AP Gov Final Review Sheet
Faction
A term the founders used to refer to political parties and special interests or interest groups
Elite Theory
A theory of government and politics contending that societies are divided along class lines and that an upper-class elite will rule, regardless of the formal niceties of governmental organization.
"Big Three" Networks
ABC, NBC, CBS
Standing Vote
AKA division vote. members stand and are counted Not recorded
Sovereignty
Ability of a state to govern its territory free from control of its internal affairs by other states
Voter Turnout
About 50-60% of eligible voters in Presidential elections; much less in midyear elections (30-40%)
Boland Amendment
Act passed by congress that said the president could not support foreign revolutionary groups (i.e. Contras) Reagan ignored it during the Iran-Contra affair
Cost Overruns
Actual costs paid to military suppliers exceeds the estimated costs
Commercial Speech
Advertisements/commercials for products & services Receive less First Amendment protection, primarily to discourage false and misleading ads
Rider
Amendment on a matter unrelated to a bill that is added to the bill so it will "ride" to passage in Congress
Freedom of Information Act (1974)
Allows for full/partial disclosure of previously unreleased information and documents controlled by the US gov.
First Presidents
Among the most prominent men in the new nation, Administration had leading spokesmen for all major viewpoints (not by PARTY)
Symbolic Speech
An act that conveys a political message, nonverbal EX: Burning a flag, wearing a black armband
Coalition
An alliance of factions for some specific purpose
Peace Dividend
An economic benefit gained from a reduction in defense spending
Pack Journalism
Characterization of news reporting as having become homogeneous; occurs because reporters rely on each other for news tips or they all get their info from the same source
Freedom of Information Act
Citizens have the right to inspect all government records except those containing military, intelligence, or trade secrets or revealing private personnel actions
Grandfather Clause
Clause in registration laws allowing people who do not meet registration requirements to vote if they or their ancestors had voted before 1867
Military-Industrial Complex
Close association of the federal government, the military, and defense industries Eisenhower feared the combined lobbying efforts of the armed services & industries that contracted with the military may lead to excessive Congressional spending
Iron Triangle
Close relationship between an agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group
Iron Triangle
Close relationship between an agency, congressional committee, and interest group that often becomes a mutually advantageous alliance
Party Caucus
Closed session of party members to set legislative agendas, select committee members and chairs, hold elections to choose floor leaders
Executive Office of the President
Cluster of presidential staff agencies that help the president carry out his responsibilities EX: Office of Management and Budget, the Council of Economic Advisers + others
New Deal Coalition
Coalition forged by the Democrats Urban working class, ethnic groups, Catholics, Jews, the poor, Southerners, African Americans, and intellectuals
Political Ideology
Coherent set of values and beliefs about the purpose and scope of government held by groups and individuals
Coalition
Combination, union, or merger for some specific purpose
Powers of President
Commander in Chief of Armed Forces Commission Officers of Armed Forces Grant reprieves and pardons for federal offenses Convene Congress in special sessions Receive Ambassadors "Take care that the laws be faithfully executed" Wield the Executive power Appoint officials to lesser offices
McGovern-Frasier Commission
Commission that brought significant representation changes to the Democratic Party Made future conventions more democratic by including more minority representation.
National Security Council
Committee in executive branch of government that advises the president on foreign and military and national security
Armed Services Committees
Committees in Congress which determine the structure and the resources of our military
Joint Committees
Committees with both representatives & senators
Pluralist Theory
Competition among all affected interests shapes public-policy
New Federalism
Competitive Federalism System in which the national government restores greater authority back to the states
Red Tape
Complex bureaucratic rules and procedures that must be followed to get something done
Direct Mail
Computerized mailing to specialized audiences to ask for monetary contributions; need contributions from 2% of the total audience to balance the overall costs
State of Nature
Condition in which no governments or laws exist at all
Franking Privilege
Congress members can send free mail to their constituents by substituting their signature for postage
Select Committees
Congressional committees appointed for a limited time and purpose
Budget Resolution
Congressional decision that states the maximum amount of money (expenditures) the government should spend
Majority-Minority Districts
Congressional district where majority of constituents in district are racial/ethnic minorities
Roll-Call Vote
Congressional voting where members answer "yea" or "nay" to their names; now electronic voting system allows each House member to record their vote
Privileged Speech
Congressmen cannot be sued in court for slander because of remarks made in either house
Christian Coalition
Conservative religious group in 1990s, attracted an enormous amount of media attention Became a prominent force in many national, state, and local elections
Ticket Splitting
Voting with one party for one office and with another party for other offices
Burger Court
Warren Burger was appointed by Nixon as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court His court was more conservative that the Warren Court, handing over more power to the states YET his court had Roe v. Wade
Political Machine
Well-organized political organization that controls election results by awarding jobs and other favors in exchange for votes
Supremacy Clause
Constitution and laws made under its provisions are the greatest law of the land, Article VI
"Full Faith and Credit" Clause
Constitution's requirement that each state accept the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state
Necessary and Proper Clause
Constitutional clause that gives Congress the power to make all laws "necessary and proper" for executing its powers
Separation of Powers
Constitutional division of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches Legislative branch making law Executive applying and enforcing the law Judiciary interpreting the law
National Supremacy
Constitutional doctrine that whenever conflict occurs between the constitutionally authorized actions of the national government and those of a state or local government, the actions of the federal government prevail
Substantive Due Process
Constitutional requirement that governments act reasonably and that the substance of the laws themselves be fair and reasonable; limits what a government may do
Procedural Due Process
Constitutional requirement that governments proceed by proper methods Limits how government may exercise power
Descriptive Representation
Correspondence between demographics of representatives and demographics of their constituents
Substantive Representation
Correspondence between representatives' opinion and those of their constituents
Search Warrant
Court order allowing law enforcement officers to search a suspect's home or business and take specific items as evidence
Legislative Courts
Courts established by Congress for specialized purposes with narrow range of authority Judges don't enjoy protections of Article III EX: Court of Military Appeals
Congressional Accountability Act
Created Office of Compliance and employee procedure to deal with implementation Result of people wanting Congressmen to follow their own laws
Dual Sovereignty
Doctrine holding that state and federal authorities can prosecute the same person for the same conduct, each authority prosecuting under its own law
Dual Federalism
Doctrine holding that the national government is supreme in its sphere, the states are supreme in theirs, and the two spheres should be kept separate
Nullification
Doctrine that a state can declare null and void a federal law that, in the state's opinion, violates the Constitution
Briefs
Documents setting out the arguments in legal cases, prepared by attorneys and presented to courts
Malapportionment
Drawing boundaries of districts so districts are unequal in population
Gerrymandering
Drawing districts in bizarre/unusual shapes so it's easier for candidates to win elections in those districts
Double-Tracking
During a filibuster in the Senate, the disputed bill is shelved temporarily so the Senate can continue working on other business
Price and Wage Controls
During high inflation, the government should regulate the prices and wages in large industries
Equality of Opportunity
Each person is guaranteed the same chance to succeed in life, widely believed in US
Recession
Economic slowdown of the economy Results in rising unemployment, increased business failures, declining economic growth and higher personal bankruptcies
Monetarism
Economic theory holding that variations in unemployment and the rate of inflation are usually caused by changes in the supply of money
Editorial endorsement
Editorial is written to endorse a cause or person
Concurrent Resolutions
Expression of congressional opinion without the force of law Requires House & Senate approval, but not President's Used to settle housekeeping/procedural matters
Simple Resolution
Expression of opinion either in House or Senate to settle housekeeping/procedural matters Not signed by President; do not have force of law
Discretionary Authority
Extent to which appointed bureaucrats can choose courses of action and make policies that are not spelled out in advance by laws through subsidies, grants, and enforcements of regulations
Antonin Scalia
Extremely Conservative Supreme Court Justice
Fairness Doctrine
FCC required broadcasters to give time to opposing views if they broadcast a program giving one side of an issue
Equal Time Rule
FCC rule that said if a broadcaster sells times to one candidate, they must be willing to sell equal time to the opposing candidate
Political Editorializing Rule
FCC rule that states if a broadcaster endorses a candidate the opposing candidate has a right to reply
Right-of-Reply Rule
FCC rule, if a person is attacked on a broadcast, that person has the right to reply over the same station
Court Packing Plan
FDR's failed 1937 attempt to increase the number of US Supreme Court Justices from 9 to 15 in order to save his 2nd New Deal programs from constitutional challenges
Alexander Hamilton
FEDERALIST; First Secretary of the Treasury. He advocated creation of a national bank, assumption of state debts by the federal government, and a tariff system to pay off the national debt
Cleavages
Factors that separate groups EX: social class, race, region
Commerce Clause
Gives Congress the power to regulate all business activities that cross state lines or affect more than one state or other nations.
