All the gov

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Policy

A course of action decided upon by government, or by any organization, group, or individual, that involves a choice among competing interests.

Majority Opinion

A court opinion reflecting the views of the majority of the judges; sets forth the decision of the court and an explanation of the rationale behind the court's decision.

Lame Duck

A defeated office holder after that person has lost their reelection, but is still in office until the newly elected official is sworn in.

amnesty

A political pardon granted to a large group of individuals

Probable Cause

A set of facts and circumstances that would induce a reasonably intelligent and prudent person to believe that a particular person had committed a specific crime; reasonable grounds to make or believe an accusation.

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

A set of rules established in a bureaucracy that dictate how workers respond to different situations so that all workers respond in the same way.

Regressive Tax

A tax that is imposed on individuals regardless of how much they earn, such as a sales tax.

Literacy Test

A test administered as a precondition for voting, often used to prevent African Americans from exercising their right to vote; suspended in most states under the *Voting Rights Act of 1965*. *Constitutional Connection:* Fourteenth Amendment Fifteenth Amendment

Hyperpluralism

A theory of gov and politics contending that "groups are so strong that gov is weakened. It's extreme form of pluralism."

Elite and class theory

A theory of gov and politics contending that "societies are divided along class lines and that an upperclass elite will rule, regardless of the formal niceties of governmental organization."

Pluralist theory

A theory of gov and politics emphasizing that "politics is mainly a competition among groups, each one pressing for its own preferred policies."

Elitism

A theory of government and politics contending that an upper-class elite will hold most of the power and thus in effect run the government.

Hyperpluralism

A theory of government and politics contending that groups are so strong that government is weakened

Hyperpluralism

A theory of government and politics contending that groups are so strong that government is weakened; see also *Pluralism.*

Pluralist Theory

A theory of government and politics emphasizing that politics is mainly a competition among groups, each one pressing for its own preferred policies.

Party Eras

A time period characterized by national dominance by one political party. There have been four major party eras in American history: the era of good feeling, the Republican era following the Civil War, the Democratic era following the election of Franklin Roosevelt, and the Republican era following the election of Richard Nixon.

judicial restraint

An approach to decision making in which judges play minimal policymaking roles and defer to legislatures whenever possible

judicial activism

An approach to decision making in which judges sometimes make bold policy decisions, even charting new constitutional ground

Caucus (Congressional)

An association of congressional members who advocate a political ideology, regional, ethnic, or economic interest.

Class Action Lawsuits

lawsuits permitting a small number of people to sue on behalf of all other people similarly situated

sampling error

level of confidence in the findings of a public opinion poll, need more to be interviewed

Palko v. Connecticut (1937)

ruled that not all elements of the Bill of Rights are fundamental rights, and denied an appeal of a double jeopardy conviction

U.S. v. Morrison (2000)

ruled that parts of the Violence Against Women Act were unconstitutional because they were found to be unrelated to interstate commerce, and thus they exceeded Congress' authority under the commerce clause

Boys Scouts v. Dale (2000)

ruled that private organizations have the right to discriminate

South Dakota v. Dole (1987)

ruled that states had control over the drinking age in their state

Dartmouth College v. Woodward (1819)

ruled that the charter for a private school was protected under the contract clause of the Constitution, thus it upheld the sanctity of contracts

Joint Committee

Legislative committee composed of members of both houses of Congress. *Examples:* Joint Committee on the Library Joint Committee on Printing

Joint Resolution

Legislative measure that must be passed by both houses and approved by the chief executive to become effective; similar to a bill, with the force of law, and often used for unusual or temporary purposes.

Pendleton Civil Service Act

Passed in 1883, an Act that created a federal civil service so that hiring and promotion would be based on merit rather than patronage.

New York Times v US (1971)

Pentagon papers leaked by Times, could be freely published

Initiative

Petition process by which a certain percentage of voters can put a proposed constitutional amendment or statute on the ballot for popular approval or rejection.

Judicial Restraint

Philosophy proposing that judges should interpret the Constitution to reflect what the framers intended and what its words literally say.

Inherent Powers

The powers of the national government in foreign affairs that the Supreme Court has declared do not depend on constitutional grants but rather grow out of the very existence of the national government.

Pork Barrel Legislation

The practice of legislators obtaining funds through legislation that favors their home districts.

McGovern-Fraser Commission

formed at 1968 Dem Convention in response to demands for reforms

First Amendment

freedom of speech,press,assembly,petition,and religion

Amicus Curiae

"friend of the court" refers to interested groups or individuals, not directly involved in a suit, who may file legal briefs or oral arguments in support of one side.

Fourteenth Amendment

"no state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."

Roe v Wade

(1973) legalized abortion on the basis of a woman's right to privacy

Precedent

(civil law) a law established by following earlier judicial decisions

b. Explain ONE reason political parties have been weakening since the 1960s.

1) Interest groups have strengthened and given people a political outlet without having to be partisan. 2) Dissatisfaction with the two party system.

c. Identify a feature of the U.S. Constitution designed to address the problem of government having too much power. Explain how it addresses the problem.

10th Amendment, gives rights to the state if not enumerated, 14th Amendment, "nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."

a. Describe three amendments that had an impact on voting rights.

15th Amendment- Every race allowed to vote 19th Amendment- allowed women to vote 26th Amendment- 18 year olds allowed

b. Describe how each amendment has changed the nature of the electorate.

15th- couldn't legally vote for a while because of literacy tests etc. vote more liberal 19th- doubled the voting population, but often voted the same as their husbands. lean liberal 26th- big population but lowest voter turnout.

Scott v Sandford

1857 Supreme Court decision ruling that a slave who had escaped to a free state enjoyed no rights as a citizen and that Congress had no authority to ban slavery in the territories.

Brown v Board of Education

1954 - The Supreme Court overruled Plessy v. Ferguson, declared that racially segregated facilities are inherently unequal and ordered all public schools desegregated.

Engel v Vitale

1962: Prohibited state-sponsored recitation of prayer in public schools by virtue of the 1st Amendment's Establishment Clause and the 14th Amendment's Due Process Clause.

War Powers Act

1973 act that states that a president can commit the military only after a declaration of war by the Congress, by specific authorization by Congress, if there is a national emergency, or if the use of force is in the national interest of the United States.

Miller v California

1973 ruling that determined the obscenity clause to related to works that lack literary, artistic, political or scientific value.

Federal Election Campaign Act

1974--created Federal Election Commission= limits and disclousure of contributions

Federal Election Commission

1974--enforces campaign finance laws

Motor Voter Act

1993---permit people to register to vote when they apply for a dirver's license

Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA)

1996; implemented Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission

2010--- individuals, corporations, and unions could donate unlimited amounts of $$

Sound Bites

30 or 60-second statements by politicians aired on the evening news shows or Sunday morning talk shows.

