AP Gov Terms Flashcards
What is the 2005 Consolidated Appropriations Act?
Approved appropriations of $388 billion for eleven departments for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2005, prioritizing agencies and programs that protect the nation’s food and drug supply.
What is an appropriation?
The process through which congressional committees allocate funds to execute branch agencies, bureaus, and departments.
What was the significance of Baker v. Carr?
Addressed legislative redistricting and the principle of one person, one vote, allowing federal courts to intervene in state legislative districting if it violates the Equal Protection Clause.
What are caucuses in Congress?
An informal group of lawmakers in the House and Senate that meet to pursue common legislative objectives.
What is a ‘Christmas-Tree Bill’?
An informal term for a bill on the Senate floor that attracts many unrelated floor amendments.
What is a cloture motion?
A procedure through which senators can end a filibuster and proceed to action, requiring three-fifths of senators to agree.
What is a closed rule?
A procedural guideline in the House that limits debate on a bill and prohibits amendments during floor consideration.
What is the Committee of the Whole?
Consists of all members of the House, meeting in the House chamber under different rules to consider complex legislation.
What are conference committees?
Temporary joint committees formed by both the House and Senate to reconcile differences in legislation that has passed both chambers.
What is congressional oversight?
The power of Congress to monitor and supervise federal agencies and programs to ensure effective implementation and accountability.
What is a discharge petition?
A motion filed by a member of Congress to move a bill out of committee and onto the floor of the House for a vote.
What is an earmark?
An addition to legislation that directs specific funds to projects within districts or states.
What is the ‘Elastic clause’?
A statement in the Constitution granting Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out enumerated powers.
What is a filibuster?
A tactic used by a senator to delay a motion or postpone action on legislation through unlimited debate.
What is the franking privilege?
Special benefits allowing certain government officials to send mail for free without paying for postage.
What are germane amendments?
Changes or additions to a bill that are directly related to the bill’s subject matter.
What is gerrymandering?
The intentional use of redistricting to benefit a specific interest or group of voters.
What is a joint committee?
A legislative committee made up of members from both the House and Senate to streamline the legislative process.
What is a lame duck session?
Period at the end of a presidential term when Congress may block presidential initiatives and nominees.
What is a line-item veto?
The power of a government executive to veto specific items in an appropriations bill without vetoing the entire bill.
What is logrolling?
The trading of votes on legislation by members of Congress to get their earmarks passed.
What are majority-minority leaders?
Positions held by two senators who serve as chief spokespersons for their respective political parties.
What is majority-minority redistricting?
A district where voters of a minority ethnicity constitute an electoral majority.
