Unit 2 Review Flashcards
House of Reps
2 year term, based on population, 435 reps right now, lower house
Senate
upper house, 6 year term, 100 members (2 per state)
Powers of Congress
Lawmaking, budgeting, oversight (ensures laws are being followed correctly, investigate executive branch)
Pork-barreling
The setting aside of money for projects within individual reps districts or states
Log-rolling
Members trade votes to get their earmarks (things added to bills to benefit them) passed
Foreign Policy (checks and balances)
Congress declares war, Senate ratifies treaties
Judicial Authority (checks and balances)
creates lower courts, sets number of justices, Senate confirms nominees
Impeachment (checks and balances)
House charges (simple majority), Senate holds trial (2/3 majority)
Congressional Elections
Has single-member districts, winner take all and represents entire district/state (senator)
Redistricting
states redraw the boundaries of house districts, some done by state legislatures, some done by non-partisan committees
gerrymandering
Intentional use of redistricting to benefit a specific interest or group of voters
racial and ethnic gerrymandering
Boundaries drawn to increase likelihood of electing members of racial and ethnic minorities
MAJORITY-MINORITY DISTRICTS
Majority of voters in the district are of a minority ethnic background
Baker v. Carr
registered Republican challenged district boundaries, populations were unbalanced, SCOTUS decided that the drawing of districts shouldn’t be left to the states and made TN redraw the lines as uneven distribution is unconstitutional (14th Amendment)
Shaw v. Reno
North Carolina produced 2 “majority-minority” districts approved by the Department of Justice, SCOTUS decided this violated the 14th Amendment
Incumbency Advantage
have experience and a reputation, raise more money and can take credit for good things that have happened
Mandatory Spending
spending that is required by existing laws, Entitlement program- program that provide benefits for those who qualify under the law regardless of income
Discretionary Spending
Discretionary Spending
Spending for programs and policies at the discretion of Congress and the president (Military, education, scientific research, agriculture)
How Budget is Set
1.President submits his/her budget for congressional authorization
2.Congress produces a budget resolution providing broad spending goals
3.Appropriations committees allocate for specific programs
Congress passes, then President signs
How do members of Congress vote
- Delegate Role: vote the way their constituents wish or want
2.Trustee Role: Congress members make decisions using their own knowledge and judgment - Politco Role: Congress members vote with their party
Executive Branch
elected by electoral college, have to be a citizen, 35 years old, and live in US for 14 years
Executive Privledge
Right claimed by Presidents to keep certain convos confidential
Executive Agreements
agreement between president and other nations that does not have to be approved by the Senate