1st Amendment

5 freedoms; religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

Miranda v. Arizona (1969)

5th amendment rights of the accused incorporated (must read rights to the arrested)

Schenck v. United States

A 1919 decision upholding the conviction of a socialist who had urged young men to resist the draft during WWI. Justice Holmes declared that government can limit speech if the speech provokes a "clear and present danger" of substantive evils.

Texas v Johnson

A 1989 case in which the Supreme Court struck down a law banning the burning of the American flag on the grounds that such action was symbolic speech protected by the First Amendment.

Free Exercise Clause

A 1st Amendment provision that prohibits government from interfering with the practice of religion.

stare decisis

A Latin phrase meaning "let the decision stand." Most cases reaching appellate courts are settled on this principle

Schenck v US

A United States Supreme Court decision concerning the question of whether the defendant possessed a First Amendment right to free speech against the draft during World War I. Ultimately, the case served as the founding of the "clear and present danger" rule.

plea bargaining

A bargain struck between the defendant's lawyer and the prosecutor to the effect that the defendant will plead guilty to a lesser crime in exchange for the state's promise not to prosecute the defendant for a more serious crime.

Public policy

A decision that gov makes in response to a political issue. Policy = action taken with regard to some problem.

treaty

A formal agreement between two or more states in reference to peace, alliance, commerce, or other international relations

Voting Rights Act of 1965

A law designed to help end formal and informal barriers to African American suffrage. Under the law, hundreds of thousands of African Americans were registered and the number of African American elected officials increased dramatically.

National Environmental Policy Act

A law passed in 1969 requiring agencies to issue an environmental impact statement before undertaking any major action affecting the environment.

War Powers Resolution

A law passed in 1973 in reaction to American fighting in Vietnam and Cambodia that requires presidents to consult with Congress whenever possible prior to using military force and to withdraw forces after 60 days (90) unless Congress declares war or grants an extension. Presidents view the resolution as unconstitutional.

War Powers Resolution

A law passed in 1973, in reaction to American fighting in Vietnam and Cambodia, that requires presidents to consult with Congress whenever possible prior to using military force and to withdraw forces after 60 days unless Congress declares war or grants an extension. However, presidents have viewed the resolution as unconstitutional

associate justice

A member on the Supreme Court who is not the Chief Justice

Blanket Primary

A nominating election in which voters may switch from one political party's primary to another on an office-to-office basis; see *Direct Primary*.

National Health Insurance

A plan to provide universal health insurance under which the government provides basic health insurance to all citizens. In most such plans, the program is funded by taxes on wages or salaries.

Affirmative Action

A policy designed to correct the effects of past discrimination; requirement by law that positive steps be taken to increase the number of minorities in businesses, schools, colleges, and labor. *Supreme Court Cases:* Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978) Gratz v. Bollinger (2003)

Consumer Price Index (CPI)

A primary measure of inflation determined by the increase in the cost of products compared to a base year.

Filibuster

A procedural practice in the Senate whereby a senator refuses to relinquish the floor and thereby delays proceedings and prevents a vote on a controversial issue; see also *Cloture*.

Pork Barrel

A project or grant that chiefly benefits a legislators home district

Bill

A proposed law drafted in precise legal language

president pro tempore

A senior senator of the majority party chosen to preside over the Senate in absence of the Vice President

civil service

A system of hiring and promotion based on the merit principle and the desire to create nonpartisan government service

Democracy

A system of selecting policymakers and of organizing government so that policy represents and responds to the public's preferences.

pocket veto

A type of veto occurring when Congress adjourns within 10 days of submitting a bill to the president and the President simply lets the bill die by neither signing nor vetoing it

Pocket Veto

A veto taking place when Congress adjourns within 10 days of submitting a bill to the president, who simply lets it die by neither signing nor vetoing it.

original intent

A view that the Constitution should be interpreted according to the original intent of the framers

Original Intent

A view that the Constitution should be interpreted according to the original intent of the framers. Many conservatives support this view.

Thirteenth Amendment

Abolished slavery

bureaucracy

According to Max Weber, a hierarchical authority structure that uses task specialization, operates on the merit principle, and behaves with impersonality

Indictment

Accusation by a grand jury; i.e., a formal finding by that body, that there is probable cause (reasonable grounds to make or believe an accusation against a named person to warrant his/her criminal trial.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Act that finally made the Fifteenth Amendment a reality. As a result of this act, any state not eliminating the poll tax and literacy requirements would be directed to do so by the federal government. It also resulted in the establishment of racially gerrymandered congressional districts in the 1980s and 1990s.

Simpson-Marzzoli Act (1987)

Act that resulted in more than 2 million illegal aliens who were living in this country since 1982 being allowed to apply for legal status.

Congressional Budget Office

Advises Congress on the probable consequences of its decisions, forecasts revenues, and is a counterweight to the president's *Office of Management and Budget*.

Congressional Budget Office

Advises Congress on the probable consequences of its decisions, forecasts revenues, and is a counterweight to the president's office of management

Cabinet

Advisory council for the president consisting of the heads of the executive departments, the vice president, and a few other officials selected by the president.

Gratz v. Bollinger (2003)

Affirmative action case; ruled that undergraduate school admissions systems that award points to applicants who hold minority status are unconstitutional (though in related case race could be used in graduate school admissions)

Floor Action

After going through a committee a bill moves on to floor action where the entire house debates and then votes on a bill

independent regulatory agencies

Agencies with responsibility for making and enforcing rules to protect the public interest in some sector of the economy and for judging disputes over these rules

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

Agreement that called for dramatic reductions of tariffs among the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Electorate

All of the persons entitled to vote in a given election.

Constituents

All persons represented by a legislator or other elected officeholder.

Judicial Review

Allows the Supreme Court to determine the constitutionality of laws

riders

An additional provision added to a bill or other measure under the consideration by a legislature, having little connection to the subject matter of the bill. They are usually created as a tactic to pass a controversial provision that would not pass as its own bill

cabinet

An advisory body to the president, consisting of the heads of the 15 executive departments responsible for the government of the United States

Religious Right

An evangelical conglomeration of ultraconservative political activists, many of whom support the Republican Party.

Global Warming

An increase in the average temperature of the earth's atmosphere (especially a sustained increase that causes climatic changes)

Political issue

An issue resulting of people disagreeing about a problem or public policy and how to fix it.

Misdemeanor

An offense that is less than a felony with punishment ranging from a fine to a short jail term.

Interest Group

An organization of people sharing a common interest or goal that seeks to influence the making of public policy.

congressional resolution

Another way for Congress to introduce legislation. Can be broken down into joint, concurrent, and simple resolutions. They are not laws but statements of intent

Trial Court

Any court of original jurisdiction that empowers a jury to decide the guilt or liability of an individual.

Casework

Assistance given to constituents by congressional members, answering questions or doing favors.

