Congress and Representation
This constitutional structure creates two chambers to balance large and small state interests and slow the lawmaking process.
What is bicameralism
This Senate tactic allows unlimited debate to delay or block legislation.
What is a filibuster
The president’s expressed constitutional powers, such as vetoing legislation, are known as these.
What are formal powers
This process allows Congress to formally charge and remove a president for “high crimes and misdemeanors.”
What is impeachment
This principle means courts follow previous rulings when deciding similar cases.
What is stare decisis/ legal precedent
This model of representation says a member of Congress should vote the way their constituents want, even if they personally disagree.
What is the delegate model
This Senate procedure requires 60 votes and is used to end a filibuster.
What is a cloture vote?
This informal presidential power refers to the president’s ability to use their public position and media attention to influence public opinion.
What is the bully pulpit
When courts interpret the Constitution to resolve disputes between Congress and the president, they are exercising this authority.
What is judicial review
This document is filed by outside groups to influence a Supreme Court case.
what is amicus curiae brief
The process of redistributing House seats among states after the census is called this.
What is apportionment?
The House committee that determines the terms of debate for a bill is called this.
What is the house rules committee
When the president takes no action on a bill and Congress adjourns within 10 days, this occurs.
What is a pocket veto
This constitutional power requires Senate approval of presidential appointments and treaties.
What is senate confirmation/ advice and consent
This term describes the authority agencies have to interpret and implement laws passed by Congress.
What is bureaucratic discretion
This term refers to the group of people a member of Congress represents and must respond to politically.
What is a constituency?
This temporary committee resolves differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.
What is a conference committee
This type of international agreement is made by the president without Senate ratification.
What is sn executive agreement
Congress uses this power to control federal spending and check the executive branch.
What is the power of the purse
This type of federal agency operates independently of the president and regulates specific sectors of the economy.
What is an independent regulatory commission
This advantage helps incumbents win reelection due to name recognition, media exposure, and casework services.
What is the incumbency advantage
When members of Congress trade support for each other’s bills, it is called this.
What is log rolling
This presidential tool allows the president to issue a written statement when signing a bill into law, often explaining how the president interprets the law or how it will be enforced.
What is a signing statement?
This law limits presidential military action by requiring notification to Congress within 48 hours.
What is the war powers resolution
This close relationship among a congressional committee, a bureaucracy, and an interest group influences policy decisions.
What is an iron triangle