AP Government—UNIT GUIDE INSTITUTIONS
Congress, Presidency—(Judiciary linked to CRCL Unit)
This unit will comprise approximately 25-35% of the Multiple Choice Questions
on the AP Exam
Unit Objectives: For each branch of the federal government the College Board
Expects you to be able to :
 Describe the structure and organization
 Identify formal and informal powers granted each branch by the
Constitution.
 Discuss the inter-relationship with each branch and the other two
 Describe changes in each institution over time
 Discuss the relationships of each branch with linkage institutions--political
parties, SIG's, Media and state/local governments.
Key Terms: See Vocabulary Lists for each Chapter
Burns Text: Chapter 11
Supplemental:
Woll Reader:
Madison
Federalist 53,
Federalist 56, 57,58,
Federalist 62, 63
Fenno …
How Come We Love Our Congressmen…?
Congress Chapter 11-- Key Terms—Descriptors—Rationale/Significance
Structure and Characteristics
Bicameral Structure (include reason,
# per house, term lengths, different
jobs/focus)
Delegate vs. Trustee representation
Reapportionment
Redistricting
Gerrymandering
Mal-apportionment
Safe Seat / Incumbency Advantage
Sophomore Surge
Majority-minority Districts
Congressional Caucus
Congressional Budget Office
General Accounting Office
Pork Barrel and Ear-Marking
17th Amendment
Senatorial Courtesy
Advise and Consent
Procedural
Speaker of the House (Why is he the
most powerful leader in AM system?)
Majority & Minority Leaders
Majority & Minority Whips
President Pro Tempore
Standing Committee
Mark-Up
Rules Committee
Open vs. Closed Rule
Quorum
Filibuster and Cloture
Discharge Petition
Double-Tracking
Rider
Conference Committee
Pocket Veto
Log Rolling
Select Committee