Division of Powers

Basic principle of federalism; the constitutional provisions by which governmental powers are divided on a geographic basis.

Limited Government

Basic principle of the American system of government; that government is limited in what it may do, and each individual has certain rights that government cannot take away.

Grand Jury

Body of 12 to 23 persons convened by a court to decide whether or not there is enough probable cause (sufficient evidence) to justify bringing a person to trial.

Constitution

Body of fundamental law, setting out the basic principles, structures, processes, and functions of a government and placing limits upon its actions; may be written or unwritten.

Policymaking institutions

Branches of gov that take action of political issues. U.S. Constitution established 3 PI's: Congress, the presidency, and the courts. Bureaucracy has so much influence, hence political scientists consider it a fourth branch of PI.

Original Jurisdiction

Cases heard by the Supreme Court that do not come on appeal and that "affect ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, and those in which a State shall be a party."

Formula Grants

Categorical grants distributed according to a particular set of rules, called a formula, that specify who is eligible for the grants and how much each eligible applicant will receive.

Prior Restraint

Censorship enacted before the speech, publication, etc., is released to the general public.

Supremacy Clause

Clause that states that "the Constitution and the laws of the United States... shall be the supreme law of the land."

Standing Committees

Committees that deal with proposed bills and also act in an oversight function. They are permanent, existing from one Congress to the next, such as the House Ways and Means and Senate Appropriations.

commercial speech

Communication in the form of advertising.

Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)

Compelling Amish students to attend school past the eighth grade violates the free exercise clause

Sedition

Conduct/language inciting rebellion against authority of the state.

First Amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Legislative Oversight

Congress's monitoring of the bureaucracy and its administration of policy

legislative oversight

Congress's monitoring of the executive branch bureaucracy and its administration of policy, performed mainly through committee hearings

Select Committees

Congressional committees appointed for a special purpose

Conference Committee

Congressional committees formed when the Senate and the House pass a particular bill in different forms.

Joint Committees

Congressional committees on a few subject matter areas with membership drawn from both sides

22nd Amendment

Constitutional law limiting the president to 2 terms of office

Procedural Due Process

Constitutional requirement that a government proceed by proper means.

Government Corporations

Corporation set up and run by the government; provides a service to the public (ex. US Postal Service)

Korematsu v. United States

Court allowed removal of Japanese Americans from West Coast on basis of "military necessity" but avoided internment camps' constitutionality

Plessy v Ferguson

Court case that established "separate but equal" laws

Injunction

Court order that requires or forbids some specific action.

Gregg v Georgia (1976)

Death penalty is not "cruel and unusual punishment" in cases of murder

Near v Minnesota (1931)

Declares prior restraint (censorship) unconstitutional; gov cannot regulate/ suppress speech before It is given

Super Delegates

Democratic Party leaders and elected party officials who automatically are selected as delegates to the National Convention.

Steny Hoyer

Democratic Representative for Maryland, House of Representatives

Donna Howard

Democratic member for the House of Representatives for Texas

Cooperative Federalism

Described as various levels of government which are seen as related parts of a single governmental system, characterized more by cooperation and shared functions than by conflict and competition; also called *Marble Cake Federalism*.

Electioneering

Direct group involvement in the electoral process, for example, by helping to fund campaigns, getting members to work for candidates, and forming political action committees.

Patronage

Dispensing government jobs to persons who belong to the winning political party.

Apportionment

Distribution of representatives among the states based on the population of each state.

Regulation

Efforts by government to alter the free operation of the market to achieve social goals such as protecting workers and the environment.

Presidential Primary

Elections held in individual states to determine the preference of the voters and to allocate the number of delegates to the party's national convention.

Social Welfare

Entitlement programs such as Social Security and programs such as Aid to Dependent Children paid for by the federal government.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Established judicial review; "midnight judges;" John Marshall; power of the Supreme Court.

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

Established national supremacy; established implied powers; use of elastic clause; state unable to tax fed. Institution

McCullough v Maryland

Established national supremacy; established implied powers; use of elastic clause; state unable to tax federal institution

Lemon v Kurtzman (1971)

Established that aid to church related schools must (1) have a secular legislative purpose (2) have a primary effect that neither advances nor inhibits religion (3) not foster excessive government entanglement with religion

Equal Time Rule

FCC rule that requires broadcast stations to sell campaign air time equally to all candidates if they choose to sell it to any.

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Federal agency created to enforce the *Civil Rights Act of 1964*, which forbids discrimination on the basis of race, creed, national origin, religion, or sex in hiring, promotion, or firing.

Dual Federalism

Federal and state governments each have defined respinsibilities within their own sphere of influence; also called *Layer Cake Federalism*.

Constitutional Courts

Federal courts created by Congress under Article II of the Constitution. *Examples:* Court of Appeals U.S. Court of International Trade

Categorical Grants

Federal grants to states and local communities that are earmarked for specific purposes only, such as pollution control, schools, or hospitals. Also known *Grants-in-Aid*.

Supreme Court

Final federal appellate court ("court of last resort"). Hears appeals from Circuit Courts (certiorari petition / rule of 4). Only hears "important" constitutional cases.

Grants-In-Aid Program

Financial aid granted by federal government to the states with the funds available subject to certain conditions and to be used for certain purposes.

a. What is the Bill of Rights? Describe it.

First 10 amendments to the Constitution, Limits the power of the federal government over the states and its citizens. response to calls from several states for greater constitutional protection for individual liberties, the Bill of Rights lists specific prohibitions on governmental power.

Reed v Reed (1971)

First time the SC upheld a claim of gender discrimination

Closed Primary

Form of the direct primary in which only declared party members may vote; see *Open Primary*.

Interstate Compact

Formal agreements, largely in the form of financial arrangements, which are entered into between states, only with the approval of Congress.

Executive Orders

Formal orders issued by the president to direct action by the federal bureaucracy.

Writ of Appeal

Formal request to have a court review the findings of a lower court.

Symbolic Speech

Forms of free speech guaranteed under the First Amendment to the Constitution, such as wearing a black armband to protest a governmental action or burning an American flag in protest for political reasons.

Griswold v Connecticut (1965)

Found a "right to privacy" in the Consitution that would ban any state law against selling contraceptives

Elastic Clause

Found in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, it gives Congress the power to make "all laws necessary and proper" to carry out the other defined powers of Congress; also known as the *Necessary and Proper Clause*.

Brown v Board of Education (1954)

Found that segregation was a violation of the Equal Protection clause "separate but equal" has no place

Hazelwood School District v Kulmeier

Freedom of the press is different for students. Principles can censor school newspapers.

Amicus Curiae Brief

Friend of the court; interested groups may be invited to file legal briefs supporting or rejecting arguments of the case.

Selective Benefits

Goods (such as information publications, travel discounts, and group insurance rates) that a group can restrict to those who pay their annual dues.

