AP Gov Unit 2 Vocabulary (Interactions Among Branches of Government)

Bicameralism

The division of a legislature into two separate assemblies. EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -The House of Representatives and the Senate that make up the U.S. Congress. -Often, the members of the two chambers are elected or selected by different methods, which vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. This can often lead to the two chambers having very different compositions of members.

(House) Rules Committee

a legislative committee responsible for expediting the passage of bills.; the "traffic cop" of the House that sets the legislative calendar and issues rules for debate on a bill; A standing committee of the House of Representatives that provides special rules under which specific bills can be debated, amended, and considered by the house. EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -a powerful committee that determines when a bill will be subject to debate and vote on the house floor, how long the debate will last, and whether amendments will be allowed on the floor -an important difference between the house and senate -a MAJORITY of the members of this committee are chosen by the SPEAKER -plays a big role in whether or not the bill passes the House or not

stare decisis

A Latin phrase meaning "let the decision stand." Most cases reaching appellate courts are settled on this principle. (Let the decision stand; decisions are based on precedents from previous cases) EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -the practice of letting a previous legal decision stand -under this principle, the SC may avoid creating a new precedent by allowing a previous decision to stand -One of the most well-known examples of _____ ________ in the U.S. is provided by the case of Roe v. Wade, wherein the U.S. Supreme Court ruled a woman's right to elect to have an abortion to be a constitutionally protected right. [OUTDATED EXAMPLE ^]

Committee of the Whole

A device used in the House of Representatives to expedite the passage of legislation. The quorum is reduced from 218 members to 100, and the Speaker appoints a member of the majority party as chair. Time allotted for debating the bill in question is split equally between its proponents and opponents. The committee cannot itself pass legislation but may debate and propose amendments. EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -consists of all members of the House and meets in the House chamber but is governed by different rules, making it easier to consider complex and controversial legislation; *governed by different rules of procedure than when the HOR normally meets; 100 members are needed *gives the house a faster means for considering the complex and often controversial legislation referred to it *House resolves itself into a new committee of the whole to consider a particular bill -A SPECIFIC COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE IS DISSOLVED WHEN IT REPORTS WITH A RECOMMENDATION TO THE HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! -consists of an entire legislative body; used for a procedure in which a legislative body expedites its business by resolving itself into a committee of itself.

Signing statements

A formal document that explains why a president is signing a particular bill into law. These statements may contain objections to the bill and promises not to implement key sections. -announcements made by the president when signing bills into law, often presenting the president's interpretation of the law -occasional written comments attached to a bill signed by the president EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -Unilateral presidential action -written comments issued by presidents while signing a bill into law that usually consist of political statements or reasons for signing the bull but that may also include a president's INTERPRETATION of the law itself... *written comments may convey instructions to the varies agencies that will carry out the laws *sometimes added to build a public record of support for an issue/to call attention to an issue/to offer a slightly different interpretation of a law that a president otherwise supports -IF A PRESIDENT INTERPRETS THE LAW DIFFERENTLY FROM HOW CONGRESS INTENDED OR INSTRUCTS AGENCIES TO EXECUTE IT SELECTIVELY OR DIFFERENTLY, IT MAY SEEM AS IF (or it IS AS IF) THE PRESIDENT IS ENCROACHING ON THE LAWMAKING AUTHORITY OF CONGRESS!

Filibuster

A procedural practice in the Senate whereby a senator refuses to relinquish the floor and thereby delays proceedings and prevents a vote on a controversial issue. EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -A lengthy speech designed to delay or kill the vote on a bill; used only in the Senate -A tactic for delaying or obstructing legislation by making long speeches -A tactic through which an individual senator may use the right of unlimited debate to delay a motion or postpone action on a piece of legislation -A senator can talk and talk and talk to delay a motion or vote on the floor--doesn't matter what he or she says as long as they keep talking -NOT mentioned in the constitution, just something the senate has adopted -one or more members of a legislative body prolong debate on proposed legislation so as to delay or entirely prevent a decision. -In 1917, for example, Wisconsin senator Robert La Follette used the filibuster to demand free speech during wartime. During the 1930s, Senator Huey P. Long effectively used the filibuster against bills that he thought favored the rich over the poor.

