AP Gov Vocab Unit 2

the ability of bureaucrats to make choices concerning the best way to implement congressional or executive intentions

the process of forming the list of issues to be addressed by government

"friend of the court"; amici may file briefs or even appear to argue their interests orally before the court

proposed law that authorizes the expenditure of government funds

legislative permission to begin or continue a government program or agency

to reject a nominee due to ideological reasons

The view that a major power of the presidency

mechanism requiring the vote of sixty senators to cut off debate (filibustering)

A procedure that allows the House of Representatives to deliberate with a lower quorum and to expedite consideration and amendment of a bill.

An excess of federal expenditures over federal revenues.

Role played by a representative who votes the way his or her constituents would want

Petition that gives a majority of the House of Representatives the authority to bring an issue to the floor in the face of committee inaction.

Federal spending on programs that are controlled through the regular budget process

The political condition in which different political parties control the presidency and at least one house of congress.

social welfare program that people are "entitled to" if they meet certain eligibility requirements

Formal international agreements entered into by the president that do not require the advice and consent of the U.S. Senate.

A mini-bureaucracy created in 1939 to help the president oversee the executive branch bureaucracy.

Rule or regulation issued by the president that has an effect on law. Must be published in the federal registration.

A formal way of halting Senate action on a bill by means of long speeches or unlimited debate.

Process of redrawing legislative boundaries for the purpose of benefiting the party in power; cracking and packing.

A procedure in which a senator asks to be informed before a particular bill is brought to the floor. This request signals leadership that a member may have objections to the bill and should be consulted before the bill is passed.

The influential "Rules Committee" determines the scheduling and conditions

the relatively ironclad relationships and patterns of interaction that occur among agencies

a philosophy of judicial decision making that posits judges should use their power broadly to further justice

a philosophy of judicial decision making that posits courts should allow the decisions of other branches of government to stand

review by the US Supreme Court of the constitutional validity of a legislative act.

an executive or legislature during the period just before the end of a term of office

vote trading; voting to support a colleague's bill in return for a promise of future support

In the context of determining representative districts

Federal spending required by law that continues without the need for annual approvals by Congress.

A system of public employment in which selection and promotion depend on demonstrated performance rather than political patronage.

The office that prepares the president's annual budget proposal

a large bill that contains so many important elements that members can't afford to defeat it and the president can't afford to veto it

a committee's investigation of the executive and of government agencies to ensure they are acting as Congress intends

Job grants and special favors that are given as a reward to friends/ political allies because of their support.

A veto taking place when Congress adjourns within 10 days of submitting a bill to the president

An elected representative who acts as a trustee or as a delegate

legislation that allows representatives to bring money and jobs to their districts in the form of public works programs

The constitutional power of Congress to raise and spend money. Congress can use this as a negative or checking power over the other branches by freezing or cutting their funding.

a prior judicial decision that serves as a rule for settling subsequent cases of a similar nature

drawing of legislative boundaries to give electoral advantages to a particular racial group. "Majority-minority" districts include large numbers of racial minorities in order to ensure minority representation in legislatures.

Presidential appointment made without Senate confirmation during Senate recess

A procedure that allows consideration of controversial issues affecting the budget by limiting debate to twenty hours

the process of redrawing congressional districts to reflect increases or decreases in seats allotted to the states

a quasi-legislative process resulting in regulations that have the characteristics of a legislative act

occasional written comments attached to a bill signed by the president

the firing of public-office holders of a defeated political party to replace them with loyalists of the newly elected party

in court rulings, a reliance on past decisions or precedents to formulate decisions in new cases

an approach to constitutional interpretation that emphasizes interpreting the Constitution as it was originally written and intended by the Framers

role played by an elected representative who listens to constituents' opinions and then uses his or her best judgement to make a final decision

A Senate requirement, all senators much agree before further action can be taken

Chief executive's power to reject a bill passed by a legislature

party leader who keeps close contact with all members of his or her party

Personnel who run the White House and advise the President. Includes the Chief of Staff and Press Secretary

a request for the Supreme Court to order up the records from a lower court to review the case

case that est. one man one vote. this decision created guidelines for drawing up congressional districts and guaranteed a more equitable system of representation to the citizens of each state

ruled that race cannot be the sole or predominant factor in redrawing legislative boundaries; majority-minority districts.