Public-Interest Lobby
Goal of the organization is to benefit nonmembers (ex. Ralph Nader)
Food Stamps
Government coupons that can be used to purchase food
Representative Democracy
Government in which citizens choose a smaller group to govern on their behalf
Direct Democracy
Government in which citizens vote on laws and select officials directly
Authoritarian
Government in which one leader or group of people holds absolute power
Monetary Policy
Government management of the money supply and interest rates
Keynesianism
Government must manage the economy by spending more money when in a recession and cutting spending when there is inflation
Competitive Service
Government offices to which people are appointed on the basis of merit, as ascertained by a written exam or by applying certain selection criteria
"Revolving Door"
Government officials are constantly leaving government for work in the private sector; fear that officials will use government favors/contacts to get better jobs in private sector
Economic Planning
Government plans, such as wage and price controls or the direction of investment, can improve the economy
Fiscal Policy
Government policy for dealing with the budget (especially with taxation and borrowing)
Australian Ballot
Government printed ballot of uniform size and shape to be cast in SECRET that was adopted by many states to reduce the voting fraud associated with party printed ballots cast in public
Assistance Program
Government program financed by general income taxes that provides benefits to poor citizens without requiring contributions from them
Unitary System
Government that gives all key powers to the national or central government
Mixed Government
Government that integrated facets of government by democracy, oligarchy, and monarchy Some issues where the state is governed by the majority of the people, in some other issues the state is governed by few, in some other issues by a single person The idea is commonly treated as an antecedent of separation of powers
School Vouchers
Government-subsidized vouchers that can be used for private school tuition
Strom Thurmond
Governor of SC, leader of the Segregationist Dixiecrats, ran for president under State's Rights Party in 1948
Party Dealignment
Gradual disengagement of people and politicians from the parties, as seen in part by shrinking party identification
Nineteenth Amendment
Granted women the right to vote
Patronage
Granting favors or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support
Grand Jury
Group of citizens that decides whether there is sufficient evidence to accuse someone of a crime
Political Party
Group of individuals with broad common interests Organize to elect candidates to public office, conduct government, and determine public policy
Joint Chiefs of Staff
Group of the highest-ranking military officers of the army, navy, and air force
Council of Economic Advisers (CEA)
Group of three respected economists that advise the president on economic policy
Equal Access
Guarantee that schools do not discriminate on the basis of race or gender
Laissez-Faire Economics
Hands-off approach to government Government should not interfere in the economy beyond what is necessary to protect life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness Adam Smith
Solid South
Historically, the South voted solidly Democratic However, the South is now STRONGLY Republican
The Pentagon Papers
History of US involvement in Vietnam; published by NY Times LBJ had lied about the subject which was of national interest and significance
Term Limits
House of Reps. = 2 years (unlimited) Senators = 6 years (unlimited) VP = 4 years (unlimited) President = 4 years (2 terms)
Natural Rights
Idea that all humans are born with rights, which include the right to life, liberty, and property (John Locke)... Edited in US from property to "pursuit of happiness"
Mutual Assured Destruction
Idea that both sides would face certain destruction in a nuclear war EX: Soviet Union and US Arms Race in 60s
Pocket Veto
If a President doesn't sign a bill within 10 days and Congress has adjourned within that time, the bill will not become law
Domino Theory
If a nation falls under communist control, nearby nations will also fall under communist control
INS v. Chadha
Legislative vetos are unconstitutional because they do not allow for presentment to the president for his veto Must have bicameralism and presentment
Pork-Barrel Politics
Legislators give tangible benefits (highways, dams, post offices) to constituents in several districts/states in hopes of winning their votes in return
Attitudinal Theory
Legislators vote based on their own beliefs
Organizational Theory
Legislators vote to please other Congress members and colleagues
Representational Theory
Legislators vote to please their constituents
Coattails
Lesser-known candidate profits in election by being in the same party as a more popular candidate
Stare Decisis
Let the decision stand Decisions are based on precedents from previous cases
Buckley v. Valeo (1976)
Limited campaign contributions and said candidates can give unlimited amounts of their own money to their campaigns; eliminated restrictions on campaign/independent expenditures
22nd Amendment
Limits the president to two terms
Chain of Command
Line of authority that moves from the top of a hierarchy to the lowest level
Miranda Rights
List of rights that police in the United States must read to suspects in custody before questioning them Right to remain silent, attorney, etc. from Miranda v. Arizona
C-Span
Live coverage of House and Senate floor on TV
Sponsored Party
Local or State political party that is largely supported by another organization in the community
Supply-Side Theory
Lower taxes and fewer regulations will stimulate the economy
Twenty-Sixth Amendment
Lowered voting age to 18
"Prurient Interests"
Lustful thoughts or sexual desires
Federalist Number 10
Madison's essay on "factions" or the influence of political parties and interest groups is used to day to discuss access and control
Federalist Number 51
Madison's essay on the proper structure of power within the constitution is used to understand the balance of powers "If men were angels, no government would be necessary"
President Pro Tempore
Majority party chooses Pro Tem of Senate; presiding officer when VP is absent Mostly honorific, actual job done by a junior senator
"Winner-take-all" Primaries
Majority winner of the primary wins all the delegates of that primary, not just the percentage of votes they won
Powers of President and Senate
Make treaties Appoint ambassadors, judges, and high officials
Equality of Results
Making certain that people achieve the same result, not widely believed in US
Reaganomics
Monetarist fiscal policy, supply-side tax cuts, and domestic budget cutting Goal was to reduce the size of the federal government and stimulate economic growth
Federal Matching Funds
Money a presidential candidate is given by the federal government to match the money that have raised personally
Block Grants
Money from the national government that states can spend within broad guidelines determined by Washington
Grants-in-Aid
Money given by the national government to the states
Appropriations
Money granted by Congress or to a state legislature for a specific purpose
Liberal
Person who generally believes the government should take an active role in the economy and in social programs but that the government should not dictate social behavior Broad-minded, tolerant of change
Strict Constructionist
Person who interprets the Constitution in a way that allows the federal government to take only those actions the Constitution specifically says it can take
Cabinet
Persons appointed by a head of state to head executive departments of government and act as official advisers
Political Elite
Persons with a disproportionate share of political power
Discharge Petition
Petition to bring bill onto floor after committee has bill for 30 days; need a majority to agree to discharge; prevents committees from killing a bill
Judicial Activist