Judicial review

Allows the court to determine the constitutionality of laws (the power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional) -review by the US Supreme Court of the constitutional validity of a legislative act. EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -the authority of the Supreme Court to strike down a law or executive action if it conflicts with the constitution -Marbury v. Madison (1803) --> a supreme court decision that established ______ ______ over federal laws When it comes to legal disputes, the courts are the final deciders of what the Constitution means. This authority - known as ________ ______ - gives the Supreme Court and federal courts the authority to interpret the Constitution. -when the court believes that something was unfair legally. A great example is Brown v. the Board of Education (1964) where the US Supreme Court provided a ________ ______ that segregation in public schools was illegal and would no longer be allowed. [one word]

Gridlock

An inability to enact legislation because of partisan conflict within Congress or between Congress and the president. EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: A situation in which the government is incapable of acting on important issues. -the inability of the government to act because rival parties control different parts of the government -A SLOWDOWN or HALT in Congress's ability to legislate and overcome divisions, especially those based on partisanship -more likely during a period of DIVIDED GOVERNMENT, which is a situation that occurs when control of the presidency and one or both chambers of Congress is split between the 2 major parties -frequently refers to occasions when the House of Representatives and the Senate are controlled by different parties, or by a different party than the party of the president. -may also occur within the Senate, when no party has a filibuster-proof majority.

Trustee

An official who is expected to vote independently based on his or her judgment of the circumstances; one interpretation of the role of the legislator. -a representative who votes based on what he or she thinks is best for his or her constituency; A legislator who acts according to her or his conscience and the broad interests of the entire society. ------------------------------------------------------------------- EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -the idea that the members of Congress should act as trustees, making decisions based on their knowledge and judgment (and voters rely on the judgment of the member in policy making) -In this model, constituents elect their representatives as 'trustees' for their constituency. These 'trustees' have autonomy to deliberate and act as they see fit, in their own conscience even if it means going against the explicit desires of their constituents. This is when an elected official will ultimately rely on their own judgement when making decisions. Politicians believe that their constituents have elected them because they trust their judgment to make the right decision to advance the interests of the nation.

veto

Chief executive's power to reject a bill passed by a legislature EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -president is given this power, a formal rejection by the president of a bill that has passed both houses of Congress -subject to override by a 2/3 vote in both chambers of Congress -more likely during peiods of DIVIDED GOVERNMENT -i.e. *Clean Water Act, Reagan, 1986 President Reagan pocket-vetoed the Clean Water Act of 1986 over concerns about its cost, despite the $20 billion bill passing both houses of Congress unanimously. The bill would have provided funding to clean up the nation's bodies of water over the next eight years. -override RARELY happens; getting a 2/3 vote in both chambers is HARD to do and just the threat of a presidential veto is usually enough to shape the bill to be more to a president's liking

Necessary and Proper Clause

Clause of the Constitution (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18) setting forth the implied powers of Congress. It states that Congress, in addition to its express powers, has the right to make all laws necessary and proper to carry out all powers the Constitution vests in the national government

taxes, coin, borrow, value, interstate, foreign commerce, necessary and proper, house, senate, senate

ENUMERATED POWERS (of Congress) congressional powers specifically named in the Constitution (Article 1, Section 8) EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -Economic policy: *both chambers create and collect _____, ____ money, ______ money, regulate the _____ of currency, and regulate _________ and _______ ________ *both chambers have the power to create laws that are "_________ ___ ______" to carry out enumerated powers *all bills to raise revenue must be generated in the ______ *the ______ proposes budgetary amendments. in practice, the ______ has become a coequal partner in settling national revenue policy

trade, nations, senate, ambassadors, ratifies treaties

ENUMERATED POWERS (of Congress) congressional powers specifically named in the Constitution (Article 1, Section 8) EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -Foreign Policy: *both chambers regulate _____ with other _______ *the ______ confirms ____________ with a majority vote and ________ ________ entered into by a president by a 2/3 vote