Continuous Body

Governing unit such as the Senate whose seats are never all up for election at the same time.

Entitlement Programs

Government benefits that certain qualified individuals are entitled to by law, regardless of need. *Examples:* Social Security Medicare

government corporations

Government organizations that provides a service that could be delivered by the private sector and typically charges for its services-US Postal Service

Deficit Spending

Government practice of spending more than is taken in from taxes.

Electoral College

Group of persons (presidential electors) chosen in each State and the District of Columbia every four years who make a formal selection of the President and Vice President.

Interest Groups

Groups of people who work together for similar interests or goals

single-issue groups

Groups that have a narrow interest, tend to dislike compromise, and often draw membership from people new to politics. These features distinguish them from traditional interest groups.

9th Amendment

Guarantees obvious rights, like the right to travel and rights not specifically mentioned in the Bill of Rights. (Peoples' Rights)

Civil Liberties

Guarantees of the safety of persons, opinions, and property from the arbitrary acts of government.

Judicial Implementation

How and whether court decisions are translated into actual policy, thereby affecting the behavior of others. The courts rely on other units of government to enforce their decisions.

precedence

How similar cases have been decided in the past

Endangered Species Act of 1973

Identifies threatened and endangered species in the U.S., and puts their protection ahead of economic considerations

7th Amendment

In common law, right to trial by jury in civil cases if the amount is over $20.

incumbent

Individuals who already hold office. In congressional elections incumbents generally win

Strict Constructionists

Individuals who believe in a conservative interpretation of the Constitution.

a. Identify the fundamental goal of interest groups in the political process.

Influence public policy

Coattail Effect

Influence that a popular candidate for a top office (e.g., President or governor) can have on the voters' support of other candidates of his/her party on the same ballot.

Policy agenda

Issues that attract attention of public officials and people involved in politics.

Employment Division v Smith

It is constitutional to limit religious practices but not the practice itself. Smith took traditional Native American drugs while he worked in a drug rehab and gets fired; loses his case.

Twenty-Fourth Amendment

It outlawed taxing voters, i.e. poll taxes, at presidential or congressional elections, as an effort to remove barriers to Black voters.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

Its director, appointed with the consent of the Senate, is responsible for the preparation of the massive federal budget, which must be submitted to the Congress in January each year. Besides formulating the budget, the OMB oversees congressional appropriations.

Precedent

Judicial use of prior cases as the test for deciding similar cases.

Statutory Law

Law enacted by a legislative body.

Hatch Act (1939)

Law that prohibits government employees from engaging in political activities while on duty.

Constitutional Law

Laws relating to the interpretation of the Constitution.

Class action suits

Lawsuits in which a small number of people sue on behalf of all people in similar circumstances

amicus curiae briefs

Legal briefs submitted by a "friend of the court" for the purpose of influencing a court's decision by raising additional points of view and presenting information not contained in the briefs of the formal parties

amicus curiae briefs

Legal briefs submitted by a "friend of the court" for the purpose of raising additional points of view and presenting information not contained in the briefs of the formal parties. These briefs attempt to influence a court's decision.

Brief

Legal document submitted to the court setting forth the facts of a case and supporting a particular position.

Substantive Due Process

Legal process that places limits related to the content of legislation and the extent government can use its power to enact unreasonable laws.

Twenty Second Amendment

Limited the Presidency to a two-term limit

Caucus

Locally held meeting in a state to select delegates who, in turn, will nominate candidates to political offices.

District Courts

Lowest level of fed. courts, where fed. cases begin & trials are held (bank robbery, environmental violations, tax evasion)

District Courts

Lowest level of federal courts; where federal cases begin and trials are held.

Dealignment

Marks a period when a significant number of voters choose to no longer support a particular political party; see *Crtitical Election.*

Griswold v Connecticut

Married couple wanted to get contraceptives; struck down a Connecticut law prohibiting the sale of contraceptives; established the right of privacy through the 4th and 9th amendment

Kirk Watson

Mayor of Austin from 1997-2001 and became Democratic leader of the Senate, Senate for the 14th district in Texas

Committee Chairman

Member who heads a standing committee in a legislative body; selection relies heavily on party loyalty.

Appropriations

Money used by Congress or a state legislature for a specific purpose.

Richard Durbin

Most current whip for the Democratic Party, Senate

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

NO racial gerrymandering; race cannot be the sole or predominant factor in redrawing legislative boundaries; majority-minority districts.

NOW

National Organization of Women, 1966, Betty Friedan first president, wanted Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforce its legal mandate to end sex discrimination

American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)

Nationwide organization for people over 50 that offers discount drug purchases, health & auto insurance, publications, & other activities

Greenhouse Effect

Natural situation in which heat is retained in Earth's atmosphere by carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, and other gases

Engel v. Vitale (1962)

New York cannot mandate a state-composed non-denominational prayer be read in schools because it violated the establishment clause

8th Amendment

No excessive fines or bails, and no cruel or unusual punishment is to be inflicted.

unreasonable searches and seizures

Obtaining evidence in a haphazard or random manner, a practice prohibited by the 4th Amendment.

Grass Roots

Of or from the common people, the average voter; used to describe opinion and pressure on public policy.

New Jersey Plan

Offered at the Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia, it urged the delegates to create a legislature based on equal representation by the states.

senators

One of two people elected to represent a state in the Senate

Divided Government

One party controls the executive, and the other party controls one or both houses of Congress.

Anti-Federalists

Opposed the adoption of U.S. Constitution because it gave too much power to the national government at the expense of the state governments and it lacked a bill of rights. *Key Individuals:* Patrick Henry George Mason Richard Henry Lee

Health Maintenance Organization

Organization contracted by individuals or insurance companies to provide health care for a yearly fee. Such network health plans limit the choice of doctors and treatments. About 60 percent of Americans are enrolled in them or similar programs.

Separation of Powers

Originally developed by Montesquieu in The Spirit of Natural Laws written during the Enlightenment and James Madison in Federalist No. 48, this important doctrine resulted in the establishment of three separate branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, each having distinct and unique powers.

Thirty-Second Spots

Paid political ads 30 seconds in duration

Whips

Party leaders who work with the majority leader or minority leader to count votes beforehand and lean on waverers whose votes are crucial to a bill passing

majority/minority whip

Party leaders who work with the majority or minority leader to count votes beforehand and lean on waverers whose votes are crucial to the passage of a bill favored by the party

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

Passed by Congress in 1991, this act banned discrimination against the disabled in employment and mandated easy access to all public and commercial buildings.

standing committee

Permanent committees in each house of Congress that handle bills in different policy areas

Sixteenth Amendment

Permitted Congress to levy an income tax

White House Staff

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

Partisan

Political opposition drawn along party lines.

Legislative Veto

Power of Congress to veto executive decisions & actions; declared unconstitutional in INS v. Chadha (1983) (violates separation of powers)

Concurrent Jurisdiction

Power shared by federal and state courts to hear certain cases.

