AP Gov Unit 2 Review Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the House of Representatives?

Representatives elected by each state based on population size (correct)

A legislative body with equal representation from each state

An advisory committee to the President

The upper chamber of Congress

What is the key feature of the Senate?

Elected based on a state's population

Only serves a two-year term

Each state has one representative

Two representatives from each state (correct)

What does bicameral mean?

A legislature divided into two houses

What is gerrymandering?

Drawing of congressional districts to favor one political party or group over another Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a census?

To understand demographic changes Signup and view all the answers

What is redistricting?

Redrawing of congressional and other legislative district lines following a census Signup and view all the answers

What is reapportionment?

The process of reallocating seats in the House every ten years based on census results Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes a two-party system?

Only two major political parties compete for power Signup and view all the answers

What are single member districts?

Only one representative is chosen from each district Signup and view all the answers

What does entitlements refer to?

Policies that require Congress to pay a certain level of benefits to a specific number of recipients Signup and view all the answers

What is legislative intent?

Consideration of legislative purpose when interpreting a law Signup and view all the answers

What did the Civil Rights Act of 1964 accomplish?

Made racial discrimination illegal in hotels, motels, and restaurants Signup and view all the answers

What is the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990?

Requires reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities Signup and view all the answers

What are amendments?

Changes to a bill, law, or constitution Signup and view all the answers

What is mandatory spending?

Required government spending by permanent laws Signup and view all the answers

What is discretionary spending?

Government spending set through appropriations and bills Signup and view all the answers

What is a filibuster?

A strategy in the Senate to delay legislation through unlimited debate Signup and view all the answers

What is the incumbency effect?

The tendency of current office holders to win reelection Signup and view all the answers

What is the franking privilege?

Allows members of Congress to mail materials postage-free Signup and view all the answers

What is the legislative veto?

Congress's ability to override presidential decisions Signup and view all the answers

Who is the Speaker of the House?

The office mandated by the Constitution and chosen by the majority Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Majority Leader?

To assist the Speaker and manage party legislative strategy Signup and view all the answers

What is a Whip in Congress?

A party leader responsible for vote counting and party strategy Signup and view all the answers

What was the Voter Revolution of 1994?

A Republican Party success in the 1994 midterm elections Signup and view all the answers

What does the Rules Committee do?

Determines the rules of debate for bills in the House Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by plurality in elections?

The largest number of votes received by any candidate Signup and view all the answers

What is fiscal policy?

The impact of the federal budget on the economy Signup and view all the answers

What is monetary policy?

Manipulation of the money supply to control the economy Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Legislative Structure

House of Representatives: Membership varies by state population; larger states have more representatives, enhancing their influence.
Senate: Each state has two senators, which benefits smaller states by ensuring equal representation.
Bicameral System: The U.S. Congress consists of two houses; all U.S. state legislatures are also bicameral, except for Nebraska.

Political Processes

Gerrymandering: The process of manipulating congressional district boundaries to favor a particular political party.
Census: Conducted every ten years to provide demographic data; essential for legislative representation.
Redistricting: Adjusting district boundaries post-census to reflect population changes and ensure equal representation.
Reapportionment: Redistribution of House seats every decade based on census results.

Voting and Representation

Two-party System: Although multiple parties exist, only two dominant parties typically compete in elections.
Single-member Districts: Each electoral district elects one representative, simplifying candidate choices for voters.

Legislative Framework

Entitlements: Programs requiring government funding at set levels, such as Social Security, with obligated payments to recipients.
Legislative Intent: Courts consider the purpose behind laws to clarify ambiguous legislation during interpretation.

Landmark Legislation

Civil Rights Act of 1964: Prohibits racial discrimination in public accommodations and employment, a cornerstone of civil rights.
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990: Mandates reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in employment and public spaces.

Financial Management

Mandatory Spending: Government expenditures mandated by existing laws without the need for annual appropriations.
Discretionary Spending: Budget allocations determined through annual appropriations; includes discretionary programs and government operations.

Legislative Strategies

Filibuster: Senate tactic allowing prolonged debate to delay or block legislation; highlights the unique procedural rules of the Senate.
Incumbency Effect: The advantage current officeholders have in reelection due to established networks and recognition.
Franking Privilege: Allows Congress members to send mail to constituents without postage costs, facilitating communication and outreach.

Congressional Leadership

Speaker of the House: The elected leader within the House, responsible for legislative agenda and second in presidential succession.
Majority Leader: Assists the Speaker, manages legislative scheduling, and orchestrates party strategy.
Whip: Party leader focusing on vote counting and persuading party members to support legislation.

Political Events

Voter Revolution of 1994: Significant Republican gains during the midterm elections led by Newt Gingrich, altering the political landscape.
Rules Committee: Establishes the parameters of debate for bills in the House, influencing legislative procedures.

Voting Dynamics

Plurality: Winning the most votes does not require an absolute majority; essential in understanding electoral outcomes.

Economic Policies

Fiscal Policy: Influences the economy through government spending, taxation, and budget decisions, driven by Congress and the president.
Monetary Policy: Manages the money supply to regulate the economy, primarily through actions by the Federal Reserve.

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Description

Review essential concepts from Unit 2 of AP Government with these flashcards. This set covers key terms such as the House of Representatives, Senate, and the concept of a bicameral legislature. Enhance your understanding of how representation works in the U.S. Congress and the implications for state governance.