declare war, armies, naval, military, insurrections, invasions, high seas

ENUMERATED POWERS (of Congress) congressional powers specifically named in the Constitution (Article 1, Section 8) EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -National Security: *Both chambers _______ ___, raise and support ______ and a _____ force, have the power to call up the _______ "to execute the laws of the Union, suppress ___________, and repel _________," define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the ____ ___ *insurrection: a violent uprising against an authority or government

house, senate, nominations, convicts impeached

ENUMERATED POWERS (of Congress) congressional powers specifically named in the Constitution (Article 1, Section 8) EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -Other powers involving the Executive Branch: *_____: issues articles of impeachment against the president, vice president, and other executive branch officers (Article 1, section 2, and Article 2, section 4) *______: confirms presidential ___________ of the executive branch officers with a majority vote (Article 2, section 2) and ________ _________ officials with a 2/3 vote (Article 1, section 3 and article 2, section 4)

below, number, house, impeachment, senate, confirms nominees, tries, impeached

ENUMERATED POWERS (of Congress) congressional powers specifically named in the Constitution (Article 1, Section 8) EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -Powers involving the Judicial Branch *both chambers: create levels of the judicial branch _____ the Supreme Court, establish the ______ of Supreme Court justices (Article 3, section 1) -_____: issues articles of ___________ against members of the federal judiciary (Article 1, section 2) -______: _________ _________ to the federal judiciary by a majority vote (Article 2, section 2) and _____ members of the federal judiciary who have been _________ (Article 1, section 3)

necessary and proper clause, 1, 8, 18, amendments, enforce

ENUMERATED POWERS (of Congress) congressional powers specifically named in the Constitution (Article 1, Section 8) EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: POWERS OF CONGRESS THROUGH THE __________ ___ ______ ______ -"to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the government of the united states." (Article __, Section __, Clause __) [BOTH CHAMBERS] POWERS OF CONGRESS THROUGH SUBSEQUENT ___________ -individual amendments (such as 13th, 14th, and 15th) grant Congress "the power to _______, by appropriate legislation," those amendments. [BOTH CHAMBERS]

Divided government

Governance divided between the parties, as when one holds the presidency and the other controls one or both houses of Congress. -one party controls the White House and another party controls one or both houses of Congress ======================================================== EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: a situation that occurs when control of the presidency and one or both chambers of Congress is split between the 2 major parties -gridlock is more likely during this -Jan 4, 2023: "______ _________ is back! After two years of Democratic control of the presidency and both houses of Congress—just barely in the case of the Senate—the 118th Congress that opened yesterday puts Republicans in charge of the U.S. House of Representatives. A single party has controlled the White House and Congress only three times in the last three decades."

Pork barrel legislation

Legislation giving benefits to constituents through sometimes unnecessary of unwise projects within a state or district, to enhance a memeber's chance of reelection -laws passed by Congress that appropriate money for local federal projects; -legislation that gives tangible benefits to constituents in several districts or states in the hope of winning their votes in return EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -legislation that directs specific funds to projects within districts or states -one of the more controversial ways in which members of Congress have been involved in the budgetary process -MEMBERS ALLOCATE AND DIRECT MONIES TO PROJECTS OR GROUPS WITHIN THEIR DISTRICTS/STATES -Popular w/ constituents -funds devoted to a popular representative's district; can change a bill while going through Congress -involves national funding for government programs whose economic or service benefits are concentrated in a particular area but whose costs are spread among all taxpayers. Public works projects, certain national defense spending projects, and agricultural subsidies are the most commonly cited examples.

Patronage

One of the key inducements used by party machines. A patronage job, promotion, or contract is one that is given for political reasons rather than for merit or competence alone. -(politics) granting favors or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -political _______ (spoils system): filling administrative positions as a reward for support rather than solely on merit; what president Andrew Jackson did, which led to making the bureaucracy more impartial *if the nation is constantly shuffling people in and out of positions after an election, people who often have little expertise in the operations of those agencies and departments, then it becomes necessary to standardize procedures--otherwise, little would get done, and very little would be done well In politics and government, a spoils system (also known as a patronage system) is a practice in which a political party, after winning an election, gives government jobs to its supporters, friends (cronyism), and relatives (nepotism) as a reward for working toward victory

