AP Gov Unit 2 Vocab

why would congress pass an unsupported bill?

- See it could grow favorable over time - Hope it could improve electoral success - Pressure from interest groups and donors

bipartisan legislation

-congress giving delegated powers is one of the few kinds of laws in which bipartisan coalitions are more common -agreement or cooperation of two political parties that usually oppose each other's policies (represents the Senate at best because a problem was identified and democrats and republicans worked together to craft a solution)

Roles of political parties

1. Recruit electable candidates. 2. Educate the public. 3. Run the government. 4. Patronage (favors to political supporters). 5. Loyal opposition (check power of majority party). 6. Reduce conflict (encourages compromise, peaceful transfer of power).

Tools of FED:

1. increase interest rates, makes more $$ 2. increase reserve requirement that banks hold in their vault. 3. Buy/sell bonds to literally take money out of the economy.

Fiscal year

A 12-month pd, October through Septmeber, for planning the federal budget

Public Policy

A choice that government makes in response to a political issue. A policy is a course of action taken with regard to some problem.

Free-market economy

A free market is a type of economic system that is controlled by the market forces of supply and demand, as opposed to one regulated by government controls.

Filibuster

A lengthy speech designed to delay or kill the vote on a bill; used only in the Senate

Realignment

A major shift in allegiance to political party given by changes/major events in the world

Affirmative action

A policy designed to redress past discrimination against women and minority groups through measures to improve their economic and educational opportunities

Party platform

A political party's statement of its goals and policies for the next four years. The platform is drafted prior to the party convention by a committee whose members are chosen in rough proportion to each candidate's strength. It is the best formal statement of a party's beliefs.

Reconciliation process

A process established in the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 by which Congress changes existing laws to conform tax and spending levels to the levels set in a budget resolution. Changes recommended by committees pursuant to a reconciliation instruction are incorporated into a reconciliation measure.

1. A major power of the Rules Committee in the House of Representatives is to: A. Calendar bills after they have been passed out of committee B. Select the members of each House committee C. Introduce all revenue and taxation bills D. Allocate funding to cover the budget set forth in each bill

A. Calendar bills after they have been passed out of committee Setting the legislative calendar, in addition to setting time limits and rules for debate, is a major power of the Rules Committee over the legislative process.

11. How can Congress check the power of a bureaucratic agency? A. Control the agency's budget B. Select the director of an agency C. Change the length of an agency head's term of office D. Fire an agency head without just cause

A. Control the agency's budget One of the strongest checks on the bureaucracy is Congress' power of the purse, which allows it to control agency budgets.

14. Which case established the concept of judicial review? A. Marbury v. Madison B. McCulloch v. Maryland C. Gibbons v. Ogden D. Schenck v. US

A. Marbury v. Madison Judicial Review was established by Marbury v. Madison, decided under Chief Justice John Marshall.

10. Which of the following is NOT a part of an iron triangle? A. Media Organization B. Bureaucratic Agency C. Congressional Committee D. Interest Group

A. Media Organization Iron triangles are composed of Congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups. The media would be a part of a broader issue network.

2. What is the fate of most bills introduced in Congress? A. They die in Congressional committees B. They are filibustered in the Senate C. They are killed by the Rules Committee D. They pass one chamber but not the other Explanation: The vast majority of bills are referred to committee but never pass out of committee to the full floor debate. 📄 Study Unit 2.2: Structures, Powers, and Functions of Congress

A. They die in Congressional committees The vast majority of bills are referred to committee but never pass out of committee to the full floor debate. Study Unit 2.2: Structures, Powers, and Functions of Congress

Which of the following do NOT need to be approved by Congress after being appointed by the President? A. White House Staff B. Cabinet Secretaries C. Supreme Court Justices D. Ambassadors

A. White House Staff Members of the White House Staff are appointed at the will of the President and do not require Congressional approval.

