AP US Government and Politics
Congress (Ch.12)
Key Terms
ConstituencyBicameralSociological representationAgency representationIncumbencyTerm limitsApportionmentGerrymanderingPatronagePork-barrel (or pork)Private billConferenceCaucus (political)Speaker of the HouseMajority leaderMinority leaderWhipStanding committeeSelect committeeJoint committeeConference committee-
SeniorityStaff agenciesCaucus (congressional)BillCommitteeClosed ruleOpen ruleFilibusterClotureVetoPocket vetoParty unity voteRoll-call voteLogrollingOversightAppropriationsExecutive agreementImpeachment-
Discussion Questions
* As you read Ch.12, answer the following questions.
Describe who serves in Congress and how they represent their constituents.
Why is sociological representation important? If congressional representatives have
racial, religious, or educational backgrounds similar to those of their constituents, are
they better representatives? Why or why not?
How does redistricting alter the balance of power in Congress? Why do political parties
care so much about the redistricting process?
Why are earmarks so difficult to eliminate?
Explain how party leadership, the committee system, the staff system, and caucuses help
structure congressional business.
Outline the steps in the process of passing a law.
Analyze the factors that influence which laws Congress decides to pass.
Two of Congress’s chief responsibilities are representing and lawmaking. How do these
responsibilities support and reinforce each other? How might they also conflict with each
other?
Describe the oversight, “advice and consent,” and impeachment powers of Congress.
Why is it so hard to make the voice of the public heard in Congress over that of the
special interests? What reforms can enhance the public’s influence in congressional
deliberations?