Bully pulpit

PRESIDENTIAL APPEALS TO THE PUBLIC TO PRESSURE OTHER BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT TO SUPPORT HIS/HER POLICIES -the ability to use the office of the presidency to promote a particular program and/or to influence Congress to accept legislative proposals -the president's use of his prestige and visibility to guide or enthuse the American public EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -A _____ _______ is a conspicuous position that provides an opportunity to speak out and be listened to. This term was coined by United States President Theodore Roosevelt, who referred to his office as a "______ ______", by which he meant a terrific platform from which to advocate an agenda. [one word]

Judicial activism

Philosophy proposing that judges should interpret the Constitution to reflect current conditions and values. -A judicial philosophy in which judges make bold policy decisions, even charting new constitutional ground. Advocates of this approach emphasize that the courts can correct pressing needs, especially those unmet by the majoritarian political process. -An interpretation of the U.S. constitution holding that the spirit of the times and the needs of the nation can legitimately influence judicial decisions (particularly decisions of the Supreme Court) EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -A PHILOSOPHY OF CONSTITUTIONAL INTERPRETATION THAT JUSTICES SHOULD WIELD THE POWER OF JUDICIAL REVIEW, SOMETIMES CREATING NEW POLICIES *proponents argue that justices should be willing to overturn laws when necessary; sometimes creating bold new policy *the other 2 branches may make mistakes or trample on individual rights and liberties *the court can PROTECT minorities, especially unpopular groups that may not have support in the other branches *sometimes, elected officials act in ways that damage rights and liberties--and sometimes, the elected branches do not act at all -free from concern about the popularity of their actions, sc justices can decide issues that congress and the pres are unwilling to tackle NOT LINKED TO POLITICAL LIBERALISM OR CONVERVATISM

judicial restraint

Philosophy proposing that judges should interpret the Constitution to reflect what the framers intended and what its words literally say. -a theory of judicial interpretation that encourages judges to limit the exercise of their own power -a judicial philosophy in which judges play minimal policymaking roles, leaving that duty strictly to the legislatures EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -a philosophy of constitutional interpretation that justices should be cautious in overturning laws *proponents of this theory argue that the court should seldom use the power of judicial review and whenever possible, defer to the judgment of the legislative and executive branches *proponents point to the dangers of going against majority rule and the potential undemocratic consequences of unelected justices overturning the actions of elected representatives -declaring a law unconstitutional is more authoritative fi the SC uses it sparingly -justices are legal and constitutional specialists, not policy specialists, and they don't have to implement their decisions--the public policies that may be affected by the use of judicial review may involve complex technical questions, the details of which justices may not fully understand

implied powers (Congress)

Powers inferred from the express powers that allow Congress to carry out its functions. EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -Come from the Constitution's Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper Clause) -Historic example of implied powers: In 1816, Chief Justice John Marshall cited implied powers in the Supreme Court's decision in McCulloch v. Maryland upholding a bill passed by Congress creating the Second Bank of the United States. Marshall argued that Congress had the right to establish the bank, as the Constitution grants to Congress certain implied powers beyond those explicitly stated. -Federal Minimum Wage: Another illustration of Congress' use of its implied power can be seen in its rather loose interpretation of the same Commerce Clause to justify its passage of the first Federal Minimum Wage law in 1938. -Income Tax: While Article I gives Congress the broad specific power to "lay and collect Taxes," Congress cited its implied powers under the Elastic Clause in passing the Revenue Act of 1861 creating the nation's first income tax law. The Military Draft: The always controversial, but still legally mandatory military draft law was enacted to implement Congress' expressed Article I power to "provide for the common Defense and general Welfare of the United States."