Philosophy proposing that judges should interpret the Constitution to reflect current conditions and values
Blue Slips
Piece of paper on which the senator is asked to record his or her views on the nominee for judge If withheld, the senator is usually disapproving
Income Strategy
Policy giving poor people money to help lift them out of poverty
Entrepreneurial Politics
Policy in which almost everybody benefits and a small group pays the cost
Service Strategy
Policy providing poor people with education and job training to help lift them out of poverty
Referendum
Practice of letting voters accept or reject measures proposed by the legislature
Spoils System
Practice of rewarding supporters with government jobs Jackson made this practice famous for the way he did it on a wide scale
Straight Ticket Voting
Practice of voting for candidates of only ONE party in an election
"Balancing Test"
Precedent set in Schenk v. US involving First Amendment rights "Free Speech" rights of an individual must be weighed against the broader needs of society
Initiative
Process that permits voters to put legislative measures directly on the ballot
Unfunded Mandates
Programs that the federal government requires states to implement without federal funding
Union Movement
Prominent in 1930s because of Great Depression; decreasing because of shift to service delivery and decline in approval Workers use unions to advance their interests
Straw Poll
Provides dialogue among large groups to see if there is enough support of an idea to devote more time to it; often used by Republic Party or private organizations
Selective Incorporation
Provisions of the Bill of Rights are brought within the scope of the Fourteenth Amendment and applied to state and local governments
Feature Stories
Public events that any reporter can know about, but they aren't routinely covered by reporters; reporter must deem it newsworthy to report on
Fifteenth Amendment
Right of US citizens to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude
Religious Freedom Restoration Act
Right to free religious practice is protected unless the government can show a compelling interest for the regulation of such practice
Executive Order
Rule issued by the president that has the force of law
Sovereign Immunity
Rule that a citizen cannot sue the government without the government's consent
Fee Shifting
Rule that allows a plaintiff to recover costs from the defendant if the plaintiff wins
Exclusionary Rule
Rule that provides that otherwise admissible evidence cannot be used in a criminal trial if it was the result of illegal police conduct
Cloture Rule
Rule used by Senate to end/limit debate with 16 signatures, 3/5 of vote to end debate Prevent filibustering
Feeding Frenzy
Ruthless attack or exploitation of someone
Environmental Movement
Smaller liberal groups; Sierra Club, Wilderness Society & National Wildlife Federation; Environmental Defense Fund & Environmental Action
Solidary Incentives
Social rewards that lead people to join local/state political organizations - join for fun, enjoy discussing politics
Women Voting
Susan B. Anthony
Adversarial Press
Suspicious of officialdom and eager to break an embarrassing story that will give author honor, prestige and money
Ad Hoc Structure
Task forces, committees, and informal groups of friends and advisers deal directly w/ Prez Great flexibility, minimizes bureaucratic inertia BUT cuts Prez from Gov Officials responsible for Public Policy
Poll Tax
Tax required before a person can vote
Legislative Veto
The authority of Congress to block a presidential action after it has taken place Supreme Court has held that Congress does not have this power
Appellate Jurisdiction
The authority of a court to review decisions made by lower courts
Amicus Curiae
"Friend of the court" Refers to interest groups or individuals, not directly involved in a suit, who may file legal briefs or oral arguments in support of one side
Amicus Curiae
"Friend of the court", interest groups/individuals that aren't directly involved in a court case, but may file legal briefs/oral arguments in support of one side
Earned Income Tax Credit
"Negative income tax" that provides income to very poor individuals in lieu of charging them federal income taxes
Andrew Jackson
"Tribune of the People" Vetoed more than all prior combined HUGE Personality Spoils System
Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (2002)
(1) banned soft money - only individual/PAC donations, (2) limited individual donations to $2,000, (3) restricted "individual expenditures" - can't refer to candidate 60 days before election or 30 days before primary
Skewed Question
A question that is phrased in such a way that a certain answer is more likely to be given
Per Curiam Opinion
Brief, unsigned court opinion of the Supreme Court to explain its ruling
Goldwater-Nichols Act
1. Reworked the command structure of the United States military 2. Streamlined the military chain of command- now runs from President through Secretary of Defense bypassing the service chiefs 3. The service chiefs were assigned to an advisory role to the President, NSC, and Secretary of Defense
Due Process Clause
14th amendment clause stating that no state may deprive a person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law
Equal Protection Clause
14th amendment clause, prohibits states from denying equal protection under the law Has been used to combat discrimination
Northwest Ordinance
1787, one of the most significant achievements of Articles Established a system for setting up governments in the western territories so they could eventually join the Union on an equal footing with the original 13 states
Second Party System
1830's Full Fledged 2 party system emerged Whigs = Anti-Jackson v. Democrats = Jackson's followers
"One Man, One Vote"
1964 Supreme Court ruling; did very little to reduce/resolve gerrymandering
Voting Rights Act 1970 and 1982
1970: Literacy requirements are banned for five years 1982: Prohibited the violation of voting rights by any practices that discriminated based on race, regardless of if the practices had been adopted with the intent to discriminate or not
National Performance Review
1993 effort by Gore to make the bureaucracy work better and cost less Less centralized management, more employee initiatives, fewer detailed rules, more customer satisfaction
Authorization Legislation
Legislative permission to begin or continue a government program or agency
Clarence Thomas
2nd African American Supreme Court Justice Conservative
House
435 members
James Madison
4th President of the United States Continental Congress & Constitutional Convention Strongly supported ratification of the Constitution and was a contributor to The Federalist Papers, which argued the effectiveness of the proposed constitution "If men were angels, no government would be necessary"
Due Process
5th Amendment principle stating that the federal government must follow proper constitutional procedures in trials and in other actions it takes against individuals
Central Intelligence Agency
Agency created after WWII to coordinate American intelligence activities abroad, conspiracy, and meddling
Social Contract
Agreement between the people and their government signifying their consent to be governed
Three-Fifths Compromise
Agreement by which the # of each state's representatives in Congress would be based on a count of all the free people plus three-fifths of the slaves
North American Free Trade Agreement
Agreement of Canada, Mexico, and US to eliminate the barriers to trade in, and facilitate the cross-border movement of goods and services between the countries
Lobbyist Disclosure Act
Aimed to bring accountability to federal lobbying practices; lobbyists must register with clerk in the House and Sec. of Senate
Issues Network
Alliance of various interest groups and individuals who unite in order to promote a single issue in government policy EX: Political executives, career bureaucrats, management/policy consultants, academic researchers, journalists, foundation officers, media, and White House aides.
Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Allowed homosexuals to enter army as long as they kept their private life secret/out of the open Started during Clinton, Ended by Obama
Blanket Primary
Allows all voters to choose candidates (Dem. can vote for both Rep & Dem)
Purposive Incentives
Appeal of the group's goals is the incentive for people to join the organization; individuals are passionate about a goal, have a sense of duty
Rule of "Fitness"
Appointees to federal office should have standing in communities, be well thought of by neighbors
Excepted Service
Appointment of officials not based on the criteria specified by OPM/Competitive Service
Powers of President and Congress
Approve legislation
Elastic Clause of Presidency
Article 2: "Take care that the laws be faithfully executed"
Formal Amendment Process
Article V; the (very difficult) process of adding or deleting words to the constitution (27 times since 1788); propose by 2/3 vote of Congress or Constitutional Convention (never used); ratify by 3/4 vote of state legislators or state convention (only used once)
Law Clerks
Assist supreme court justices by reading appeals filed with the court and write memos summarizing the key issues in each case Help prepare opinions by doing research and writing first drafts
Pyramid Structure
Assistants report through hierarchy to a chief of staff, who deals directly with President, Orderly flow of info BUT risk of isolating, misinforming, Reagan, Nixon
District Court
Division of the trial court (federal or state), serving a specific geographic area, with only one judge usually required to hear and decide a case
Caucus
Association of members of Congress created to advocate political ideology or regional/ethnic/economic interest
Filibuster
Attempt to defeat bill in Senate by talking indefinitely
Concurrent Jurisdiction
Authority for both state and federal courts to hear and decide cases
Legislative Veto
Authority of Congress to block a presidential action after it has taken place... UNCONSTITUTIONAL
Appellate Jurisdiction
Authority of a court to review decisions made by lower courts
Exclusive Jurisdiction
Authority of only federal courts to hear and decide cases
Iron Curtain and Cold War
Barrier of political and military information between U.S. and Russia after the gradual decline of communism
Human Rights
Basic freedoms and rights that all people should enjoy
Isolationist
Belief that a country should take little or no part in foreign affairs, especially through alliances or wars
Civic Duty
Belief that one has an obligation to participate in civic and political affairs EX: VOTE
Political Efficacy
Belief that one's political participation really matters - that one's vote can actually make a difference
Disengagement
Belief that the US was harmed by its war in Vietnam, and so should avoid supposedly similar events
Means Tested
Benefit program is means-tested if its benefit level declines as the recipient earns additional income.
Material Incentives
Benefits that have monetary value; money, gifts, services, or discounts; received as a result of one's membership in an organization
Treason
Betrayal of one's country
The Great Compromise
Bicameral Legislature: A state's representation in the House of Representation would be based on population Two senators for each state All bills originate in the house Direct taxes on states were to be assessed according to population
Multiple Referral
Bill may be referred to several committees at the same time in whole or in part
Christmas Tree Bill
Bill with a lot of riders
Electoral College
Body of electors who formally elect the United States president and vice-president, Candidate needs at least 270/535 to win the Presidency
Sound bites
Brief statement, no longer than a few seconds, used on a radio/TV news broadcast
Circular Structure
Cabinet secretaries and assistants report directly to the President, Virtue of giving Prez lots of info BUT confusion and conflict among cabinet secretaries, Carter
Quorum Call
Calling of roll in House or Senate to see if minimum number of reps. present meets the requirement of min. number of reps. needed to do official business
Alexis de Tocqueville
Came from France to US 1830s, wrote "Democracy in America" Noted that whites treated each other as equals and that they all shared a passion for getting rich
Front-Loaded Campaign
Campaign focuses most of its attention and funds on the first part of the campaign (primaries/caucuses)
Incumbent
Candidate who is running for reelection, currently holds the position
Marginal Districts
Candidates elected to the House win in close elections; win with less than 55% of vote
Federal-Question Cases
Cases concerning the Constitution, federal laws, or treaties
Prior Restraint
Censorship of a publication/limiting press Usually unconstitutional in the United States, according to the First Amendment and Near v. Minnesota
Federal Reserve
Central bank of the U.S. Controls the the supply of money and attempts to control interest rates
"Preferred Freedoms"
Certain protection in the Bill of Rights such as free speech and free press that are considered even more important than other freedoms
Linkage Institutions
Channels through which people's concerns become political issues on the government's policy agenda EX: elections, political parties, interest groups, and the media
Demographics
Characteristics/statistics of a population with respect to age, race, and gender.
Social Security Act 1935
Created pension and insurance for the old-aged, the blind, the physically handicapped, delinquent children, and other dependents by taxing employees and employers New Deal Legislature
Whistle Blower Protection Act
Created the Office of Special Counsel to investigate complaints from bureaucrats that were punished after reporting to Congress about waste, fraud, or abuse in their agencies
Commission on Base Realignment and Closure
Created to consider base closing recommendations for the Secretary of Defense
"Hate Crime"
Criminal act against a person or a person's property by an offender motivated by racial or other bias
National Chairman
Day-to-day party manager elected by the national committee
Capital Punishment
Death Penalty
Rule 22
Debate in the Senate can be stopped in 2/3 senators vote to a "cloture" motion, adopted to prevent measures from being stalled during a war crises
14th Amendment
Declares all persons born or naturalized in the United States are entitled equal rights regardless of their race Their rights are protected at both the state and national level
National Committee
Delegates who run party affairs between national conventions
Mayor Daley
Democratic Chicago Mayor/Political Machine Had police violently put down the protests from the assassinations
Voting Rights Act 1965
Designed to help end formal and informal barriers to African-American suffrage
Gender Gap
Difference in political views between men and women Women are more likely to support Democratic candidates, more likely to support spending on social services and oppose higher levels of military spending
National Security Adviser
Director of the National Security Council staff, reports to the President
News Leaks
Disclosure of secret information in advance of its official release or the unsanctioned release of confidential information
Apportionment
Distribution of representatives among the states based on the population of each state
Safe Districts
Districts where incumbents win by margins of 55% or more
Federalism
Division of power between the national and state governments
Separated Powers
Division of powers among different branches of government US: among a legislative, executive, and judicial branch
Necessary and Proper Clause
Elastic Clause Constitutional clause that gives Congress the power to make all laws "necessary and proper" for executing its powers
Speaker of the House
Elected by majority party Leads all meetings of House/leader of majority party Decides who speaks on floor, if a motion is relevant and what committees get what bills Decides what bills are voted on and appoint members to special/select committees Nominates majority party leader of Rules Committee
Trustee Approach
Elected does what public good requires, even if voters are skeptical
Delegate Model
Elected represent should represent the opinions of his or her constituents
Winner-Take-All-System
Election system in which the candidate with the most votes wins
General Election
Election used to fill an elective office
Critical Elections
Elections that disrupt party coalitions and create new ones in a party realignment
Plurality System
Electoral system in which the winner is the person who gets the most votes, even if he or she does not receive a majority Winner Takes All
Proportional Representation
Electoral system used throughout most of Europe that awards legislative seats to political parties in proportion to the number of votes won in an election
Revolving Door
Employment cycle in which individuals who work for government agencies that regulate interests eventually end up working for interest groups or businesses with the same policy concern
John Locke
English philosopher who advocated the idea of a "social contract" in which government powers are derived from the consent of the governed and in which the government serves the people; also said people have natural rights to life, liberty and property.
Thomas Hobbes
English political philosopher who advocated absolute sovereignty as the only kind of government that could resolve problems caused by the selfishness of human beings
"Good Faith" Exception
Exception to the Supreme Court exclusionary rule: evidence seized on basis of a mistakenly issued search warrant can be introduced at trial if mistake was made in good faith- if all the parties involved had reason at the time to believe that the warrant was proper
Budget Deficit
Excess of expenditures over revenues
Budget Surplus
Excess of tax revenue over government spending
Office of Management and Budget
Executive agency that advises the President on the federal budget and monitors spending
Opinion of the Court
Explanation of a decision of the supreme court or any other appellate court
Earmarks
Legislative provision that directs approved funds to be spent on specific projects, or directs specific exemptions from taxes
Revenue Sharing Grants
Federal grants distributing a portion of federal tax revenues to state and local governments
Categorical Grants
Federal grants that can be used only for specific purposes or "categories," of state and local spending Come with strings attached, such as nondiscrimination provisions
Hatch Act
Federal law prohibiting government employees from active participation in partisan politics
Hatch Act
Federal law prohibiting government employees from active participation in partisan politics.
