ap gov Flashcards
(12 cards)
What are some examples of Congressional Casework?
Examples include:
- Helping constituents receive delayed Social Security or Medicare benefits.
- Assisting veterans with Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.
- Facilitating visa or citizenship applications with USCIS.
- Resolving IRS tax issues.
- Expediting passport applications through the State Department.
What are some pros and cons of pork barrel spending in legislation?
- Pros: Boosts local economies, promotes legislative compromise, addresses local needs, and improves accountability to constituents.
- Cons: Can lead to wasteful spending, distorts legislative priorities, favors powerful lawmakers, and encourages corruption and increases the federal deficit.
What are three types of attitudes Congress people may take when considering legislation that is put to a vote?
- Trustee model: Legislators use their own expertise and judgment.
- Delegate model: Legislators vote according to constituents’ wishes.
- Politico model: Legislators blend both the trustee and delegate approaches.
What is the purpose of a filibuster and what are the current rules for beginning and closing one?
*Purpose:** To delay or block legislative action by extending debate.
- Beginning: Any senator can start a filibuster by taking the floor.
- Closing (cloture): Requires a 60-vote majority to end debate and proceed with the vote.
- What is the purpose of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO)?
The CBO provides nonpartisan analysis of the economic and budgetary effects of proposed legislation, helping Congress make informed fiscal decisions.
hat is the purpose of Caucuses in Congress?
Caucuses are informal groups of members of Congress who share common interests or goals. They help shape legislation, coordinate strategies, and advocate for specific issues.
What is the purpose of Committees? What are the types?
Committees review and amend proposed legislation, conduct investigations, and oversee executive agencies. Types include:
1. Standing Committees (permanent, handle broad areas like finance).
2. Select Committees (temporary, focus on specific issues).
3. Joint Committees (members from both houses, deal with administrative issues).
4. Conference Committees (reconcile House and Senate versions of a bill).
Explain some examples of when Congressional Oversight may be a hindrance or help and when a lack of it can be a hindrance or help with regards to the Bureaucracy.
Oversight helps:** Prevents bureaucratic corruption, inefficiency, and ensures accountability (e.g., overseeing FEMA after a natural disaster).
- Oversight hinders: May slow down agency processes due to excessive scrutiny or political bias.
- Lack of oversight helps: Bureaucracies can act more efficiently and quickly without frequent congressional interference.
- Lack of oversight hinders: Can lead to unchecked power, corruption, or inefficiencies (e.g., unchecked defense spending).
Knowing that governments are naturally responsive rather than proactive, when is lobbying more likely to be successful?
Lobbying is more likely to succeed during times of crisis, when there is heightened public attention, or when regulatory or legislative changes are on the agenda and lawmakers are actively seeking expert input.
Which Amendments have changed the form, function, or organization of the Presidency? How?
*12th Amendment:** Changed the electoral process by requiring separate votes for President and Vice President.
- 20th Amendment: Moved the presidential inauguration date to reduce the “lame-duck” period.
- 22nd Amendment: Limited the President to two terms.
- 25th Amendment: Clarified the order of presidential succession and procedures for presidential incapacity.
What was the issue in Baker v Carr? What part of the Constitution was under consideration?
The issue was whether federal courts had jurisdiction over questions of legislative apportionment. The case dealt with the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, as it challenged unequal representation in state legislative districts.
What are the reasons Congressmen stick to party lines when voting? When do they break?
Stick to party lines: Due to party loyalty, pressure from leadership, and aligning with party ideology.
- Break away: When representing constituency interests, responding to personal beliefs, or facing local political pressure.