President Pro Tempore

The Constitution instructs the Senate to choose a _________ ___ ________ to preside over the Senate in the absence of the vice president. Pro tempore is a Latin term meaning "for the time being," signaling that the position was originally conceived as a temporary replacement. EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -presides over the chamber's proceedings when the vice president isn't present (most of the time), but wields no real power (usually junior senators just fill in)

Delegate

The ________ model of representation emphasizes the idea that the main duty of a member of Congress is to carry out constituent wishes; one interpretation of the role of the legislator. -especially seen in House reprsentatives EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -In this model, constituents elect their representatives as delegates for their constituency. These delegates act only as a mouthpiece for the wishes of their constituency/state and have no autonomy from the constituency only the autonomy to vote for the actual representatives of the state. Elected officials view themselves only as a mirror of their constituents. To the extent that it is possible, their behavior will reflect the wishes of the people in the district, even if it goes against the conscience of the elected official

Treaty negotiation and ratification

The ability of a president to negotiate treaties with foreign nations (requires ratification by 2/3 senate vote). EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: There are five stages in arriving at a treaty. 1.)The president prepares instructions about the terms of the treaty. The president assigns a representative to negotiate the agreement with counterparts from the other nation or nations and the president then signs the draft of the treaty. 2.)In the second stage, the president submits the treaty to the Senate for its consideration. The Senate can consent to the treaty; reject it, block it by tabling it; or consent with reservations. 3.)If the Senate consents, the president proceeds to the third stage, known as ratification. 4.)In the fourth stage, the president exchanges ratifications with the co-signing country. The U.S. Department of State and American diplomats abroad typically handle this step. 5.) In the fifth and final stage, the president proclaims the treaty the law of the land.

Commander in Chief

The role of the president as supreme commander of the military forces of the United States and of the state National Guard units when they are called into federal service EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -includes army and navy and "militia of the several states" -The president is at the TOP of the entire military chain of command, including the strategic nuclear forces of the nation (including things like communications equipment and strategic plans and codes to launch nuclear missiles) -President will be held accountable by people/congress/history for "the nation's readiness to meet an enemy assault" -The framers of the Constitution limited the war-making power of the presidency but designed it so the president could efficiently lead the American armed forces to protect the nation -congress can declare war, but how can the nation respond quickly to threats when Congress is not in session? ---> pres can issue a presidential pardon

Politico

The role played by elected representatives who act as trustees or as delegates, depending on the issue; one interpretation of the role of the legislator. -Lawmaker who attempts to balance the basic elements of the trustee, delegate, and partisan roles EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -This is a combination of the first two, delegate and trustee. Generally, the elected official will follow the trustee model until their constituents push them towards the delegate model on certain issue.

discharge petition

a motion to force a bill to the House floor that has been bottled up in committee -a device by which any member of the House, after a committee has had the bill for 30 days, may petition to have it brought to the floor -Petition that, if signed by majority of the House of Representatives' members, will pry a bill from committee and bring it to the floor for consideration. ---------------------------------EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -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 *FREES A BILL FROM AN UNFRIENDLY COMMITTEE *THESE EFFORTS ARE RARELY SUCCESSFUL BUT CAN PRESSURE A COMMITTEE AND THE MAJORITY PARTY LEADERSHIP TO BRING MEASURES TO THE FLOOR THEY'D RATHER NOT CONSIDER Discharge Petition: Used in the House to extract a bill from a committee to have it considered by the entire House. A discharge petition requires the signature of a majority (218) of the members of the house.

holds

a parliamentary procedure permitted by the Standing Rules of the United States Senate which allows one or more Senators to prevent a motion from reaching a vote on the Senate floor.; EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -Senators have power to place ____s - Indication of disapproval for a bill, strong hesitation will likely lead to a filibuster, a ____ allows Senators to be informed of any change in status or action on a bill or confirmation, holds can usually be very powerful/influential, if there are 60 votes: Holds won't stick. [one word] -these have become more common in a closely split and deeply divided senate -An informal practice by which a senator informs Senate leadership that he or she does not wish a particular measure or nomination to reach the floor for consideration

cloture

a procedure for ending a debate and taking a vote; A procedure for terminating debate, especially filibusters, in the Senate. EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -a procedure through which senators can end debate on a bill and proceed to action, provided 3/5 of senators agree to it (3/5 = 60) -a determined minority party of at least 41 seats can use a filibuster to delay or kill legislation -because of the increased use of threats of filibuster, votes of _______ have become much more numerous as well -main purpose is to provide a means to check a filibuster—an endless debate by a minority to keep a motion from being put to a vote. In most parliamentary bodies a _______ motion is not debatable, is not subject to amendment, and requires more than a simple majority vote.

