AP Government and Politics Flashcards: Congressional Behavior

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Congressional Behavior, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP Government and Politics.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: What is the purpose of congressional oversight?

Answer: To monitor and supervise federal agencies and programs. Congress ensures executive agencies follow laws and use funds properly.

Flashcard 2: Identify one check Congress has on the executive branch.

Answer: Override a presidential veto. Requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers to succeed.

Flashcard 3: What does it mean to table a bill?

Answer: To postpone or suspend consideration of a bill. Effectively kills a bill by removing it from active consideration.

Flashcard 4: What is logrolling in Congress?

Answer: Exchanging favors, usually vote trading. Members support each other's projects to build coalitions.

Flashcard 5: What is the primary function of Congress?

Answer: To make laws. Congress has legislative power under Article I of the Constitution.

Flashcard 6: What is a discharge petition?

Answer: A motion to bring a bill out of committee for a vote. Bypasses committee chairs who block popular legislation.

Flashcard 7: What is the term length for a U.S. Senator?

Answer: 6 years. Senators serve staggered terms to provide continuity in the Senate.

Flashcard 8: What is a filibuster?

Answer: A prolonged speech to delay legislative action. A Senate tradition used to block or delay unwanted legislation.

Flashcard 9: What is a filibuster?

Answer: A prolonged speech to delay legislative action. A Senate tradition used to block or delay unwanted legislation.

Flashcard 10: What is a cloture vote?

Answer: A procedure to end a filibuster with 60 votes. Cloture limits debate and forces a final vote on legislation.

Flashcard 11: What is the primary function of Congress?

Answer: To make laws. Congress has legislative power under Article I of the Constitution.

Flashcard 12: What is bicameralism?

Answer: A two-chambered legislature, such as in the U.S. Congress. Designed to balance representation and encourage deliberation.

Flashcard 13: What is the seniority system in Congress?

Answer: Longer-serving members receive preference in committee assignments. Rewards experience and encourages specialization in committees.

Flashcard 14: Identify one factor that can lead to divided government.

Answer: Different parties controlling Congress and the presidency. Creates potential for gridlock and compromise in policymaking.

Flashcard 15: Identify one method Congress uses to influence bureaucracies.

Answer: Budgetary control. Congress controls agency funding through appropriations process.

Flashcard 16: Identify one power unique to the House of Representatives.

Answer: Initiating revenue bills. Article I, Section 7 grants this power exclusively to the House.

Flashcard 17: What is the difference between a bill and a resolution?

Answer: A bill proposes law; a resolution addresses internal matters. Bills become law if passed; resolutions express congressional opinion.

Flashcard 18: What is the purpose of a select committee?

Answer: Investigate specific issues not covered by standing committees. Temporary committees for focused investigations or special issues.

Flashcard 19: What is the role of the Senate Majority Leader?

Answer: Leads the majority party and sets Senate agenda. Coordinates party strategy and manages floor proceedings.

Flashcard 20: What is the role of the Speaker of the House?

Answer: Presides over the House and sets legislative agenda. Elected by majority party and third in line for presidential succession.

Flashcard 21: Identify one method Congress uses to influence bureaucracies.

Answer: Budgetary control. Congress controls agency funding through appropriations process.

Flashcard 22: What is a pocket veto?

Answer: President does not sign a bill within 10 days; Congress adjourns. Automatically kills a bill without formal presidential rejection.

Flashcard 23: Identify one type of congressional committee.

Answer: Standing committee. Permanent committees that handle ongoing legislative business.

Flashcard 24: Which option defines a quorum in Congress?

Answer: Minimum number of members needed to conduct business. Usually a majority of members in each chamber.

Flashcard 25: What is the purpose of congressional oversight?

Answer: To monitor and supervise federal agencies and programs. Congress ensures executive agencies follow laws and use funds properly.

Flashcard 26: Identify one power unique to the House of Representatives.

Answer: Initiating revenue bills. Article I, Section 7 grants this power exclusively to the House.

Flashcard 27: What is the purpose of redistricting?

Answer: To redraw electoral district boundaries after a census. Required every 10 years after the census to ensure equal representation.