Congressional Oversight

Power used by Congress to gather information useful for the formation of legislation, review the operations and budgets of executive departments and independent regulatory agencies, conduct investigations through committee hearings, and bring to the public's attention the need for public policy.

Implied Powers

Powers of the national government that flow from its enumerated powers and the *"Elastic Clause"* of the Constitution.

Reserved Powers

Powers retained by the states, as dictated by the 10th Amendment.

Enumerated Powers

Powers that are granted specifically to the three branches of the federal government under the Constitution; also known as *Expressed Powers*.

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.

Vertical Federalism

Principle that describes the obligations established by the Constitution between the states and the national government.

Cloture

Procedure that may be used to limit or end floor debate in a legislative body; requires a three-fifths vote of the Senate.

standard operating procedures

Procedures for everyday decision making that enable bureaucrats to bring efficiency and uniformity to the running of complex organizations. Uniformity promotes fairness and makes personnel interchangeable

Medicare

Program that covers hospital and medical costs of people 65 years of age and older as well as disabled individuals receiving Social Security.

Engel v Vitale (1962)

Prohibited state-sponsored recitation of prayer in public schools

Twenty Fourth Amendment

Prohibits poll tax in federal elections

Water Pollution Control Act of 1972

Provided funds to build sewage treatment facilities and required industries to remove or treat pollution in water discharged to a lake or stream.

Libel

Publication (written) of statements that wrongfully damage another's reputation; see slander. *Constitutional Connection:* First Amendment *Supreme Court Cases:* New York Times v. Sullivan (1964)

22nd amendment

Ratified in 1951, this amendment limits presidents to two terms of office

Civil Rights

Refers to positive acts of government that seek to make constitutional guarantees a reality for all; e.g., prohibition of discrimination.

General Election

Regularly scheduled election at which the voters choose public officeholders.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Regulates air and water pollution, pesticides, radiation, solid waste, and toxic substances. It is the main environmental regulatory agency.

executive order

Regulations originating within the executive branch. They are one method presidents can use to control the bureaucracy

Eleventh Amendment

Restrictions of federal lawsuits

Delegate

Role played by elected representatives who vote the way their constituents would want them to, regardless of their own opinions.

Sweatt v Painter (1950)

Ruled that an all-black school built in a different part of the state did not provide an equivalent to the University of Texas because of its isolation and accessibility.

Tinker v Des Moines School District (1969)

Ruled that students do not lose Constitutional rights when they entered the building but they can be limited if they cause a disruption

Equal Protection Clause

Section of the *Fourteenth Amendment* that guarantees that all citizens receive "equal protection of the laws"; has been used to bar discrimination against blacks and women.

De Facto Segregation

Segregation that exists "in fact," not as a result of laws or governmental actions, i.e., administered by the public; see de jure segregation, segregation.

De Jure Segregation

Segregation that exists as a result of some law or governmental action. *Examples:* Jim Crow Laws

Trial Balloons

Selective leaks aimed at testing the political waters

Harry Reid

Senator from Nevada since 1987 and is Senate Minority Leader, Senate

Plessy v Ferguson (1896)

Seperate but equal facilities based upon race is constitutional

Joe Biden

Served in the senate from 1973 to 2009 and was President Obama's Vice President, Senate

Public goods

Services shared by everyone and cannot be denied to anyone. (ex: highways, public parks, clean water)

Motor Voter Act of 1993

Signed into law by President Clinton, it enables people to register to vote at motor vehicle departments.

Unicameral Legislature

Single-house legislature

Collective Good

Something of value (money, a tax write-off, prestige, clean air, and so on) that cannot be withheld from a group member.

Select Committees

Specially created congressional committees that conduct special investigations. The Watergate Committee and Iran-Contra investigators were select Senate committees.

Discretionary Spending

Spending set by the government through annual appropriations bills, including operating expenses and salaries of government employees.

right-to-work laws

State laws that provide that unions cannot impose a requirement that workers join the union as a condition of their employment.

Environmental Impact Statement

Statement required by Federal law from all agencies for any project using Federal funds to assess the potential affect of the new construction or development on the environment.

Planned Parenthood v Casey (1992)

States can regulate abortion, but not with regulations that impose undue burden upon women; did not overturn Roe, but gave state more leeway in regulating abortion (e.g., 24 hour waiting period, parental consent for minors)

b. Explain why each of the following enhances the influence of public opinion on the voting decisions of members of Congress. • Strong public opinion as expresses in polling results • Competitive re-elections

Strong public opinion as expresses in polling results: 1) Desire to agree with the public and get reelected 2) Duty to represent their constituents Competitive re-elections: 1) The desire to get reelected

Texas v Johnson (1989)

Struck down a law banning the burning of the American flag on the grounds that such action was symbolic speech protected by the First Amendment.

Sweatt v Painter

Sweatt was denied admittance to Texas Law School because of his race. Result: SC ruled that the school had to let him in because the separate facility for negroes was not even close to equal. - 14th A.

Tinker v Des Moines ISD

Symbolic speech is protected (armbands to protest war)

Federalism

System of government, national and state gov divided and balanced

electronic media

TV, radio and Internet

mass media

TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, Internet, popular communication

Conference Committee

Temporary joint committee created to reconcile any differences between the two houses' versions of a bill.

President Pro Tempore

Temporary presiding officer of the Senate.

Common Law

That body of law made up of generally accepted standards of rights and wrongs developed over centuries by judicial decisions rather than in written statutes.

Criminal Law

That body of law passed by both the federal and state governments, that defines crimes and provides for their punishment.

Gideon v. Wainwright

The 1963 Supreme Court decision holding that anyone accused of a felony where imprisonment may be imposed, however poor he or she might be, has a right to a lawyer.

Lemon v Kurtzman

The 1971 Supreme Court decision that established that aid to church-related schools must (1) have a secular legislative purpose; (2) have a primary effect that neither advances nor inhibits religion; and (3) not foster excessive government entanglement with religion.

Roe v. Wade

The 1973 Supreme Court decision holding that a state ban on all abortions was unconstitutional.

Hernandez v Texas

The Court ruled that Mexican Americans formed a separate class that was entitled to protection. Hernandez had the right to be tried by juries from which members of his class were not excluded.

Super Tuesday

The Tuesday on which a number of primary votes take place, with a heavy concentration of Southern states voting.

Regents of the U. of California v Bakke (1978)

The UC Davis program's use of quotas makes it unconstitutional; however, the school IS allowed to consider race as a factor.

Appeasement

The act of making concessions to a political or military rival.

Military-Industrial Complex

The assumption that there is an alliance between the military and industrial leaders.

Appellate Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to review decisions of inferior (lower) courts; see *Original Jurisdiction*.

