AP GOV UNIT 2

Here are your flashcards:

Legislative Branch

Q: What is the Congressional power of the purse?
A: The authority of Congress to control government spending and taxation.

Q: What are the implied powers of Congress?
A: Powers not explicitly listed in the Constitution but necessary to carry out enumerated powers, justified by the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Q: What is pork barrel legislation?
A: Government spending directed toward local projects to help a legislator’s district, often to gain political support.

Q: What is logrolling in Congress?
A: The practice of lawmakers exchanging votes to secure passage of their favored legislation.

Q: What is congressional oversight?
A: The power of Congress to monitor and review the executive branch and federal agencies.

Q: What are the main congressional leadership roles?
A: Speaker of the House, Majority and Minority Leaders, Whips, and President Pro Tempore in the Senate.

Q: How do the powers of the House and Senate differ?
A: The House initiates revenue bills and impeachment charges; the Senate confirms appointments, ratifies treaties, and conducts impeachment trials.

Q: What is the trustee model of representation?
A: Legislators vote based on their personal judgment rather than constituents’ preferences.

Q: What is the delegate model of representation?
A: Legislators vote based on their constituents’ desires, regardless of personal views.

Q: What is the politico model of representation?
A: A hybrid model where legislators act as trustees or delegates depending on the issue.

Executive Branch

Q: What is the presidential budget proposal?
A: The president’s annual budget recommendation to Congress outlining government spending priorities.

Q: What is the bully pulpit?
A: The president’s ability to use public speeches and media to influence public opinion and Congress.

Q: What is executive privilege?
A: The president’s power to withhold information from Congress or the courts for national security or confidentiality.

Q: What are signing statements?
A: Statements issued by the president when signing a bill, often indicating how they interpret or intend to enforce it.

Q: What are executive orders?
A: Directives issued by the president that have the force of law without congressional approval.

Q: What are executive agreements?
A: International agreements made by the president that do not require Senate approval.

Q: What is a pocket veto?
A: When the president indirectly vetoes a bill by not signing it within 10 days while Congress is adjourned.

Q: What are the formal and informal presidential powers?
A: Formal powers include vetoes, commander-in-chief authority, and treaty-making; informal powers include executive orders and public persuasion.

Q: What was the line-item veto?
A: A former power that allowed the president to veto specific parts of a bill, ruled unconstitutional in 1998.

Q: What does Federalist No. 70 argue about executive power?
A: Alexander Hamilton argued for a strong, energetic executive to ensure government efficiency and accountability.

Judiciary

Q: What is judicial review?
A: The Supreme Court's power to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.

Q: Why do Supreme Court justices have life tenure?
A: To ensure judicial independence and protection from political pressures.

Q: How do liberal and conservative Supreme Court decisions differ?
A: Liberal decisions favor individual rights and government regulation, while conservative decisions favor limited government and strict constitutional interpretation.

Q: What is the Supreme Court’s constitutional role?
A: To interpret the Constitution and ensure laws align with it.

Q: What is Supreme Court appellate jurisdiction?
A: The Court’s authority to review decisions from lower courts.

Q: Why is the federal judiciary considered the “weakest” branch?
A: Lacks enforcement power and relies on the executive and legislative branches to implement rulings.

Q: What does Federalist No. 78 say about the judicial branch?
A: Argues for judicial independence, life tenure, and the power of judicial review.

Bureaucracy

Q: How does the executive branch implement public policy?
A: Through regulations, enforcement, and administration via federal agencies.

Q: What is the role of the cabinet?
A: Advises the president and oversees executive departments.

Q: What are federal agencies?
A: Government organizations that enforce laws and regulations, such as the EPA or FDA.

Q: What are independent regulatory commissions?
A: Agencies that enforce regulations independently of political influence (e.g., FCC, SEC).

Q: What are government corporations?
A: Businesses owned by the government that provide services (e.g., USPS, Amtrak).

Cross-Branch Concepts

Q: What are checks and balances?
A: The system where each branch of government limits the powers of the others.

Q: What does Federalist No. 51 argue about separation of powers?
A: James Madison emphasizes the need for separate branches to prevent tyranny.

Q: What are issue networks?
A: Looser coalitions of interest groups, media, and policymakers focused on a specific issue.

Q: What are iron triangles?
A: The close relationship between congressional committees, bureaucracies, and interest groups that influence policy.

Q: What is partisan voting in Senate confirmations?
A: When senators vote along party lines for presidential nominees, especially for judges.

Q: How can Congress respond to Supreme Court rulings?
A: By passing new laws, amending the Constitution, or limiting the Court’s jurisdiction.

Q: How can presidents avoid judicial checks?
A: By refusing to enforce rulings, using executive orders, or appointing sympathetic judges.

Let me know if you need any modifications or additional flashcards!