Executive order

a rule or order issued by the president to an executive branch of the government and having the force of law. EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -policy directives issued by presidents that do NOT require congressional approval -most are issued under congressional authorization and constitute a set of instructions given by the president to the executive branch agencies, informing them of how they should go about implementing a law or policy -often deal with routine administrative procedures, BUT presidents have used these to make MAJOR changes to public policy (i.e. Roosevelt's Japanese Internment Exec Order) -Unilateral presidential action -in 1957, President Eisenhower issued an Executive order that sent federal troops to maintain peace during the desegregation of an Arkansas high school. -By General Orders No. 141, September 25, 1862, Lincoln subjected protestors to martial law and the suspension of habeas corpus. The suspension of habeas corpus was one of Lincoln's most controversial decisions. (EXEC. ORDER)

Precedent

an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances. (How similar cases have been decided in the past.) -an example that may serve as a basis for imitation or later action EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -a judicial decision that guides future courts in handling similar cases -SC decisions set a _________ -an individual justice may be more or less likely to "grant cert" (requesting records of a case) if there is a perceived likelihood that the outcome might be a _______ that the justice desires or wishes to avoid -when a case's circumstances and legal requirements match those of a contemporary legal dispute; unless a party can demonstrate that it was incorrectly resolved or that it differed materially, the _________ will typically govern the outcome of a later similar case. [one word]

pocket veto

an indirect veto of a legislative bill by the president or a governor by retaining the bill unsigned until it is too late for it to be dealt with during the legislative session. (president's power to kill a bill, if Congress is not in session, by not signing it for 10 days) -A veto taking place when Congress adjourns within 10 days of submitting a bill to the president, who simply lets it die by neither signing nor vetoing it. EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -an INFORMAL veto caused when the president chooses not to sign a bill within 10 days, during a time when Congress has adjourned at the end of a session -Of presidents throughout United States history, Franklin D. Roosevelt had an outstanding number of pocket vetoes, more than anyone before or after him. During his presidency from 1933 to 1945 Roosevelt had vetoed 635 bills, 263 of which were pocket vetoes -Normally if a president does not sign a bill, it becomes law after ten days as if he had signed it. A pocket veto occurs when a bill fails to become law because the president does not sign it within the ten-day period and cannot return the bill to Congress because Congress is no longer in session. Article 1, Section 7 of the U.S. Constitution states: If any Bill shall not be returned by the President within ten days (Sundays excepted) after it shall have been presented to him, the same shall be a Law, in like manner as if he had signed it, unless the Congress by their Adjournment prevent its return, in which case it shall not be a Law.

Enumerated Powers of Congress, executive

congressional powers specifically named in the Constitution (Article 1, Section 8) EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -Other powers involving the ________ branch: *House: issues articles of impeachment against the president, vice president, and other executive branch officers (Article 1, section 2, and Article 2, section 4) *Senate: confirms presidential nominations of the executive branch officers with a majority vote (Article 2, section 2) and convicts impeached officials with a 2/3 vote (Article 1, section 3 and article 2, section 4)

Enumerated Powers of Congress, judicial

congressional powers specifically named in the Constitution (Article 1, Section 8) EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -Powers involving the ________ branch: *both chambers: create levels of the judicial branch below the Supreme Court, establish the number of Supreme Court justices (Article 3, section 1) -house: issues articles of impeachment against members of the federal judiciary (Article 1, section 2) -senate: confirms nominees to the federal judiciary by a majority vote (Article 2, section 2) and tries members of the federal judiciary who have been impeached (Article 1, section 3)

Enumerated Powers of Congress, national security

congressional powers specifically named in the Constitution (Article 1, Section 8) EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -________ ________: *Both chambers declare war, raise and support armies and a naval force, have the power to call up the military "to execute the laws of the Union, suppress insurrections, and repel invasions," define and punish piracies and felonies committed on the high seas *insurrection: a violent uprising against an authority or government

Enumerated Powers of Congress, economic

congressional powers specifically named in the Constitution (Article 1, Section 8) EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -_________ policy: *both chambers create and collect taxes, coin money, borrow money, regulate the value of currency, and regulate interstate and foreign commerce *both chambers have the power to create laws that are "necessary and proper" to carry out enumerated powers *all bills to raise revenue must be generated in the House *the Senate proposes budgetary amendments. in practice, the Senate has become a coequal partner in settling national revenue policy