Supply-side economics

An economic philosophy that holds the sharply cutting taxes will increase the incentive people have to work, save, and invest. Greater investments will lead to more jobs, a more productive economy, and more tax revenues for the government. Laissez-Faire/ 'leave it be' Argument that people who leave market to settle/have cheaper taxes are motivated to work more

8. According to the War Powers Resolution, how long does the President have to notify Congress after taking military action? A. 24 hours B. 48 hours C. 30 days D. 60 days

B. 48 hours The President must notify Congress within 48 hours of taking military action, and troops must be brought back after 60 days if Congress has not approved of their us

3. What is the role of a Conference Committee? A. Ensure that the President has the information required before signing a bill B. Create a compromise bill based on differing House and Senate bills C. Control which bills are sent to each of the chambers of Congress D. Allow for discussion between Senators and House Representatives while they are each debating bills

B. Create a compromise bill based on differing House and Senate bills A Conference Committee takes similar bills passed by the House and the Senate and works to create a compromise bill that is then sent back to both chambers for final passage

6. Which committee would be responsible for first considering a bill to increase payroll taxes to support Social Security? A. Senate Finance Committee B. House Ways and Means Committee C. House Appropriations Committee D. Senate Appropriations Committee

B. House Ways and Means Committee All tax laws must be initiated in the House of Representatives, and come through the House Ways and Means Committee

Which of the following is not an action President have taken to expand power without requiring Congressional approval? A. Executive Orders B. Executive Agreements C. Executive Filibusters D. Signing Statements

C. Executive Filibusters Executive Orders, Executive Agreements, and Signing Statements are all ways presidents have expanded their power to avoid Congress. There is no such thing as an Executive Filibuster.

4. Who is responsible for drawing House districts every ten years? A. House Rules Committee B. Federal Election Commission C. State legislatures D. The Census Bureau

C. State legislatures Each state legislature has the power to draw its own Congressional districts, often resulting in gerrymandering.

13. The Supreme Court can use judicial review to overrule all of the following EXCEPT: A. State Laws B. Acts of Congress C. The Bill of Rights D. Executive Orders

C. The Bill of Rights The Supreme Court can judge laws and actions unconstitutional, but since the Bill of Rights is part of the Constitution, it is not subject to judicial review.

How is party funding regulated?

Campaign finance system restricts ability of parties to coordinate campaigns that allow them to pool expenses citizens united vs. Fed electoral committee allowed for unlimited spending if independent of a campaign.

Party in the electorate

Citizens who identify with a party, voters

Example of cognitive dissonance

Conservatives don't support welfare, but generally are the ones getting it the most.

Free enterprise

Conservatives want small business aid and more monitoring on monopolies (anti-trust), liberals want increases on taxes from rich.

How do minor parties affect American politics?

Contribute by focusing on one single issue they think major parties don't adress - Can be built around a popular candidate -Sometime there is backlash against them b/c campaigns pull away votes from parties most similar to them and held opposing party win.

Which of the following policies is most likely to cause tension between the competing values of individualism and rule of law? Choose 1 answer: (Choice A) A Criminalizing the use of recreational drugs like marijuana B Increasing funding for school lunch programs C Mandating all public schools have English-language programs D Reducing environmental regulations

Criminalizing the use of recreational drugs like marijuana People who support the criminalization of recreational drugs argue that the government should apply the body of law to all citizens. Those who argue against the criminalization of recreational drugs argue that it violates an individual's right to choose to use drugs.

When the TSA decides that shoes must be removed during airport security screening, which bureaucratic power are they using? A. Oversight B. Independent Expenditure C. Administrative Adjudication D. Rule-making authority

D. Rule-making authority Bureaucratic agencies like the TSA use rule-making authority to set policies and implement the law.

5. Of these individuals, who has the most power in Congress? A. House Minority Leader B. Appropriations Committee Chairperson C. Senate Majority Whip D. Speaker of the House

D. Speaker of the House The Speaker of the House, through his/her role on the Rules Committee, has a great deal of power in the legislative process.

12. Which Latin term refers to precedent, and often guides the Supreme Court's decision-making? A. Writ of Certiorari B. Writ of Mandamus C. Habeas Corpus D. Stare decisis

D. Stare decisis The Supreme Court often looks to stare decisis - or precedent - when making decisions, though it can reverse stare decisis if it chooses to do so.

Deficit vs. Debt

Deficit happens yearly when that cost exceeds revenues --> spending more money than the government has Debt: sum of annual budget deficits

Why have Democrats experienced a resurgence in POTUS elections since the 1980s?

Democrats experienced a resurgence in POTUS elections since the 1980s because white Southerners began moving away from the democrats as they were increasingly suspicious of bigger/stronger government. Democrats were losing elections because of the drop in popularity from white voters.