Medicare
Federal program of health insurance for persons 65 years of age and older, added to Social Security
Medicaid
Federal program that provides medical benefits for low-income persons
Independent Agencies
Federal regulatory agencies that are independent, thus not fully under the power of the president EX: Federal Trade Commission, Securities and Exchange Commission
Layer Cake Federalism
Federalism characterized by a national government exercising its power independently from state governments
Astroturf Lobbying
Ffake grassroots lobbyists
Bill of Rights
First 10 amendments of the U.S. Constitution, containing a list of individual rights and liberties, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press
Establishment Clause
First Amendment guarantee that the government will not create or support an official state church
Free Exercise Clause
First Amendment requirement that law cannot prevent free exercise of religion
Right to Assemble
First Amendment right allows people to meet to discuss and express their beliefs, ideas, or feelings, especially in a political context
Freedom of Expression
First Amendment right of people to speak, publish, and assemble
Caucus
First caucus in Iowa; candidate must mobilize political activists to win their parties nominations; at a caucus, people stand in corners of a room with others who support the same candidate
Primary
First primary in New Hampshire
Bill of Rights
First ten amendments of the U.S. Constitution, containing a list of individual rights and liberties, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press
Roles
Gatekeeper - influence what national issue is prominent & for how long Scorekeeper - help make political reputations, "mention" presidential candidates, who is winning/losing in politics, makes certain events more important Watchdog - close scrutiny, investigation of personalities & expose scandals
Civil Rights Voting Act
Gave African Americans the fair right to vote
Inflation
General and progressive increase in prices
Grassroots Lobbying
Generates public pressure directly on officials; portion of the public that is affected by the issues mobilizes quickly
Soft Money
Funds from individuals, corporations, and unions that are spent on party activities; don't back a specific candidate, not reported to FEC
Soft Money
Funds from individuals, corporations, and unions that are spent on party activities; don't back a specific candidate; not reported to FEC
Origins of Political Attitudes
Family, Religion, Gender (Gap), and Schooling
Executive Agencies
Federal agencies that are part of the executive branch but outside the structure of cabinet departments Heads serve at the pleasure of the president and can be removed at the president's discretion
Constitutional Court
Federal court authorized by Constitution that keeps judges in office during good behavior and prevents their salaries from being reduced Supreme Court (created by the Constitution) and appellate and district courts created by Congress
Courts of Appeals
Federal courts that have the authority to review decisions by federal district courts, regulatory commissions, and certain other federal courts Have no original jurisdiction, they can hear only appeals
Aid to Families with Dependent Children
Federal funds, administered by the states, for children living with persons or relatives who fall below state standards of need; abolished in 1996
Second-Order Devolution
Flow of power and money from the states to local governments
Ethics in Government Act (1978)
For Congressmen - financial disclosure, no accepting of gifts, no use of office accounts for campaigns, and prohibited other previously unregulated practices
Republic
Form of government whose head of state is not a monarch
Indictment
Formal accusation, charging a person with some offense
Ratification
Formal approval, final consent to the effectiveness of a constitution, constitutional amendment, or treaty
Joint Resolution
Formal expression of congressional opinion that is approved by Senate, House, & President Resolutions for constitutional amendments don't require Presidential approval
Foundations
Foundation grants fund many liberal public-interest groups EX: Ford Foundation, Rockefeller Family Funds, Scaife Foundations etc.
Right to Associate
Freedom to meet with others for political or any other lawful purposes
Perks
Fringe benefits of political office EX: Limousines, expense accounts, junkets, free air travel, staff assistants, Annie Oaklies (tickets)
Unalienable Rights
Fundamental or natural rights guaranteed to people naturally instead of by the law Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
Checks of Judicial Branch
Ignore decisions, change the size of the courts
Welfare Reform Law 1996
Imposed a time limit of 5 years on welfare recipients
Rules Committee
In House, determines procedures for reviewing each bill; rules may be suspended with 2/3 vote
Committee on Committees (R)
In Senate, assign senators to standing committees
Steering Committee (D)
In Senate, assigns senators to standing committees
Policy Committee
In Senate, helps leader schedule business and decide what bills need major attention
Means Test
Income qualification program that determines whether one is eligible for benefits under government programs reserved for lower-income groups
Sophomore Surge
Increase in the votes that congressional candidates usually get when they first run for reelection
Third-Order Devolution
Increased role of nonprofit organizations and private groups in policy implementation
Federal Election Commission (FEC)
Independent regulatory agency that regulates campaign finance legislation in US; provision of Federal Election Campaign Act; facilitates disclosure and administers public funding program
Defendant
Individual or group being sued or charged with a crime
Free Rider Problem
Individuals consume more than their fair share of a resource or cover less than their fare share of the costs
Activist
Individuals, usually outside of the government, who actively promote a political party, philosophy, or issue they care about
Insider Stories
Information not generally known to the public becomes public when an "insider" tells a reporter ("investigative reporting") or when it is "leaked"
Trial Balloon
Information provided to the media by an anonymous public official as a way of testing the public reaction to a possible policy/appointment
Lobby
Interest group organized to influence government decisions, especially legislation
Wall of Separation Principle
Interpretation of the First Amendment that prevents government involvement with religion
Power of Courts
Interpretation, extending reach of existing laws, remedies, declaring laws or President's actions unconstitutional
Blue Dog Democrats
Intraparty caucus, "middle of the road" policies that influenced House debates
Position Issue
Issue that divides the electorate; rival parties adopt different positions to attract voters
Valence Issue
Issue that parties universally agree/disagree on (ex. no one supports political corruption)
Political Question
Issue the Supreme Court will allow the executive and legislative branches decide
Muckraker
Journalist who seeks to expose controversial stories about the activities of personal officials and organization
John Marshall
Judicial Review Ruled on many early decisions that gave the federal government more power, especially the supreme court
Public Bill
Legislative bill that deals with matters of general concern; ex. defense expenditures bill
Private Bill
Legislative bill that deals with specific, private, personal, or local matters rather than general legislation Main kinds - immigration/naturalization bills for specific individuals) and personal-claim bills
Majority/Minority Leaders
Legislative leader elected by party members holding the majority of seats in the House or Senate Legislative leader elected by party members holding a minority of seats in House or Senate
White Primaries
Keeping African Americans from voting in primary elections through registration requirements and intimidation
"Actual Malice"
Knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard for the truth
Civil Law
Law concerned with private wrongs against individuals
Criminal Law
Law concerned with public wrongs against society
Independent Counsel Law
Law that allows the attorney general to appoint someone to investigate high-profile members of the federal government when they are suspected of doing something wrong
Bill of Attainder
Law that declares a person, without a trial, to be guilty of a crime, Unconstitutional in the USA
Ex Post Facto Law
Law that makes an act criminal although the act was legal when it was committed
Motor-Voter Law
Law to encourage more people to participate in voting Allowed people to register to vote while they renewed their license
Bicameral Legislature
Lawmaking body made up of two chambers - House & Senate in US Congress
Class Action Suit
Lawsuit brought by an individual or group of people on behalf of all those similarly situated
Incorporation Doctrine
Legal concept under which the Supreme Court has nationalized the Bill of Rights by making most of its provisions applicable to the states through the 14th amendment
McCulloch v. Maryland
Maryland was trying to tax the national bank and Supreme Court ruled that federal law was stronger than the state law
Social Status
Measure of one's social standing obtained by combining factors EX: education, income, & occupation
Routine Stories
Media reports about public events that are regularly covered by reporters and are easily described acts/statements