Enumerated Powers of Congress, foreign

congressional powers specifically named in the Constitution (Article 1, Section 8) EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -_________ policy: *both chambers regulate trade with other nations *the Senate confirms ambassadors with a majority vote and ratifies treaties entered into by a president by a 2/3 vote

Gerrymandering

manipulate the boundaries of (an electoral constituency) so as to favor one party or class/the drawing of legislative district boundaries to benefit a party, group, or incumbent EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -the intentional use of redistricting to benefit a specific interest or group of voters -partisan _______________ aims to increase the representation of one political party at the expense of another *aiming to concentrate the opposing party's supporters in a small number of districts that that party would win easily while partly in control tries to maximize the number of districts that its candidates will win comfortably BUT not by huge margins. Wastes many of the votes of a party's opposition -Shaw v. Reno, 509 U.S. 630, was a landmark United States Supreme Court case in the area of redistricting and racial gerrymandering. After the 1990 census, North Carolina qualified to have a 12th district and drew it in a distinct snake-like manner in order to create a "majority-minority" Black district

Nomination and confirmation

nominated by the president and confirmed by the senate EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: senate confirmation process give advice and consent to presidential appointment, supreme court nominees and high level positions 1. the president submits a nomination in writing and forwards it to the senate 2. refers each nomination to the committee or committees of jurisdiction 3. the senate will meet in an executive session to consider the nomination, either confirm, reject or take no action

formal (enumerated) powers

powers expressly granted in the Constitution to the PRESIDENT. EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -Has the power to approve or veto bills and resolutions passed by Congress -Through the Treasury Department, has the power to write checks pursuant to appropriation laws. -Pursuant to the Oath of Office, will preserve, protect, and defend the Consitution of the United States. -Serves as Commander-in-Chief of the United States military, and militia when called to service. -Is authorized to require principle officers of executive departments to provide written opinions upon the duties of their offices -Has the power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, except in the cases of inpeachment. -Has the power to make treaties, with the advise and consent of Congress. -Has the power to nominate ambassadors and other officials with the advise and consent of Congress. -Has the power to fill vacancies that happen when the Senate is in recess that will expire at the end of the Senate's next session. -Shall periodically advise Congress on the state of the union and give Congress recommendations that are thought necessary and expedient. -Has the power to convene one or both houses of Congress during extraordinary occasions, and when Congress cannot agree to adjourn has the power to adjourn them when he thinks the time is proper. -Has the duty to receive ambassadors and other public ministers. -Has the duty to see that the laws are faithfully executed. -Has the power to commission the officers of the United States.

informal powers

powers not laid out in the Constitution but used to carry out presidential duties EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -Powers that the President has that are not listed in the Constitution but help the President perform the Expressed Powers (sending troops overseas, executive orders and agreements, etc.) -Bargaining and persuasion (Setting priorities for Congress and attempting to get majorities to put through the president's legislative agenda) -Issuing executive orders (Regulations to run the government and direct the bureaucracy) -Issuing signing statements (Giving the president's intended interpretation of bills passed by Congress) -Negotiating executive agreements (Agreements with heads of foreign governments that are not ratified by the Senate)

Discretionary spending

spending about which Congress is free to make choices (spending category about which government planners can make choices) EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -federal spending on programs that are controlled through the regular budget process -spending for programs and policies at the discretionn of Congress and the president (including defense spending) -------------- -Congress allocates over half of the discretionary budget towards national defense and the rest to fund the administration of other agencies and programs. These programs range from transportation, education, housing, and social service programs, as well as science and environmental organizations. -Congress is expected to produce a budget resolution that provides broad outlines for federal spending in response to the president's proposals; REAL ACTION happens in the House and Senate APPROPRIATION COMMITTEES (which set the budget for departments, agencies, bureaus) --> these committees then submit budget resolutions that are passed from congress to the president for approval

Mandatory spending

spending on certain programs that is mandated, or required, by existing law; Federal spending required by law that continues without the need for annual approvals by Congress (required govt spending by permanent laws) EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -spending required by existing laws that is "locked in" the budget -i.e. This type of spending includes funding for entitlement programs like Medicare and Social Security and other payments to people, businesses, and state and local governments.

