AP Gov Chapter 11 Flashcards

Constituents

• Constituents are citizens who vote for politicians, influencing government functioning at the state level.
• Example: All individuals in Wisconsin represent constituents of the governor, irrespective of their voting history.

Reapportionment

• Reapportionment changes the number of congressional seats a state has, affecting representation.
• Example: Post-2010 census saw Wisconsin gain congressional seats due to population growth compared to other states.

Redistricting

• Redistricting ensures equal representation across voting districts.
• Example: A district with a significant imbalance (10% African-American poor conservatives vs. 90% rich white Democrats) may be redrawn for fairer representation.

Gerrymandering

• Gerrymandering manipulates district boundaries to favor a specific political party or group.
• Example: The case Reynolds v. Sims highlights the implications of this practice.

Safe Seat

• A safe seat indicates districts where a candidate has a strong chance of election, guiding party strategies.
• Example: Sensenbrenner's district in Wisconsin was considered a safe seat.

Incumbent

• Incumbents are current officeholders, benefiting from name recognition and established reputations during elections.
• Example: Ron Johnson utilized his status as incumbent when running for re-election as Wisconsin Senator.

Earmarks (Pork Barrel)

• Earmarks enhance an incumbent's reputation and help sustain their office tenure.
• Example: In 2006, a $500,000 earmark was allocated to the Teapot Museum in Sparta, N.C.

Bicameralism

• Bicameralism divides legislative powers between two chambers, providing checks and balances.
• Example: Congress can impeach the president and judges while managing treaty approvals and judicial nominations.

Enumerated Powers (Express Powers)

• Enumerated powers define specific authorities, ensuring government functionality and control.
• Example: Powers include raising money, regulating commerce, and declaring war.

Speaker

• The Speaker of the House leads legislative decisions and supervises House activities.
• Example: Paul Ryan served as Speaker, holding significant influence in decision-making processes.

Party Caucus

• Party caucuses elect leadership positions, manage committee assignments, and prioritize legislative issues.
• Example: Democratic leaders holding a meeting prior to the national convention.

Majority Leader

• The majority leader strategizes for the party and facilitates communication among party members.
• Example: Mitch McConnell has held this position, orchestrating party agendas.

Minority Leader

• The minority leader maintains party organization and discipline.
• Example: Currently, Harry Reid, a Democrat from Nevada, serves as the minority leader in the Senate.

Whip

• The whip's role involves ensuring party cohesion and enforcing policy adherence among members.
• Example: John Cornyn is the Republican whip in the Senate.

Closed Rule

• A closed rule restricts debate topics and the legislative process on the House floor.
• Example: It may limit discussions to specific aspects of an issue, such as marriage in the context of gay rights.

Open Rule

• An open rule promotes free debate and the introduction of amendments during House discussions.
• Example: Proposals regarding civil liberties, like gay rights, can be freely debated among members.

President Pro Tempore

• The president pro tempore presides over the Senate in the absence of the vice president, typically holding a ceremonial role.