Caucus
Meeting of local party members to choose party officials or candidates for public office and to decide the platform
National Convention
Meeting of party delegates every four years to choose a presidential ticket and write the party's platform Essentially a Pep Rally for the Democrats/Republicans, rally support for the candidate in the general election
Faithless Electors
Members of the Electoral College who do not vote for whom they are pledged to
Voice Vote
Members shout "yea" or "nay" Members can vote quickly and anonymously on bills
Composition of Membership
Middle-aged, white, Protestant, male, lawyers, college-educated is the average demographic
Marbury v. Madison
Midnight Justices of Adam's Presidency Established concept of Judicial Review First time supreme court declared something 'unconstitutional'
Quorum
Minimum number of members who must be present for business to be conducted in Congress
Green Party
Minor party dedicated to the environment, social justice, nonviolence, and the foreign policy of nonintervention
Libertarian Party
Minor party that believes in extremely limited government Free market system, expanded individual liberties such as drug legalization, and a foreign policy of nonintervention, open immigration
Socialist Party
Minor political party favoring public/government control of property and income End capitalism, distribute wealth more equally, and nationalize American industries
Presidential Honeymoon
More popular, higher proportion of his bills will be passed by Congress (but could be small bills), Declines after inauguration, "honeymoon", Every off year election, president's party has lost seats in Congress
3 Audiences of President
Most Important = Washington DC: fellow politicians Party activists/officeholders outside DC People (though Media biases it)
Opportunity Costs
Most desirable alternative given up as the result of a decision
President's Speeches
Much more prepared than spontaneous, Convert personal popularity into congressional support for president's legislative programs
Logrolling
Mutual aid among politicians; one legislator supports another's project in return for the latter's support of his
Articles of Confederation
Nation's first constitution, adopted by the Second Continental Congress in 1781 during the Revolution. Limited because states held most of the power, and Congress lacked the power to tax, regulate trade, or control coinage
Congressional Black Caucus
National caucus; liberal House democrats started in 1970s
Defamation
Negative image or connotation
New Jersey Plan
New Jersey delegate William Paterson's plan of government, in which states got an equal number of representatives in Congress, favoring smaller states
Gibbons v. Ogden
New York tried to grant a monopoly on waterborne trade between New York and New Jersey Constitution gives Congress alone the control of interstate commerce Marshall's major blow to states' rights
Think Tanks
Organization that performs research and advocacy concerning different topics EX: social policy, economics, military etc; many are non-profits
Silent Majority
Nixon's group of quiet honest hard-working middle class Americans who do their job, traditional, respect their country and support gov
"Off/On the Record"
Off the record is a term used to prevent journalists from reporting a statement made by a source; if something is on the record it is free to be published
Office of Personnel Management
Office in charge of hiring for most agencies of the federal government, using elaborate rules in the process
Insider Strategy
Old method where lobbyists worked one on one with Congressmen
Telecommunications Act 1996
One company can own 8 stations in large markets and unlimited stations nationwide Few companies own all big stations, greater variety of opinions and shows on radio
Senate Foreign Relations Committee
One of original ten standing committees Responsible for dealings with foreign countries including trade and diplomacy as well as confirmation hearings for the Secretary of State and Ambassadors
Divided Government
One party controls White House and a different party controls one or both houses of Congress
Selective Attention
Only paying attention to the parts of a story with which one agrees How people view political ads
Dissenting Opinion
Opinion disagreeing with the majority decision in a Supreme Court ruling
Concurring Opinion
Opinion that agrees with the court's disposition of the case but is written to express a particular judge's reasoning
Antifederalists
Opposed the ratification of the Constitution because it gave more power to the federal government and less to the states, and because it did not ensure individual rights Many wanted to keep the Articles of Confederation Instrumental in obtaining passage of the Bill of Rights as a prerequisite to ratification of the Constitution in several states Became the Democratic-Republican party
Writ of Certiorari
Order by the Supreme Court directing a lower court to send up the records of a case for review
Restrictive Rule
Order from House Rules Committee - allows certain kids of amendments, but not others, to be added to bill on the legislative floor
Closed Rule
Order from House Rules Committee that sets time limit on debate and forbids bill amendments on legislative floor
Trade Association
Organization founded and funded by businesses that operate in a specific industry; many are non-profit
Interest Group
Organization of people sharing a common interest or goal that seeks to influence public policy
Elastic Clause
Part of the Constitution that permits Congress to make any laws "necessary and proper" to carrying out its powers
Solidary Groups
Parties organized around sociability, rather than tangible rewards or ideology
Congressional Campaign Committee
Party committee in congress that provides funds to members and would-be members
Super-Delegates
Party leaders and elected officials who become delegates to the national convention without having to run in primaries or caucuses
National Security Act 1947
Passed in response to perceived threats from the Soviet Union after WWII Established the Department of Defense, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and National Security Council
Populist
People (Farmers) who hold liberal views on economic matters and conservative ones on social matters Strong government: reduce economic inequality, regulate businesses, impose stricter social and criminal sanctions
Populists
People (Farmers) who hold liberal views on economic matters and conservative ones on social matters Strong government: reduce economic inequality, regulate businesses, impose stricter social and criminal sanctions
Popular Sovereignty
People hold the final authority in all matters of government Used as an argument to let the people within states decide for or against slavery by Stephen Douglas
"In-and-Outers"
People who alternate between jobs in the federal government and ones in the private sector
Orthodox Culture
People who believe that moral rules are derived from God, are unchanging, and are more important that individual choice
Progressive Culture
People who believe that moral rules are derived in part from an individuals belief and the circumstances of modern life
Standing Committees
Permanently established legislative committees that consider and are responsible for legislation within a certain subject area EX: House Ways & Means Committee, Senate Judiciary Committee
Twenty-Third Amendment
Permits residents of Washington, D.C., to vote in presidential elections
Lobbyist
Person attempting to influence government decisions on behalf of the group
Plaintiff
Person or party filing a lawsuit
Libertarian
Person who advocates principles of liberty and free will
Conservative
Person who believes government power, particularly in the economy, should be limited in order to maximize individual freedom, resistant to change
Internationalist
Person who believes that nations should act as a community and should interact with one another peacefully and cooperatively Active involvement in world affairs
Tammany Hall
Political Machine w/in Democrats in NYC (late 1800's and early 1900's) seeking political control by corruption and bossism, led by Boss Tweed
Whistle-Stop Train Tour
Political campaigning where candidate makes a series of brief appearances/speeches at many small towns over a short period of time
Hard Money
Political donations that are regulated by FEC
Impeachment
Political equivalent of an indictment in criminal law, prescribed by the Constitution House of Representatives may impeach the president by a majority vote for "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors"
Ideological Interest Group
Political organizations that attract members by appealing to their political convictions with coherent sets of controversial principles (purposive incentive)
Party Platform
Political party's statement of its goals and policies for the next four years Presented at National Convention, best formal statement of a party's beliefs
"Personal Following"
Political support provided to a candidate on the basis of personal popularity and networks
Confederation
Political system in which a weak central government has limited authority, and the states have ultimate power
Democracy
Political system in which the supreme power lies in a body of citizens who can elect people to represent them
Majoritarianism
Political theory holding that in a democracy, the government ought to do what the majority of the people want.
