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AP Gov Spring 2021 Crash Course 🏛️

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Unit 2: Interactions Among Branches of Government

AP US Government

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Interaction Among Branches Review

In this stream, we discussed the 3 branches of government - legislative, executive, and judicial - as well as the bureaucracy. We also talked about the extremely important topic of checks and balances and how this relates to each branch. We went over each of the 15 standards College Board has outlined for this unit (Unit 2) and we answered any questions along the way!

Interaction Among Branches Review - Stream Slides

Browse slides from the stream 'Interaction Among Branches Review.'

📝study guide

2.0 Unit 2 Overview: Interactions Among Branches of Government

In this unit, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how the three branches of federal government work together to implement policy and, at the same time, limit each others' powers. We'll cover how each branch has powers that allow it to function independently and powers to prevent other branches from becoming too powerful.

Review and Application of Iron Triangles and Issue Networks

We will discuss the terms iron triangles and issue networks, and we’ll look at responses to two FRQs involving them. We’ll also collaborate to edit an FRQ to gain points.

Review and Application of Iron Triangles and Issue Networks - Stream Slides

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A Review of the Legislative and Judicial Branches

We reviewed the powers, structure, and processes of the legislative branch. Terms included: Bicameral, Cloture, Commerce Clause, Conference committee, Delegate model, Discharge petition Emolument, Ex-post facto law, Filibuster, Germane, Gerrymandering, Habeas Corpus, Logrolling, Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause), Politico Model, Pork Barrel, Power of the Purse Reapportionment, Redistricting, Select Committee, Trustee Model, Ways and Means Committee

Selection and Nomination of Federal Judges

In this stream, we explore the uniqueness of the American judicial system, the structure of the federal courts, as well as the selection and nomination of federal judges. We also discuss how to start preparing for the SCOTUS FRQ on the AP exam!

Selection and Nomination of Federal Judges - Slides

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The Role and Functions of the US Supreme Court - Slides

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The Role and Functions of the US Supreme Court

In this stream, we explored the importance and impact of the Supreme Court, including its role in the federal government and some modern cases that have shaped the country.

The Federal Budget

In this stream, we learned all about the federal budget and debt. We talked about the budget calendar as madated by the Constitution, how it really works in Congress (with authorization, appropriations, and continuing resolutions), the difference between discretionary and mandatory spending, what a balanced budget is, how we incur debt, and what it means when we come up on the debt ceiling and the government shuts down.

The Federal Budget - Slides

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Bureaucracy: Cabinet, Independent Executive Agencies, Government Corporations and Regulatory Commissions - Slides

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Bureaucracy: Cabinet, Independent Executive Agencies, Government Corporations and Regulatory Commissions

We walk through the different parts of the federal bureaucracy and discuss their importance to the government!

Checks on Presidential Power - Slides

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Checks on Presidential Power

The presidency, though a powerful position, does not have ultimate power. In this stream we dove into the checks on the president's class.

Roles of the President - Stream Slides

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Roles of the President

Unlike other world leaders, the POTUS has many different roles that he is responsible for carrying out. In this stream, we looked at each of those roles and why they matter.

Bill to Law Process - Stream Slides

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Bill to Law Process

In this stream, we discussed the process of how a bill becomes a law, and all the ways in which that bill can be "killed" along the way! We also practiced some multiple choice questions based on the content of the stream. Important key terms were highlighted.

Congress: The House vs the Senate

During this stream, we explored the differences between the House of Representative and Senate including how their powers, structure, and leadership differ. We addressed bicameralism and its benefits, the perks of working in Congress, congressional leadership, as well as in depth studies on the similarities and differences between the House and the Senate. We also strengthened our multiple choice skills with sample questions and content retention with checkpoints throughout the stream.

Congress: The House vs the Senate - Slides

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Congress: The Committee System - Slides

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Congress: The Committee System

We dove into the committee system in Congress, looking at the different types of committees and how they work.

📝study guide

2.1 Congress

Congress is the bicameral legislature that writes the laws for the nation. It is made up of the House of Representatives which has 435 members and the Senate which has 100 members.

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2.2 Structures, Powers, and Functions of Congress

Delegated powers require both houses of Congress to work with each other. These powers are the powers to:

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2.3 Congressional Behavior

Representatives represent their constituents, obviously.

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2.4 Roles and Power of the President

In this section, we will start discussing the executive branch, which is outlined in Article II of the Constitution. The key person here? The President of the United States. The powers outlined here for the executive branch are not as specific as those for the legislative branch, but there are some things the President can do!

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2.5 Checks on the Presidency

As you know by now, checks and balances are a huge theme in AP US Government and Politics. It is essential that you understand these in detail before you enter the exam session! In this section, we will discuss some checks on the Presidency.

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2.6 Expansion of Presidential Power

We have discussed several powers of the presidency already, but the powers that the President currently has is far beyond those described in the Constitution. This expansion of powers - both formal and informal - has been justified by presidents. 🦾

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2.7 Presidential Communication

Modern technology has redefined the way in which the President interacts with citizens as well as other branches of government.

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2.8 The Judicial Branch

The judicial branch is the 3rd branch of government and is outlined in Article III of the Constitution. Other key foundations of judicial branch power include one of the foundational documents, Federalist No. 78, along with the case Marbury v. Madison.

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2.9 Legitimacy of the Judicial Branch

In section 2.9, we will explore how the judicial branch aims to stay independent, and the concepts of precedent and stare decisis, as well as the confirmation process for judges.

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2.10 The Court in Action

When the Supreme Court's decisions are controversial or unpopular, the other branches may question the Court's legitimacy and take actions to curb its influence. Every year, the Supreme Court hands down decisions on cases that affect the lives of millions of people. It strikes down laws that elected members of Congress enacted 🙅‍♀️, often with the clear mandate of their constituents. Or, conversely, the Court might uphold a law—perhaps one enacted by the legislature of a small state—that the majority of Americans dislike.

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2.11 Checks on the Judicial Branch

Two key characteristics of the Supreme Court—its practice of judicial review, and its Justices’ life tenure—can lead to debate over the legitimacy of the Court’s power, as well as attempts by the other branches to challenge and limit that power.

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2.12 The Bureaucracy

The bureaucracy is a large and complex system of administration consisting of appointed officials. It features a hierarchical authority structure, job specialization, and established rules and procedures. The Bureaucracy implements, administers, regulates policies, issues fines, and testifies before Congress. It has Commissions, Departments, and government corporations to carry out its duties.

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2.13 Discretionary and Rule-Making Authority

After the president signs a bill into law or issues an executive order, the federal bureaucracy is responsible for implementing that policy. Laws may lack clear, concrete details on how they should be enacted.

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2.14 Holding the Bureaucracy Accountable

Congress revises statutes that establish the agency's mission 📝, exercises control over an agency's budget, and conducts audits or holds hearings, and influences the selection of agency directors (Senatorial Confirmation).

📝study guide

2.15 Policy and the Branches of Government

Each branch of the government has different powers, structures, and functions by design.

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Free Reviews 2020

24 resources

Unit 1: Foundations of American Democracy

36 resources

Unit 2: Interactions Among Branches of Government

39 resources

Unit 3: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

27 resources

Unit 4: American Political Ideologies and Beliefs

23 resources

Unit 5: Political Participation

8 resources

Current Events

4 resources

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

2 resources

Free Response Questions (FRQ)

9 resources

Blogs

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