AP Gov Terms Flashcards
What is the 2005 Consolidated Appropriations Act?
Approved appropriations of $388 billion for eleven departments for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, prioritizing agencies and programs that protect the nation’s food and drug supply.
What is an appropriation?
The process through which congressional committees allocate funds to execute branch agencies, bureaus, and departments.
What was the significance of Baker v. Carr?
Addressed legislative redistricting and the principle of one person, one vote, allowing federal courts to intervene in state legislative districting if it violates the Equal Protection Clause.
What are caucuses in Congress?
An informal group of lawmakers in the House and Senate that meet to pursue common legislative objectives.
What is a ‘Christmas-Tree Bill’?
An informal term for a bill on the Senate floor that attracts many unrelated floor amendments.
What is a cloture motion?
A procedure through which senators can end a filibuster and proceed to action, requiring three-fifths of senators to agree.
What is a closed rule?
A procedural guideline in the House that limits debate on a bill and prohibits amendments during floor consideration.
What is the Committee of the Whole?
Consists of all members of the House, meeting in the House chamber under different rules to consider complex legislation.
What are conference committees?
Temporary joint committees formed by both the House and Senate to reconcile differences in legislation that has passed both chambers.
What is congressional oversight?
The power of Congress to monitor and supervise federal agencies and programs to ensure effective implementation and accountability.
What is a discharge petition?
A motion filed by a member of Congress to move a bill out of committee and onto the floor of the House for a vote.
What is an earmark?
An addition to legislation that directs specific funds to projects within districts or states.
What is the ‘Elastic clause’?
A statement in the Constitution granting Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out enumerated powers.
What is a filibuster?
A tactic used by a senator to delay a motion or postpone action on legislation through unlimited debate.
What is the franking privilege?
Special benefits allowing certain government officials to send mail for free without paying for postage.
What are germane amendments?
Changes or additions to a bill that are directly related to the bill’s subject matter.
What is gerrymandering?
The intentional use of redistricting to benefit a specific interest or group of voters.
What is a joint committee?
A legislative committee made up of members from both the House and Senate to streamline the legislative process.
What is a lame duck session?
Period at the end of a presidential term when Congress may block presidential initiatives and nominees.
What is a line-item veto?
The power of a government executive to veto specific items in an appropriations bill without vetoing the entire bill.
What is logrolling?
The trading of votes on legislation by members of Congress to get their earmarks passed.
What are majority-minority leaders?
Positions held by two senators who serve as chief spokespersons for their respective political parties.
What is majority-minority redistricting?
A district where voters of a minority ethnicity constitute an electoral majority.
What is malapportionment?
The uneven distribution of the population between legislative districts.
What does ‘marking up’ refer to?
Committee members debate and make changes to proposed legislation before it is presented to the full chamber.
What are party whips?
Legislators appointed by the party to enforce discipline and ensure members vote according to the party platform.
What is pigeonholing?
The practice of setting aside a bill in a legislative committee, preventing it from moving forward to a vote.
What is a pocket veto?
An informal veto caused when the president does not sign a bill within ten days while Congress is adjourned.
What is pork barrel legislation?
Legislation that directs specific funds to localized projects within districts or states.
Who is the President pro tempore?
A high-ranking senator who presides over the Senate in the absence of the Vice President.
What are ranking members?
The highest-ranking members of a congressional committee from the minority party.
What are revenue bills?
Proposals for federal laws used by the government to gain appropriations funds, initiated only by the House.
What is a rider?
An amendment to a bill that is unrelated to the main subject of the bill.
What is a select committee?
A specialized group formed to investigate, study, and report on specific issues or legislation.
What is the seniority system?
A congressional practice where the member with the most years of service holds preferential treatment.
What was the significance of Shaw v. Reno?
Addressed racial gerrymandering and the Equal Protection Clause, requiring North Carolina to redraw its congressional district map.
What is a signing statement?
Text issued by presidents while signing a bill into law, often including political statements or interpretations.
Who is the Speaker of the House?
The leader of the House of Representatives, chosen by an election of its members.
What is a standing committee?
A permanent legislative committee established to handle bills and issues in specific policy areas.
What was the significance of Wesberry v. Sanders?
A landmark case that addressed congressional district apportionment, reinforcing the principle of ‘one person, one vote.’