Lame Duck
Politician whose power has diminished because he or she is about to leave office as a result of electoral defeat or statutory limitation
Greatest Source of Presidential Power
Politics and Public Opinion
Exit Polls
Polls based on interviews conducted on Election Day with randomly selected voters
In Forma Pauperis
Poor person can have his or her case heard in federal court without charge
William Jennings Bryan
Populist presidential candidate, advocated free silver and prosecuted John Scopes for teaching evolution in a TN High School
World's Policeman
Position America has taken on in recent years: regulating foreign affairs and deploying troops across the world in times of crisis
Attorney General
Position of the head of the Justice Department and the chief law enforcement officer of the United States
Rule of Propinquity
Power is wielded by people who are in the room when a decision is made
Original Jurisdiction
Power of a court to hear a case first, before any other court
Veto
Power of chief executive to reject a bill passed by the legislature
Inherent Power
Power of president from "the executive power shall be vested in a President" and that the president should "Take care that the laws be faithfully executed" Defined through practice rather than through law
Executive Privilege
Power to keep executive communications confidential (withhold information from Congress), especially if they relate to national security
Tenth Amendment
Powers not delegated to the US by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people
Reserved Powers
Powers not specifically granted to the federal government or denied to the states belong to the states and the people
Enumerated Powers
Powers specifically given to Congress in the Constitution EX: power to collect taxes, coin money, regulate foreign and interstate commerce, and declare war
Enumerated Powers
Powers specifically given to Congress in the Constitution; including the power to collect taxes, coin money, regulate foreign and interstate commerce, and declare war
Implied Powers
Powers that Congress has that are not stated explicitly in the Constitution
Concurrent Powers
Powers that the Constitution gives to both the national and state governments EX: power to levy taxes
Seniority System
Practice of granting privileges to members of Congress who have served longest EX: choice of committee assignment, power in committee
White Primary
Practice of keeping blacks from voting in the southern states' primaries through arbitrary use of registration requirements and intimidation
Yellow Journalism
Presents little or no legitimate research but uses eye-catching headlines to sell more newspapers; exaggerates events Sensationalism
Past Presidential Era of Government
Presidency became powerful only during national crisis or huge personality
Modern Presidential Era of Government
President as central figure of national government, devising legislative program
War Powers Act
President must notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops Must gain Congress' approval to stay longer than 90 days Designed to curtail President's power
Bully Pulpit
President's use of his prestige and visibility to guide or enthuse the American public EX: Teddy Roosevelt
Presidential Succession Act
President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, Secretary of State, and other members of the cabinet
25th Amendment
Presidential Succession, Vice Presidential Vacancy, and Presidential Disability
Solicitor General
Presidential appointee and third-ranking office in Department of Justice In charge of the Appellate Court Litigation of the federal government
Senatorial Courtesy
Presidential custom of submitting the names of prospective appointees for approval to senators from the states in which the appointees are to work
Line-Item Veto
Presidential power to strike, or remove, specific items from a spending bill without vetoing the entire package; declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
Impoundment
Presidential refusal to allow an agency to spend funds that Congress authorized and appropriated
Prior Restraint
Press is guaranteed freedom from censorship, but gov. can punish post-publication if the material is judged libelous or obscene
Closed Primary
Primary election limited to registered party members
Direct Primary
Primary where voters directly select the candidates who will run for office
Cloture
Procedure for ending a debate
Recall
Procedure whereby voters can remove an elected official from office
Political Socialization
Process by which people gain their political attitudes and opinions
Ralph Nader
Public-interest lobbyist that started a movement for auto-safety & pro-consumer
Imminent Danger
Punishment for uttering inflammatory sentiments will be allowed only if there is an imminent danger that the utterances will incite an unlawful act
Obscenity
Quality of work that appeals to a prurient interest in sex by depicting sexual conduct offensively and lacks serious literary, artistic etc. value
Strategic Defense Initiative/"Star Wars"
Reagan's Star Wars defense system to shoot down missiles while they're in space
Probable Clause
Reasonable cause for issuing a search warrant or making an arrest; more than a mere suspicion
Focus Groups
Small group of voters chosen by a political campaign for their demographic similarities who are brought together to gauge how the group they represent feels about the candidate
Progressives
Reformers who worked to stop unfair practices by businesses and improve the way government works
Help America Vote Act
Regulate federal elections and help poorer counties acquire more modern voting machines, 2002
Remedy
Relief given to an innocent party to enforce a right or compensate for the violation of a right
Shield Law
Reporters privilege Legislation designed to provide a news reporter with the right to refuse to testify as to information and/or sources of information obtained during the news gathering process
Congressional Courtesy
Requires Congress member to be given the opportunity to assist the constituents that they were elected to represent
Congressional Budget and Impoundment Act; Budget Reform Act 1974
Requires President to spend all appropriated funds unless he first tells Congress what funds he wished not to spend, and Congress (w/in 45 days) agrees to delete the items
Straight Ticket Voting
Voting for candidates who are all in the same party for all positions
Unified Government
Same party controls White House and Congress (rare)
Quota Sample
Sample deliberately constructed to reflect several of the major characteristics of a given population
Random Sample
Sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion
Appeasement
Satisfying the demands of dissatisfied powers in an effort to maintain peace and stability
Iran-Contra Affair
Scandal including Reagan-induced arms sales to the Middle East in order to send money to help the Contras in Nicaragua even though Congress had objected
Runoff Primary
Second primary that occurs because one candidate didn't win a majority of votes; between top 2 candidates
Insurance Program
Self-financing government program based on contributions that provide benefits to unemployed or retired persons
Party Whip
Senator/representative that helps party leader stay informed about what party members are thinking, makes sure members are present for important votes, keeps track of how voting on controversial issues will go
Federalist Papers
Series of 85 essays written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay (using the name "publius") published in NY newspapers and used to convice readers to adopt the new constitution
Federal Election Campaign Act (1974)
Set limits on contributions by individuals, political parties, and PACs; established Federal Election Commission to enforce the law
Impeachment
Set of charges against somebody voted by House of Representatives, Treason, Bribery, or other high crimes or misdemeanors Impeachment (majority vote in the House), Conviction (2/3 vote in the Senate)
PAC (Political Action Committee)
Set up by a corporation, labor union, or special-interest group, raises & spends campaign contributions for one or more candidates/causes
Critical/Realigning Election
Sharp shift occurs in popular coalition supporting one or both parties; issues that separate the parties change voters change parties
Bandwagon Effect
Shift in electoral support to the candidate whom public opinion polls report as the front-runner
Campaign Spots
Short television ads; "selling the candidate"
Political Cue
Signal telling a congressional representative what values are at stake in a vote (who is for/against proposal) and how that issue fits into their own set of political beliefs/party agenda
Unicameral
Single legislative chamber
Fugitive Slave Clause
Slaves who escaped to other states must be returned to their owners, later abolished by the 13th Amendment.