Multipler effect

Effect an investment has in multiplying related jobs throughout the economy. Ones spending/change income is anothers increase in income

What limits the federal government?

Enumerated powers of Constitution, checks and balances, free and fair elections, and the Bill of rights.

Which of the following polls is considered most reliable on election day?

Exit polls are most reliable because voters are asked who they voted for immediately after they leave the polling place. Entrance polls (B) are less reliable than exit polls because some people change their minds once they are inside the polling place. Benchmark polls (A) and tracking polls (D) are the same thing, so neither can be correct.

Why use an exit poll?

Find out why voters chose that candidate, and may sample favors of a certain candidate to screw the election. It can also be used to find patterns in voting.

Divided government

Governance divided between house and senate

GDP

Gross Domestic Product- the total market value of all final goods and services produced annually in an economy

General ideals disagreed on how to demonstrate

Harm/care, fairness, in-group/loyalty, authority/respect, purity/sanctity.

Which divisive issue led to realignment of the solid south?

In 1960, due to restrictive and racially discriminatory voter registration practices, the overwhelming majority of voters in the segregated South was white. This bloc of voters, the so-called "Solid South," was key to the fortunes of the Democratic Party. Voters in these states had helped elect John F. Kennedy as president in an extraordinarily close race against Republican candidate Richard Nixon. Over time, the Kennedy administration gradually aligned itself with civil rights activists, at the expense of their one-time allies in the segregated South. Following Johnson's actions, the democrats lost the support of the Solid South in national presidential elections for the most of the next half century.

latter curve

Income tax revenue= tax rate times income. - Theory that taxing would create less work, so people are not driven to work.

How does FED create monetary policies to benefit the economy?

Increased interest rates in inflation.

Ideals that divide the country?

Individualism, equal opportunity, free enterprise, rule of law, limited gov.

cognitive dissonance

Inner tension that a consumer experiences after recognizing an inconsistency between behavior and values or opinions

How is need-based welfare assistance dividing the nation?

Its usually based on income, not funded through payroll taxes. It aids families in need, however AFDC was creating parents dependent on funding moving through generations. This contradicts individualism and free-enterprise. In 1966 Bill Clinton signed the Personal Responsibility + Work Act to give states more authority over social welfare. This placed a limited on receivers to create compromise that pleased all parties, values, and needy citizens.

Why does party adaptation start with Westward Expansion?

Jefferson believed that, for the republic to survive, westward expansion was necessary to create independent, virtuous citizens as owners of small farms. It would help expand the amount of agriculture being produced there for it helped boost the economy because they were able to make more money with more land. In turn, this led to having the Republican Party be the party more known for emphasis on the government and supporting smaller businesses.

Fiscal Policy

Laws that help the economy, passed by elected officials.

Who is more favorable of gov. support?

Liberals are actually more favorable of gov. help, whilst conservatives are more suspicious of it.

Equal opportunity

Liberals desire affirmative action, conservatives want freedom of no judgement for not liking a certain idea/group.

who supports what method of economy?

Liberals- keynisian economics. - Want problems solved with fiscal policy - increase gov. spending, decrease taxes. - want programs to reduce conservatives- supply-side economics - want lower taxes because they feel they shouldn't have to pay and want monetary freedom for businesses

Conservatives

Like to stick to the traditional ways of government and tend to oppose change

Monetary policy

May help/cool down the economy with measures implemented by federal reserve (FED). FED are unelected and selected based on intelligence.

Party in the government

People who hold electoral gov.

How do polls represent government?

Polls reflect ability to try and win majority Polls are generally sponsored --> impactselects/debates Sways undecided voters to vote with the majority

Federal Budget

President issues a draft --> congress receives draft and mark up and pass budget --> conference budget resolution --> fiscal year begins

Process of fiscal year

President submits budget Jan/February President sets agenda with budgets

Anti-trust

Prohibit monopolies & contracts, combinations & conspiracies that unreasonably restrain trade.

Political bandwagon

Public opinion may be gaged by election

Rule of law

Right to protest, rule of law dictates police dictation. Cops are not above the law + impeachment. Also, immigration divides America. 4 universal rules of law: 1. accountability 2. just laws 3. open government 4. accessible and impartial dispute revolution.

Critical elections

Shift of balance of power between parties --> if one party wins national elections, it is a party era for that specific party.

Swing-states

States that are not clearly pro-Republican or pro-Democrat and therefore are of vital interest to presidential candidates, as they can determine election outcomes.

