Unit 2: Interactions Among Branches of Government

Congress

The bicameral legislature responsible for writing laws, overseeing the bureaucracy, and representing the citizenry.

Great Compromise

Established the two-house structure of Congress at the Constitutional Convention.

House of Representatives

One half of Congress with 435 voting members, representation is by population.

Senate

The other half of Congress with 100 members, representation is equal per state.

Reapportionment

The reallocation of House seats among states after every 10-year Census based on population changes.

Redistricting

The process of redrawing district boundaries within a state by the state legislature.

Gerrymandering

The practice of drawing district boundaries to benefit a specific party or protect incumbents.

Packing

Concentrating opposing voters into one district to reduce their power elsewhere.

Cracking

Spreading opposing voters across many districts to deny them a majority.

Baker v. Carr

Supreme Court case establishing the justiciability of redistricting.

One person, one vote

Doctrine arising from Baker v. Carr emphasizing equal representation under the Equal Protection Clause.

Shaw v. Reno

Supreme Court case ruling that race cannot be the predominant factor in creating congressional districts.

Enumerated Powers

Powers explicitly written in the Constitution.

Power of the Purse

Congress's authority to tax, spend, and borrow money.

Commerce Clause

Gives Congress the power to regulate interstate and foreign commerce.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Allows Congress to pass laws needed to carry out its enumerated powers.

Elastic Clause

Another name for the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Standing Committees

Permanent committees that handle legislation in specific policy areas.

Conference Committees

Temporary joint committees created to reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of the same bill.

House Rules Committee

Sets rules for debate in the House, determining time limits and amendment allowances.

Filibuster

A tactic used in the Senate to delay a vote by prolonging debate.

Cloture

A procedure requiring 60 votes to end a filibuster.

Delegate Model

A voting model where representatives vote exactly as constituents wish.

Trustee Model

A voting model where representatives act based on their judgment for the public good.

Politico Model

A mix of delegate and trustee models based on the issue.

Federalist No. 70

An essay by Alexander Hamilton advocating for a single executive.

Veto Power

The power of the President to reject legislation passed by Congress.

Pocket Veto

A situation where a bill dies because the President does not sign it within 10 days while Congress is out of session.

Executive Orders

Directives from the President to manage the federal government without Congressional approval.

Bully Pulpit

The President's ability to communicate directly with the public and influence Congress.

Judicial Review

The power of the courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

Marbury v. Madison

Supreme Court case that established the principle of Judicial Review.

Stare Decisis

Legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent.

Judicial Activism

The philosophy that courts should use their power to correct social injustices.

Judicial Restraint

The philosophy that courts should defer to the decisions of the elected branches of government.

Iron Triangles

Stable, mutually beneficial relationships among three entities: bureaucratic agencies, congressional committees, and interest groups.

Issue Networks

A more fluid, temporary alliance of interest groups, experts, and activists focused on a specific policy issue.

Discretionary Authority

Agencies' ability to fill in the details of laws passed by Congress.

Merit System

Hiring and promotion based on qualifications and performance, rather than political loyalty.

Pendleton Civil Service Act

Law that created the Merit System and reduced the use of patronage in federal employment.