AP GOV Chapter 12 Vocab Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is bicameralism?

A method for selecting party candidates

A type of electoral vote

The division of a legislature into two separate assemblies (correct)

The process of establishing legal rules

What is a constituent?

A person represented by a legislator or official.

What does homestyle refer to?

Actions of a member of Congress aimed at constituents.

What is hillstyle?

Actions of a member of Congress in Washington, D.C. Signup and view all the answers

What is the lawmaking process?

The establishment of legal rules that govern society. Signup and view all the answers

What is logrolling?

An arrangement where members of Congress support each other's bills. Signup and view all the answers

What does representation mean in a legislative context?

The function of elected officials representing their constituents' views. Signup and view all the answers

What is a trustee?

A legislator who acts according to their conscience. Signup and view all the answers

What is an instructed delegate?

A legislator who votes according to the views of constituents. Signup and view all the answers

What is casework?

Personal work for constituents by members of Congress. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of an ombudsperson?

To hear and investigate complaints against public officials. Signup and view all the answers

What is oversight in Congress?

The follow-up process on laws to ensure enforcement as intended. Signup and view all the answers

What are enumerated powers?

Powers specifically granted to the national government by the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Rules Committee?

A standing committee that sets rules for bill debates in the House. Signup and view all the answers

What is a rule in congressional terms?

A proposal that states conditions for debate on a piece of legislation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a unanimous consent agreement in the Senate?

An agreement approved by all members regarding debate rules. Signup and view all the answers

What is a filibuster?

The use of unlimited debate to delay a bill. Signup and view all the answers

What is a direct primary?

An intraparty election for selecting candidates. Signup and view all the answers

What is a party identifier?

A person who identifies with a political party. Signup and view all the answers

What is reappointment in Congress?

The allocation of House seats after a census. Signup and view all the answers

What is redistricting?

The redrawing of congressional district boundaries. Signup and view all the answers

What is a justiciable question?

A question that may be reviewed in court. Signup and view all the answers

What is gerrymandering?

The drawing of district boundaries for partisan advantage. Signup and view all the answers

What does franking allow members of Congress to do?

Send material by substituting a facsimile signature for postage. Signup and view all the answers

What is a discharge petition?

A procedure to force a bill out of committee in the House. Signup and view all the answers

What is a standing committee?

A permanent committee that considers bills in specific subject areas. Signup and view all the answers

What is a select committee?

A temporary legislative committee for a special purpose. Signup and view all the answers

What is a joint committee?

A legislative committee with members from both chambers. Signup and view all the answers

What is a conference committee?

A special joint committee to reconcile bill differences. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Legislative Structure and Functions

Bicameralism divides a legislature into two separate assemblies, enhancing checks and balances.
Lawmaking is the process of establishing legal rules that govern society, crucial for legislative responsibilities.
Oversight ensures laws enacted by Congress are enforced and administered as intended, maintaining congressional power.

Representation and Constituency Relations

Constituents are individuals represented by an elected official, highlighting the representative function of Congress.
Homestyle refers to how Congress members engage with constituents to build trust and support locally.
Hillstyle emphasizes actions in Washington, D.C., that focus on career aspirations and policy promotion.
Representation encompasses Congress members representing constituents' views effectively.

Legislative Strategies and Procedures

Logrolling is the practice where legislators agree to support each other's bills, fostering cooperation.
Casework involves personal assistance provided to constituents by members of Congress, enhancing public service.
An instructed delegate votes according to constituents' views rather than personal beliefs, ensuring direct representation.

Legislative Power and Authority

Enumerated powers are specifically granted to the national government by the Constitution, allowing defined responsibilities in governance.
The Rules Committee manages the legislative process by providing rules for debate in the House of Representatives.
A rule outlines conditions for debate on a specific piece of legislation, shaping legislative discourse.

Electoral Processes and Party Dynamics

A direct primary allows voters to select party candidates for the general election, promoting democratic participation.
Party identifier refers to individuals who align with a political party, reflecting the role of political affiliation in elections.
Reappointment occurs after each census, redistributing House of Representatives seats among states based on population shifts.

Districting and Electoral Manipulations

Redistricting involves redrawing congressional district lines, which can influence electoral outcomes.
Gerrymandering strategically draws district boundaries to favor a particular party, often undermining electoral fairness.

Legislative Tools and Techniques

Franking allows Congress members to send mail through signature instead of postage, facilitating communication.
A discharge petition can force a bill out of a committee, requiring a majority of representatives' signatures, used sparingly.
Standing committees are permanent bodies focused on specific subject areas, playing a crucial role in legislative review.
Select committees are temporary groups established for a specific purpose, often for investigations or special tasks.
Joint committees consist of members from both chambers, promoting collaboration between the House and Senate.
Conference committees resolve differences in legislation passed by both chambers, ensuring a unified bill is presented.

Special Legislative Agreements

A unanimous consent agreement in the Senate allows all members to approve rules for legislative debate efficiently.
Filibuster is a tactic employed to delay or block a bill through unlimited debate, a key feature of Senate rules.

Complaints and Grievance Procedures

An ombudsperson investigates complaints against public officials, ensuring accountability and transparency in government.
Justiciable questions are those that can be reviewed in court, allowing legal challenges related to legislation.

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Test your knowledge of important vocabulary terms from Chapter 12 of AP Government. This quiz consists of flashcards that cover key concepts such as bicameralism and homestyle, essential for understanding the legislative process. Perfect for students preparing for exams or wanting to reinforce their learning.