AP GOV Chapter 12 Vocab Flashcards

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.

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.