Flashcard 28: What is the role of the Speaker of the House?

Answer: Presides over the House and sets legislative agenda. Elected by majority party and third in line for presidential succession.

Flashcard 29: What is a rider in legislative terms?

Answer: An additional provision added to a bill. Often unrelated to the main bill's purpose.

Flashcard 30: What is the role of a subcommittee?

Answer: Specialize in certain areas within a standing committee. Allows detailed examination of specific policy areas.

Flashcard 31: Identify one power unique to the Senate.

Answer: Confirming presidential appointments. The Senate provides advice and consent for presidential nominees.

Flashcard 32: What is the term length for a member of the House of Representatives?

Answer: 2 years. Representatives serve shorter terms for closer connection to voters.

Flashcard 33: What is a whip in Congress?

Answer: An official who ensures party discipline and vote alignment. Counts votes and pressures members to follow party positions.

Flashcard 34: What is bicameralism?

Answer: A two-chambered legislature, such as in the U.S. Congress. Designed to balance representation and encourage deliberation.

Flashcard 35: What is a rider in legislative terms?

Answer: An additional provision added to a bill. Often unrelated to the main bill's purpose.

Flashcard 36: Which chamber of Congress can impeach a president?

Answer: The House of Representatives. The House has the sole power of impeachment under the Constitution.

Flashcard 37: What is gerrymandering?

Answer: Manipulating district boundaries for political gain. Often used to create safe seats or dilute opposition voting power.

Flashcard 38: What is a conference committee?

Answer: A committee to reconcile House and Senate bill versions. Creates compromise legislation when chambers pass different versions.

Flashcard 39: What is the purpose of redistricting?

Answer: To redraw electoral district boundaries after a census. Required every 10 years after the census to ensure equal representation.

Flashcard 40: Identify the amendment that allows for direct election of Senators.

Answer: The 17th Amendment. Previously, state legislatures chose senators instead of voters.

Flashcard 41: What is gerrymandering?

Answer: Manipulating district boundaries for political gain. Often used to create safe seats or dilute opposition voting power.

Flashcard 42: Identify one type of congressional committee.

Answer: Standing committee. Permanent committees that handle ongoing legislative business.

Flashcard 43: Which chamber of Congress holds impeachment trials?

Answer: The Senate. The Senate has the sole power to try impeachment cases.

Flashcard 44: Which chamber of Congress holds impeachment trials?

Answer: The Senate. The Senate has the sole power to try impeachment cases.

Flashcard 45: What is the purpose of a congressional caucus?

Answer: A group of members promoting shared legislative goals. Caucuses unite members around common interests or demographics.

Flashcard 46: What is the term length for a member of the House of Representatives?

Answer: 2 years. Representatives serve shorter terms for closer connection to voters.

Flashcard 47: What is a joint session of Congress?

Answer: A meeting of both the House and Senate together. Often used for special occasions like State of the Union.

Flashcard 48: What is the purpose of the Rules Committee in the House?

Answer: Determines the terms of debate for bills. Controls when, how long, and under what conditions bills are debated.

Flashcard 49: What is the role of the President pro tempore?

Answer: Presides over the Senate in the Vice President's absence. Usually the longest-serving senator from the majority party.

Flashcard 50: Identify one factor influencing congressional voting behavior.

Answer: Constituency interests. Members consider voter preferences when making legislative decisions.

Flashcard 51: What is a continuing resolution in budget terms?

Answer: A measure to fund government temporarily at existing levels. Prevents government shutdown when regular appropriations bills stall.

Flashcard 52: What is a conference committee?

Answer: A committee to reconcile House and Senate bill versions. Creates compromise legislation when chambers pass different versions.

Flashcard 53: Which chamber of Congress can impeach a president?

Answer: The House of Representatives. The House has the sole power of impeachment under the Constitution.

Flashcard 54: Identify one power unique to the Senate.

Answer: Confirming presidential appointments. The Senate provides advice and consent for presidential nominees.

Flashcard 55: What is a pocket veto?

Answer: President does not sign a bill within 10 days; Congress adjourns. Automatically kills a bill without formal presidential rejection.