power of the purse? Which chamber of Congress has the power of the purse? Control over government spending; belongs to the House.

7. Why would the committee system be more important in the House of Representatives than the Senate?More important due to the larger number of members and structured debate rules.

8. What is pork barrel legislation? Government spending directed to benefit a specific district.

9. Define logrolling.  Lawmakers trading votes to pass each other's bills.

10. Define filibusters and explain the purpose. (Be sure to identify which Chamber can use the filibuster)

Senate-only tactic of extended debate to block legislation.

11. Define cloture and explain its purpose. A Senate vote (60 votes required) to end a filibuster.

12. What is mandatory spending? Required spending on programs like Social Security and Medicare.

13. What is discretionary spending? Spending that Congress can adjust annually, like defense and education.

14. Summarize the facts and decision and reasoning about the Supreme Court case Baker v. Carr (1961).

Established the principle of "one person, one vote," allowing courts to rule on redistricting.

15. Summarize the facts and decision and reasoning about the Supreme Court case Shaw v Reno (1993).

Ruled that racial gerrymandering violates the Equal Protection Clause.

16. Define trustee.

A representative who votes based on personal judgment.

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17. Define delegate.

A representative who votes according to constituents' wishes.

18. What is the main argument in the Federalist 70? Argues for a strong, energetic executive for effective governance.

19. Which positions are appointed and have to be confirmed by the Senate? Cabinet members, federal judges, ambassadors.

20. What influence is given to the President with the power of appointing Supreme Court justices? Appoints justices, shaping long-term judicial policy.

21. How is the President’s veto power limited? Congress can override with a two-thirds vote.

22. What was the purpose of the War Powers Resolution/Act (1973)? Limits the President’s ability to deploy troops without congressional approval.

23. How does the President use modern technology? Direct communication with the public (e.g., social media).

24. What is the bully pulpit? 33 The President’s use of media to influence public opinion and policy.

25. What are “iron triangles”? The relationship between congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups.

26. In what ways can the President have a hard time controlling their cabinet members (appointed administrative heads of executive departments)? Difficult due to departmental loyalty and bureaucratic inertia.

27. How do Executive Departments (the cabinet) and Independent Regulatory Agencies differ? Departments are part of the Cabinet; agencies operate independently with specific regulatory functions.

28. What is bureaucratic rule making? List an example. Agencies create regulations (e.g., EPA setting pollution limits).

29. Define Congressional oversight and how it is used. Congress monitors executive agencies through hearings and investigations.

30. What was the main argument in The Federalist 78? Argues for judicial independence and life tenure for judges.

31. How long can federal judges serve in their position? Lifetime tenure with good behavior.

32. What did Marbury v. Madison 1803 established? And how did is=t change the power of the Supreme Court of the United States? Established judicial review, allowing courts to strike down unconstitutional laws.

33. Define precedent. Past court decisions guiding future rulings.

34. Define stare decisis.  The principle of following precedent.

35. How can a shift in the composition of the Supreme Court affect the court’s decisions? Shifts in ideology affect rulings.

36. Define judicial activism. Courts making bold policy decisions rather than strictly interpreting the law.

37. How can Congress restrict the Supreme Court of the United States?  Changing court jurisdiction, altering size, or passing constitutional amendments.

38. How can the President restrict the Supreme Court of the United States? Appointing justices and refusing to enforce rulings.