Speaker of the House

the leader of the House of Representatives, chosen by an election of its members; THE ONLY HOUSE LEADERSHIP POSITION DESCRIBED IN THE CONSTITUTION EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -at the beginning of each new Congress (every 2 years), members of the House elect the speaker (almost always a member of the majority party)--chosen according to experience in the House + ability to raise money for other members of one's party -has the power to recognize who can speak and who cannot (parliamentary procedure) and makes committee assignments -currently: Mike Johnson -second in the United States presidential line of succession, after the vice president and ahead of the president pro tempore of the Senate.

Senate Majority Leader

the person who has the most power in the Senate and is the head of the party with the most seats (majority party); The chief spokesperson of the majority party in the Senate, who directs the legislative program and party strategy. EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -plays a key role in shaping the legislative agenda -NOT AS POWERFUL as the speaker of the House -senate majority and minority party leaders are both assisted by party whips and leadership committees -Working with the committee chairs and ranking members, this person schedules business on the floor by calling bills from the calendar and keeps members of his or her caucus advised about the daily legislative program.

22nd Amendment (1951)

the president is limited to two terms or a total of 10 years in office EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -proposed and ratified largely in response to Roosevelt's multiple terms; PROHIBITS presidents from being elected more than twice, + only once if that person had assumed office (due to a death, impairment, resignation, or impeachment) more than 2 years before the end of a partial term -if someone assumes office and serves over half of the first 4-year term, they can only be elected once more "No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than twice, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than two years of a term to which some other person was elected President shall be elected to the office of the President more than once." limiting the number of terms served by the President!!!!!!!!

President of the Senate

the presiding officer of a senate; in Congress, the vice president of the United States; in a state's legislature, either the lieutenant governor or a senator EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -the vice president is known as the official leader of the senate, but he/she can only cast a vote in the event of a tie

Partisanship

the strong support of their party and its policy stands; loyalty to a political cause or party; -Government action based on firm allegiance to a political party EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -PARTISAN = a committed member of a political party. In multi-party systems, the term is used for persons who strongly support their party's policies and are reluctant to compromise with political opponents. -partisan polarization: members of parties vote and act strongly with their own party and become less likely to cross the aisle and cooperate with each other; has caused increasing concern + in intense forms, can lead to bitterness between members -bipartisanship: agreement between the parties to work together in Congress to pass legislation; voting records on the House and Senate floor show a clear trend AWAY from this

Checks and balances

used to keep the government from getting too powerful in one branch; A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -The legislative branch makes laws, but the judicial branch can declare those laws unconstitutional. -The legislative branch has the power to approve Presidential nominations, control the budget, and can impeach the President and remove him or her from office. -The executive branch can declare Executive Orders, which are like proclamations that carry the force of law, but the judicial branch can declare those acts unconstitutional. -The judicial branch interprets laws, but the President nominates Supreme Court justices, court of appeals judges, and district court judges who make the evaluations. -The judicial branch interprets laws, but the Senate in the legislative branch confirms the President's nominations for judicial positions, and Congress can impeach any of those judges and remove them from office.

Logrolling

vote trading; voting to support a colleague's bill in return for a promise of future support -An agreement by two or more lawmakers to support each other's bills (mutual aid and vote trading among legislators) EXAMPLES/CHARACTERISTICS: -trading of votes on legislation by members of Congress to get their earmarks passed *(earmarks = funds provided by congress for projects or programs that curtail the ability of the executive branch to manage critical aspects of the funds allocation process OR the allocation of money to specific projects in states or congressional districts) -"I'll vote for your bill if you vote for mine!!!!!!" *For example, a vote on behalf of a tariff may be traded by a congressman for a vote from another congressman on behalf of an agricultural subsidy to ensure that both acts will gain a majority and pass through the legislature (Shughart 2008). ----------------------------------------------------- -earmarks = often popular with those who receive them/with the senators and representatives who can claim credit for bringing the money home; some criticize earmarks as putting the needs of a few beneficiaries ahead of the needs of the nation as a whole