Sequential Referral
Speaker may send a bill to a second committee after the first is finished acting, or may refer parts of a bill to separate committees
Associated Press
Spread information to editors systematically by telegraph; quick stories, not partisan or biased
Congressional Budget Office (CBO)
Staff agency that advises Congress on economic effects of spending programs, gives info. on costs of proposed policies, and analyzes president's budget and economic projections
General Accounting Office (GAO)
Staff agency; financial audits of money spent by executive branch, investigates agencies/policies and makes recommendations on any part of gov. comptroller general
Congressional Research Service (CRS)
Staff agency; party of Library of Congress, respond to congressional requests for information (pro/con) and gives status/summary of major bills
"Clear and Present Danger"
Standard for judging when freedom of speech can be abridged "no one has a right to shout `fire' in a crowded theater when there is no fire because such an action would pose a clear and present danger to public safety" in Schenk vs. US
Federal Communications Commission
Started by Communications Act in 1934; decides what broadcasters shall be licensed and on what terms
Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions
State had the right to declare a law unconstiutional, or nullify a law, within its borders Written by Jefferson and Madison to resist the Alien and Sedition Acts
Monarchy
State ruled over by a single person, as a king or queen
Signing Statements
Statement issued by the president after he signs a bill wherein he provides his interpretation of the law or modifies the intent of Congress
Veto Message
Statement that the President sends to Congress accompanying the bill within 10 days after the bill has been passed (Reasons for NO)
K Street
Street in DC; center for think tanks, lobbyists, and advocacy groups
Feminist Movement
Strong sense of purpose Solidary incentives - League of Women Voters: avoided issues that would be controversial Purposive incentives - NOW, NARAL: strong positions, militant tactics Material incentives - Women's Equity: grants from foundations/agencies, used lawsuits to obtain rights
Milton Friedman
Strongly promoted the idea of free trade and condemned government regulation and socialism
New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964)
Supported freedom of the press; established malice standard, which must be met for press reports about public officials can be considered defamation and libel; allowed free reporting of civil rights campaigns in the South
Federalists
Supporters of the Constitution that were led by Alexander Hamilton and John Adams Firmly believed the national government should be strong Didn't want the Bill of Rights because they felt citizens' rights were already well protected by the Constitution
Preferred Position
Supposed superiority of rights of expression over other constitutional rights
Dred Scott v. Sanford
Supreme Court decision that slaves were not citizens Slaves were property no matter where they were living Missouri Compromise unconstitutional
Bush v. Gore (2000)
Supreme Court halted recounting of Florida votes; Bush won the 25 electoral votes from Florida and won the election
United States v. Nixon
Supreme Court unanimously held that the doctrine of executive privilege was implicit in the Constitution but could not be extended to protect documents relevant to criminal prosecutions (Pentagon Papers)
"Community Standards"
Supreme Court's ruling that a work is obscene if it is "utterly without redeeming social importance" and, "to the average person, applying contemporary 'community standards,' the dominant theme of the material, taken as a whole, appeals to prurient interests"
Merit System
System of employing and promoting civil servants on the basis of ability/qualifications
Oligarchy
System of government in which a small group holds power
Disfranchisement
Taking away the right to vote
Rally Around the Flag Effect
Tendency for people to become more supportive of their countries govt in response to crisis or wars Ex: 9/11
Gold Plating
Tendency of Pentagon officials to ask weapons contractors to meet excessively high requirements
Context Effect
Tendency to recover information more easily when the retrieval occurs in the same setting as the original learning of the information
Imperial Presidency
Term used to describe a president as an "emperor" who acts without consulting Congress or acts in secrecy to evade or deceive congress
Conditions of Aid
Terms set by the national government that states must meet if they are to receive certain federal funds
Mandates
Terms set by the national government that states must meet whether or not they accept federal grants
Literacy Test
Test administered as a precondition for voting, often used to prevent African Americans from exercising their right to vote
Lemon Test
Test for Establishment Clause cases that a law must pass before it is declared constitutional (from Lemon v. Kurtzman) 1) Must have a secular purpose 2) Must be neutral 3) Must not cause excessive entanglement with religion
Litmus Test
Test of ideological purity used by recent presidents in selecting and senators in confirming judges to nominate to federal courts
Self-Incrimination
Testifying against oneself, prohibited by the 5th Amendment
Sampling Error
The difference between the results of random samples taken at the same time
Consent of Governed
The idea that government derives its authority by the sanction of the people
Constitutional Convention
The meeting of state delegates in 1787 in Philadelphia called to revise the Articles of Confederation. It instead designed a new plan of government, the US Constitution
Judicial Review
The power of the Supreme Court to declare laws and actions of local, state, or national governments unconstitutional First established in Marbury vs. Madison by Marshall
Question Framing
The way in which a question or an issue is posed; it can influence peoples' decisions and expressed opinions
Hyperpluralist theory
Theory of government and politics contending that groups are so strong that government is weakened
Pluralism
Theory of government that holds that open, multiple, and competing groups can check the asserted power by any one group
Elitist Theory
Theory that seeks to describe and explain the power relationships in contemporary society; small minority of economic elite holds the most power; members of elite can exert more power over policy making in government and corporations
Ross Perot
Third-party candidate in 1992 presidential election won 19% of the popular vote (stole votes from Bush) Showed disaffection among 2 major parties
Council of Economic Advisers
Three-member body appointed by the president to advise the president on economic policy
"Acting" Appointee
Top government official can hold office until Senate acts on his/her nomination, which could take months
Pentagon Papers
Top-secret US gov report on history of internal planning and policy-making process within the government itself concerning the Vietnam War, misled the public NY Times vs. US: Times published papers, Supreme Court said they had the 1st Amendment rights
Devolution
Transfer of powers and responsibilities from the federal government to the states
Super Tuesday
Tuesday in Feb/March when the greatest number of states hold primary elections to select delegates for the national convention
Dual Court System
Two seperate court systems: national/federal and the state judiciary
527s
Type of US tax-exempt organization created to influence nomination, election, appointment, or defeat of candidates in federal/state/local elections
Conference Committees
Type of joint committee where representatives and senators resolve differences in House/Senate versions of the same piece of legislation
Containment
U.S. foreign policy by President Truman in late 1940s US tried to stop the spread of communism by creating alliances and helping weak countries to resist Soviet advances
Retrospective Voting
Voting for a candidate because you like/dislike what has happened in the recent past
Split Ticket Voting
Voting for candidates of different parties for different positions
Bureaucracy
Unelected government officials
Straw Poll
Unofficial vote taken to determine opinion on some issue
McCarthyism
Unscrupulously accusing people of disloyalty (as by saying they were Communists) in the 1950s House Un-American Activities Committee
Shay's Rebellion
Uprising led by Daniel Shays to prevent courts from foreclosing on the farms of those who could not pay the taxes Conflict in MA caused many to criticize the Articles of Confederation and admit the weak central government was not working
Virginia Plan
Virginia delegate James Madison's plan of government, in which states got a # of representatives in Congress based on their population
Party Polarization
Vote in which a majority of Democrats oppose a majority of Republicans
Clothespin Vote
Voter doesn't like either candidate, but chooses the one that isn't as bad as the other
Open Primary
Voters can choose which primary they want to vote in on election day; can only vote for one party
Primary Election
Voters select candidates who will run on each party's ticket
Prospective Voting
Voting for a candidate because one favors their ideas for the future post-election
Standing
What entitles someone to bring a case 1) Actual controversy between real adversaries 2) Person bringing suit must show that he or she has been harmed by the law or practice involved in the complaint 3) Merely being a taxpayer does not entitle a person to challenge the constitutionality of a governmental action
Realignment
When a substantial group of voters switches party allegiance, producing a long-term change in the political landscape
Committee of the Whole
Whoever is on the floor of the House at the time
Political Culture
Widely shared beliefs, values, and norms concerning the relationship of citizens to government and to one another
Social Movement
Widely shared demand for change in some aspect of the social/political order; liberal or conservative goals; ex. civil rights movement in 1960s
Political Tolerance
Willingness of people to reasonably tolerate the opinions and actions of others that are not in accordance with their own
Slander
Words falsely spoken that damage the reputation of another
Loaded Language
Words that reflect a value judgment, used to persuade a listener without making an argument (ex. the esteemed Senator, the radical Senator)
Court Order
Writ issued by a court of law requiring a person to do something or to refrain from doing something
Libel
Written statement that falsely injures the reputation of another person
Libel
Written untruths that are harmful to someone's reputation
Adam Smith
Wrote Wealth of Nations Laissez-Faire Economics