Individualism

The belief that individuals should be left on their own by the government. One of the primary reasons for the comparatively small scope of American government is the prominence of this belief in American political thought and practice.

a. Describe the winner-take-all feature of the Electoral College.

The candidate who gets the most votes wins all of a state's electoral votes.

Appropriations Committee

The committee responsible for setting specific expenditures of money by the government of the United States

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

The concept of Judicial Review was established during this case

Judiciary Act of 1789

The congressional act which set the scope and limits for the federal judiciary system.

14th Amendment

The constitutional amendment adopted after the Civil War that declares "No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immumities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of the law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws."

First Amendment

The constitutional amendment that establishes the four great liberties: freedom of the press, of speech, of religion, and of assembly.

8th Amendment

The constitutional amendment that forbids excessive fines or bail & cruel and unusual punishment

Separate But Equal

The judicial precedent established in the Plessy v Ferguson decision that enabled states to interpret the equal protection provision of the Fourteenth Amendment as a means of establishing segregation.

Incorporation Doctrine

The 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.

civil liberties

The legal constitutional protections against government.

Suffrage

The legal right to vote, extended to African Americans by the Fifteenth Amendment, to women by the Nineteenth Amendment, and to people over the age of 18 by the Twenty-sixth Amendment.

Civil Rights Act of 1964

The legislative act that removed racial barriers in all places vested with a public interest. *Constitutional Connection:* Fourteenth Amendment Fifteenth Amendment

deregulation

The lifting of government restrictions on business, industry, and professional activities

Deregulation

The lifting of restrictions on business, industry, and professional activities for which government rules had been established and that bureaucracies had been created to administer.

Direct Primary

The most widely used method of making nominations in American politics; an intra-party nominating election at which those who vote choose a party's candidates to run in the general election.

Fiscal Federalism

The national government's use of fiscal policy to influence states through the granting or withholding of appropriations.

Office of Personal Management

The office in charge of hiring for most agencies of the federal government, using elaborate rules in the process

cloture

The official end to a filibuster through a 2/3 vote of the senate

Plaintiff

The party who brings a civil action to court for the purpose of seeking a monetary remedy.

Linkage institutions

The political channels through which people's concerns become political issues on the policy agenda. (Ex in US: Elections, political parties, interest groups, and the media.)

impeachment

The political equivalent of an indictment in criminal law, prescribed by the Constitution. The House of Representatives may impeach the president by a majority vote for "Treason, Bribery, or other Misdemeanors"

Original Jurisdiction

The power of a court to hear a case first, before any other court

Majority leader

The principal partisan ally of the Speaker of the House or the party's leader in the Senate

Minority Leader

The principle leader of the minority party in the House or Senate

Ratification

The procedure followed by the states to approve the Constitution and/or its formal amendments.

Policymaking system

The process by which policy comes into being and evolves over time. People's interests, problems and concerns create political issues for gov policymakers. (Ex cycle: Issues shape policy, policy impacts people, people gain more interests, problems and concerns, which create issues etc. etc.)

Politics

The process by which we select our governmental leaders and what policies they pursue. (Politics produces authoritative decisions about public issues)

Reapportionment

The process in which a state legislature redraws congressional districts based on population increases or declines.

Desegregation

The removal of racial barriers either by legislative acts or by judicial action.

Speaker of the House

The representative from the majority party in the House of Representatives who presides over House meetings, recognizes speakers, refers bills to committees, answers procedural questions, and declares the outcome of votes.

Poll Tax

The requirement of a person to pay for the right to vote.

standing to sue

The requirement that plaintiffs have a serious interest in a case, which depends on whether they have sustained or are likely to sustain a direct or substantial injury from another party or from an action of government

Fifteenth Amendment

The right of citizens of the United States 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.

franking privilege

The right of members to post mail to constituents without having to pay postage

Executive Privilege

The right of the president to withhold information from Congress or refuse to testify. *Supreme Court Cases:* U.S. v. Nixon (1974)

right to privacy

The right to a private personal life free from the intrusion of government.

commander in chief

The role of the president as the head of state in supreme command of the United States' armed forces

exclusionary rule

The rule that evidence cannot be introduced into a trial if it was not constitutionally obtained.

"Honeymoon" Period

The short period (days or months) following an election when a president's popularity and ability to influence Congress is at its highest.

Party Realignment

The signaling resulting from a national election or a major shift in the political spectrum and characterized by the start of a party era. Party regulars: enrolled party members who are usually active in the organization of a political party and support party positions and nominated candidates.

probable cause

The situation occurring when the police have reason to believe that a person should be arrested.

Articles of Impeachment

The specific charges brought against a president or a federal judge by the House of Representatives.

oral arguments

The stage in Supreme Court proceedings in which attorneys for both sides appear before the Court to present their positions and answer questions posed by the justices

"a preponderance of the evidence"

The standard of proof in most civil cases in which the party bearing the burden of proof must present evidence which is more credible and convincing than that presented by the other party or which shows that the fact to be proven is more probable than not

"beyond a reasonable doubt"

The standard of proof that must be established to win a civil case. The standard is met when a party's evidence that it's more likely than not that the fact is as the party alleges it to be

Gross domestic product

The sum total of the value of all the goods and services produced in a nation.

Civil Service System

The system created by civil service laws by which many appointments to the federal bureaucracy are made; established under the *Pendleton Act* of 1883.

Iron Triangle

The three-way alliance among legislators, bureaucrats, and interests groups to make or preserve policies that benefit their respective interests.

"Secretary of"

The title given to the heads of the cabinet departments except for the department of justice

Command-and-Control Policy

The typical system of regulation whereby government tells business how to reach certain goals, checks that these commands are followed, and punishes offenders

Majority rule

The will of over half of the voters should be respected in choosing amongst alternatives. (Traditional democratic theory)

Presidential Coattails

These occur when voters cast their ballots for congressional candidates of the president's party because they support the president.

c. Explain one way in which the winner-take-all feature of the Electoral College hinders third-party candidates.

They get alot of popular votes, but no electoral votes unless they carry a state.

b. Explain one way in which the winner-take-all feature of the Electoral College affects how presidential candidates from the two major political parties run their campaigns.

They spend more time in the large or swing states, spending most of their time and money there.

Article III

This article of the constitution outlines the judicial branch of government

Marbury v. Madison

This case establishes the Supreme Court's power of Judicial Review

Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

This is the health care reform law. Focuses on reform of the private health insurance market; providing better coverage for those with pre-existing conditions; improving prescription drug coverage in Medicare.

Incumbents

Those already holding office

Incumbents

Those elected officials who are running for new terms of office.

Funded Mandates

Those regulations passed by Congress or issued by regulatory agencies to the states with federal funds to support them.

Unwritten Constitution

Traditions, precedent, and practice incorporated into our form of government that adds to the Constitution's elasticity and its viability. Political parties, the president's cabinet, political action committees, and the federal bureaucracy are important examples.

