test 2 Flashcards
(42 cards)
the residents in the area from which an official is elected
constituency
a tactic used by members of the senate to prevent action on legislation they oppose by continuously holding the floor and speaking until the majority backs down. unlimited time to speak
filibuster
a rule allowing a majority of 2/3 or 3/5 of the members of a legislative body to set a time limit on debate over a given bill. in the us senate, 60 senators must agree in order to impose such a limit
cloture
length of house term?
2 years
length of senate term?
6 years
what are the powers of congress?
to tax, to spend, set up lower courts, interstate commerce
Differences b/w the house and senate?
- house-less time to debate, collective agency, size and length, speaker of house more powerful
- senate-powerful people, more debate, size and length
Why is congress stagnate?
- high levels of people reelected
- Why?-members redraw district lines (for more voters), incumbency power, name recognition, free mail
What are the keys to power in congress?
- party power-control chamber.
- party needs to win most seats, good standing with leaders, right committees, understand rules and procedures.
a representative who votes according to the preferences of his or her constituency
delegate
a representative who votes based on what he or she thinks is best for his or her constituency
trustee
What are standing committees?
they propose and pass legislation
What are some of the responsibilities of congressional leaders?
- decide which bills are most important
- assign members of congress to committees
What is the trend in presidential vetoes since the 50s?
declining steadily
a provision by the house rules committee limiting or prohibiting the introduction of amendments during debate
closed rule/debate
a provision by the house rules committee that permits floor debate and the addition of new amendments to a bill
open rule/debate
a resolution of congress that the president can send troops into action abroad only by authorization of congress, or if amerian troops are already under attack or serious threat
war powers resolution
an agreement, made between the president and another country, that has the force of a treaty but does not require the senates ‘advice and consent’
executive agreement
the claim that confidential communications between a president and close advisers would not be revealed without the consent of the president.
executive privilege
a rule or regulation issued by the president that has the effect and formal status of legislation
executive order
how does a president build political capital?
bully pulpit- go out and tackle issues (top person of gov’t)
what is tendency of a presidential popularity?
most come in with a lot of support, then support falls later
what are the powers granted to the president by constitution or delegated by congress?
to enforce law, to appoint justices, head of military
what is important issue to maintaining presidential popularity?
the economy is connected with the approval rating