Command-and-control

The exercise of authority and direction by a properly designated commander over assigned and attached forces in the accomplishment of the mission. --> America is a mix of this and Laissez-Faire

Dealignment

The process by which an individual loses his or her loyalty to a political party without developing loyalty to another party.

Keynesian vs. Supply Side Economics

The supply side economic theory holds that the best way to improve economic growth is by lowering taxes and decreasing regulation. Consumers then benefit from a greater supply of goods and services at lower prices, and employment increases. This fits in with conservative beliefs in lower taxes and less regulation. Keynesian economics is a demand side theory. It states that the most important driving force in the economy is the aggregate demand created by households, businesses and the government. During economic downturns, Keynesian policies favor deficit spending by the government in order to stimulate aggregate demand and spur economic growth. This fits in with liberal support for a greater government role in the economy

Keynesian Economics

Theory based on the principles of John Maynard Keynes, stating that government spending should increase during business slumps and be curbed during booms.

Laissez-faire economics

Theory that opposes governmental interference in economic affairs beyond what is necessary to protect life and property.

Why do you increase interest rates when the economy is inflated?

When the Fed raises its benchmark interest rate, it makes all kinds of lending more expensive. Mortgage rates go up. So do auto loans. And over time, that helps supply and demand get back in sync

Whose more likely to vote democratic?

Women

who is more likely to support general welfare?

Women

Gold standard

a monetary standard under which the basic unit of currency is defined by a stated quantity of gold

Entrance/Exit survey

a poll conducted of people who are coming into an event/ leaving an event, like voting.

Benchmark poll

a survey taken at the beginning of a political campaign in order to gauge support for a candidate and determine which issues are important to voters

Margin of error

an error that occurs when a sample somehow does not represent the target population. Should be no more than 3% to represent accurate data.

Socialism

an ideology that cherishes equality. The means of production are managed by the working people, and there is a democratically elected government. Central planning distributes common goods, such as mass transit, housing, and energy, while the free market is allowed to distribute consumer goods.

Tea Party Movement

created after Barack Obama's election, a political movement that advocates lower government spending, lower taxes, and limited government. Leading to the major power shift to Republicans.

party identification

degree voters are connected to party party line voters use process of straight ticket voting.

Tracking poll

determine the level of support for a candidate or an issue over the length of a campaign. It can often be criticized for emphasizing a 'horse race' focused on one policy rather than the entire election as a whole.

Trickle Down Economics

economic theory that holds that financial benefits given to banks and large businesses will trickle down to smaller businesses and consumers - pushing policy where if the rich spend money one's spending is anothers income - GOP trickle-down tax plan did not work - giving rich tax breaks/less regulation will give them more spending money - Liberals would say we need to give middle class more money - money comes from deficit-spending borrowing money from foreign gov/citizens to solve a problem - Conservatives critize liberals are throwing money too much money around thinking bonds are helping

counter-cyclical fiscal policy

fiscal policy in which the government offsets any change in aggregate expenditures that would create a business cycle Ex. using expansionary policy during economic downturns

Social Welfare Programs

government programs that provide the minimum living standards necessary for all citizens - 'entitlement programs' - Medicaid - supplemental security income

discrentionary spending

is open for other programs and services the county chooses to provide. usually formally approved by congress + things like gov/military education

Scientific polling

method of polling that provides a fairly precise reading of public opinion by using random sampling. Usually 1,000 to 1,500 people that are not volunteers, a good mix of society, not too broad or specific.

Parties as an Organization

national office with full time staff, rules and bylaws, and budgets; maintains state and local legislation; keeps party running between elections

Liberals

people who generally favor government action and view change as progress

Mandatory taxes

taxes are mandatory payments you make to state and local governments - certains progress required by law - social security, medicare, unemployment

Where does the money for the government come from?

taxes, 80% from income taxes, 9% from corporate income tax

FED

the Federal Reserve System created by Congress in 1913 as the nation's central banking organization. During highs/lows: 1. increase interest rates 2. increase required reserve 3. sell bonds

Limited gov

the idea that certain restrictions should be placed on gov to protect the natural rights of citizens--> abortions, 2nd amendment, guns.

split-ticket voting

voting for candidates of different parties for different offices at the same election It is not very common in today's climate, as people act as 'devoted cheerleaders'