Red Tape

Used to describe the difficulty it takes to get answers from a bureaucratic agency.

Slander

Verbal defamation of a person's character.

Party Platforms

Voted on by the delegates attending the National Convention, they represent the ideological point of view of a political party.

b. Explain how liberty is in danger when government has too little power. Provide an example to demonstrate this danger

War of 1812, Need to defend the State, Economic crisis, government can't meet the needs of the people.

c. Select two of the following and explain how each has been used to increase the power of the states relative to the federal government. i. Welfare Reform Act of 1996 ii. Block grants iii. Tenth Amendment

Welfare Reform Act- States were given money and power to run their own welfare program. Block Grants- few strings attached, so the states decide where the money goes.

"table a bill"

When a legislative body adopts motion to suspend a bill indefinitely. Requires a majority vote and does not kill the bill

Policy gridlock

When no coalition is strong enough to form a majority and establish policy. The result is that nothing may get done.

Concurring Opinion

Written explanation of the views of one or more appellate judges who support a decision reached by majority of the court but disagree with the grounds for that decision.

Dissenting Opinion

Written explanation of the views of one or more judges who disagree with a decision reached by a majority of the court.

Deficit

Yearly shortfall between revenue and spending.

Intergovernmental relations

a broad array of services to the public and state local and tribal governments

mandates

a command or authorization to act in a particular way on a public issue

Containment Doctrine

a foreign policy strategy advocated by George Kennan that called for the United States to isolate the Soviet Union, "contain" its advances, and resist its encroachments by peaceful means if possible but by force if necessary

republic

a form of government in which the people select representative to govern them and make laws

Independent Regulatory Agencies

a government agency responsible for some sector of the economy, making and enforcing rules to protect the public interest. It also judges disputes over these rules.

Joint Chiefs of Staff

a group that consists of the commanding officers of each of the armed services, a chairperson, and a vice chairperson, and advises the president on military policy

Constitution

a nation's basic law. It creates political institutions, assigns or divides powers in government, and often provides certain guarantees to citizens. Constitutions can be either written or unwritten.

Detente

a policy, beginning in the early 1970s, that sought a relaxation of tensions between the US and the USSR, coupled with the firm guarantees of mutual security

PACs (Political Action Committees)

a private group that raises and distributes funds for use in election campaigns directly for the candidate

Shay's Rebellion

a series of attacks on courthouses by a small band of farmers led by Revolutionary War Captain Daniel Shays to block foreclosure proceedings

Tariff

a special tax added to uprooted goods to raise their price, thereby protecting businesses and workers from foreign competition

Bureaucracy

a system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by undetected state officials rather than by elected representatives

Thirteenth Amendment

abolished slavery

political participation

activities used by citizens to influence the selection of political leaders or the policies they pursue

Implied powers

allow Congress to have more powers that was in the Constitution

Cruzan v. Director Missouri Dept. of Health (1990)

allowed a right to privacy and the right to die, which set in motion the passage of "living will" statutes in states

Lynch v. Donnelly (1984)

allowed publicly funded nativity scene on public property

Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg (1971)

allowed the ordering of busing of children to ensure school desegregation

Korematsu v. U.S. (1944)

allowed the president to use an executive order to intern Japanese-Americans during World War II

income

amount of money collected between two points in time

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

an agency created after World War II to coordinate American intelligence activities abroad and to collect, analyze, and evaluate intelligence.

Cap-and-trade system

an approach to pollution control in which the government sets a limit on the amount of emissions allowed (the cap) and then permits companies to buy and sell emissions allowances (the trade)

Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

an economic organization consisting primarily of Middle Eastern nations that seeks to control the amount of oil its member produce and sell to other nations and hence the price of oil

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

an independent federal agency established in 1970 to coordinate programs aimed at reducing pollution and protecting the environment

Tenth Amendment

any power that is not given to the federal government is given to the people or the states

Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act

appropriate medical screening occurs and if emergency condition exists, the hospital can't discharge or transfer the patient until he/she stabilizes

Formula grants

are noncompetitive awards based on a predetermined formula

Twenty Seventh Amendment

banned congress from raising its members salaries right before the next election

civil disobedience

based on a conscious decision to break a law believed to be unjust

party competition

battle of parties for control of public offices

high-tech politics

behavior of citizens and policymakers and political agenda is shaped by technology

transfer payments

benefits given by the govt directly to individuals

Justiciable Disputes

cases that can be settled by legal methods.

b. Select two of the following and explain how each has been used to increase the power of the federal government relative to the states. • Categorical grants • Federal mandates • Selective Incorporation

categorical grant- states must spend money how the national government wants them to federal mandates- federal government tells states what policies to implement.

Devolution

central gov gives power, property to local groups or gov

Unitary governments

central gov possesses authority and decision-making power

policy voting

choices made on the basic of the voters' policy preferences

political ideology

coherent set of beliefs about politics, public policy, and public purpose

US v. Lopez (1995)

commerce clause does not give Congress the power to pass the Gun Free Schools Act

Equal Rights Amendment

constitutional amendment passed by Congress but never ratified that would have banned discrimination on the basis of gender

Thirteenth Amendment

constitutional amendment that abolished slavery

Fifteenth Amendment

constitutional amendment that guaranteed voting rights regardless of race or previous condition of servitude

a. Define federalism.

constitutional division of power between levels (national and state) government

third parties

contenders other than the two major parties; rarely win elections

soft money

contributions payed for party building at grassroots level or generic party advertising

Social Security Act of 1935

created the Social Security program and the national assistance program for poor families

Miranda v Arizona

criminal suspects must be informed of their right to consult with an attorney and of their right against self-incrimination prior to questioning by police.

Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992)

decided that restrictions to abortions must no impose an "undue burden or hardship on the mother"

Commonwealth v. Hunt (1842)

declared that labor unions were lawful organizations and that the strike was a lawful weapon

Barron v. Baltimore (1833)

denied that states needed to abide by the Bill or Rights (overturned through selective incorporation cases)

protest

designed to achieve policy change

Seventeenth Amendment

direct election of senators

party realignment

displacement of the majority party by the minority party

campaign contributions

donations to party reported to the FEC 2500 to candidate 30800 to party

14th Amendment

due process and equal protection under the law

monetarism

economic theory; supply of money is the key to a nation's economic health

closed primaries

elections to select party nominations; people who had registered in advance can vote= greater party loyalty

open primaries

elections to select party nominees; voters decided which party of participate in

winner-take-all system

electoral system where legislative seats are awarded to candidates who come first in constituencies

Twelfth Amendment

electors vote separately for President and Vice President

Baker v. Carr (1962)

enabling federal courts to intervene in and to decide legislative redistricting cases

Bush v. Gore (2000)

ended recounts in Florida in the presidential election by declaring the related laws vague and inconsistent, thus deciding the outcome of the election

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

established the court's power of judicial review

Craig v. Boren (1976)

established the precedent that laws must be equal for males and females unless there is viable and reliable evidence that clearly demonstrates that some distinction in the application of the law is necessary

McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)

established the supremacy of the national government over state governments (states can't regulate national bank)

media events

events staged for media, significant just because the media are there

Full faith and credit

every state must recognize and respect the laws and judgments of other states

independent expenditures

expenses made by groups that are uncoordinated with campaign

rational-choice theory

explain the actions of voters; assumes that individuals act in their best interest

Brandenberg v. Ohio (1969)

extended freedom of speech to allow for threatening speech if the danger was not seen as real (KKK leader case)

checks and balances

features of the Constitution that limit government's power by requiring each branch to obtain the consent of the others for its actions, limiting and balancing power among the branches

Fiscal federalism

financial grants in aid from the national government to state & local govs

invisible party

first stage where candidates want to win early from elite of party

Blue Dog Democrats

fiscally conservative Democrats who are from South or rural parts of US

Texas v. Johnson (1989)

flag burning is a form of symbolic speech protected by the First Amendment

New Deal Coalition

forged by democrats; basic elements: urban working class, ethnic groups, Catholics and Jews, the poor, Southerners, African Americans and intellectuals

Schenck v. US (1919)

free speech can be restricted when there is "clear and present danger," such as during a war

Keynesian economic theory

govt spending and deficits can help economy deal with ups and downs

regressive tax

govt takes greater share of income from the poor than the rich

progressive tax

govt takes greater share of income from the rich than the poor

proportional tax

govt takes some share of income from everyone

party dealignment

gradual disengagement of people from the parties, as seen in part by shrinking party identification

coalition

group of individuals with a common interest on which every political party depends

501(c) groups

groups exampeted from reporting contributions and recieve inlimited contributions

chains

groups of newspapers published by media conglomerates

Factions

groups such as parties or interest groups, which according to James Madison arose from the unequal distribution of property or wealth had the potential to cause instability in government

Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

held that the 1st Amendment prohibited the gov't from restricting independent political expenditures by a nonprofit corporation(which has been extended to for-profit corporations, labor unions and other associations)

feminization of poverty

increasing concentration of poverty among women, especially unmarried women and their children

political socialization

individuals in society acquire political attitudes views and knowledge based on inputs

trial balloons

intentional news leaks for the purpose of assessing the political reaction

Loving v. Virginia (1967)

invalidated laws prohibiting interracial marriage

policy agenda

issues that attract the serious attention of public officials and people involved

national committee

keeps the party operating b/w conventions; composed of representatives from states and territories

consumer price index (CPI)

key measure of inflation; change in cost of buying a fixed basket of goods and services

suffrage

legal right to vote in US

Enumerated powers

list of items that Congress is allowed to do

Twenty Sixth Amendment

lowered the voting age to 18 (from 21)

Federal Reserve System

main instrument for making monetary policy; created by Congress in 1913 to regulate lending practice of banks and thus the supply of money

Ninth Amendment

makes clear that the rights spelled in Constitution are not the only rights for Americans "People's amendment"

monetary policy

manipulation of the supply of money in private hands; steers economy

Super Pacs

may accept donations of any size and can endorse candidates

Interdependency

mutual reliance, as in the economic realm, in which actions in nations reverberate and affect the economic well-being of people in other nations

super delegates

national party leaders who automatically get slot at convention

critical election

new images emerge, new coalitions replace old ones, and the majority party is often displaced by the minority party

print media

newspapers and magazines

minority majority

non-Hispanic whites will represent the minority and the minority groups will represent a majority

527 group

not subject to contribution restrictions b/c do no directly seek the election of particular candidates

Roth v. US (1957)

obscenity is not protected by the First Amendment

patronage

one of the key inducements used by party machines

political efficacy

one's political participation really matters

Anti- Federalists

opponents of the US Constitution at the time when the states were contemplating its adoption

Immigration and Naturalizations Service v. Chada (1983)

outlawed the "legislative veto" or requirement that Congress approve executive actions before they are carried out

Gitlow v. New York (1925)

overturned Barron v. Baltimore and incorporated the right to free speech to the states

McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

overturned a city ban on handguns and incorporated the 2nd amendment to states

Taylor v. Louisiana (1975)

overturned a decision that allowed women to be excluded from a jury pool

Clinton v. New York City (1998)

overturned a law that would allow the line item veto on appropriations bills citing a separation of powers breach

Cohen v. California (1971)

overturned the conviction of a man who wore an offensive phrase on a T-shirt in public as the display was ruled unlikely to create a physical reaction

Equal Protection of the Laws

part of the 14th amendment emphasizing that the laws must provide equivalent protection to all people

nomination

party's official endorsement of a candidate for office

random-digit dialing

place telephone numbers randomly to both listed and unlisted for survey

Civil Rights

policies designed to protect people against arbitrary or discriminatory treatment from the government

Foreign Policy

policy that involves choice taking about relations with the rest of the world. The president is the chief initiator of US foreign policy

party platform

political party's statement of its goals and policies for the next four years

Demography

population changes

Gibbons v. Ogden

power to Congress to regulate interstate commerce

national party convention

power within party, nominate candidates and platform

New York Times v. U.S. (1971)

prevented prior restraint when information to be published is of public concern

selective exposure

process where people consciously choose to get news that share viewpoints

Eighteenth Amendment

prohibited the manufacture, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages

Smith v. Allwright (1944)

prohibited the preventing of black voters from participating in primary elections

unemployment rate

proportion of the labor force actively seeking work but unable to find jobs

Near v. Minnesota (1931)

protected freedom of press by outlawing prior restraint (censorship before publication)

Griswold v. Connecticut (1965)

protected right to privacy by overturning law banning birth control

Fifth Amendment

protected rights of persons accused of crimes, including protection against double jeopardy, self-incrimination, and punishment without due process of law.

Lawrence v. Texas (2003)

protects the right to privacy for consensual behavior by gay citizens

means-tested programs

provide benefits only to individuals who qualify based on specific needs

entitlement programs

provide benefits to qualified individuals regardless of need

exit poll

public opinion to predict electoral winners with speed and precision

political action committees

raise $ from individuals and then distribute it in the form of contributions

reappertionment

reallocating seats in the HoR every 10 years based on results of census

Muller v. Oregon (1908)

recognized a 10-hour work day for women workers on the grounds of health and community concerns (not giving men same consideration)

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

redistricting based on race must be held to a standard of strict scrutiny under the equal protection clause

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

refundable fed income tax credit for low- to moderate-income working individuals and families, even if they did not earn enough money to be required to file a tax return

voter registration

register before voting

Minor v. Happersett (1875)

rejected the argument that women should be able to vote based on the 14th amendment's due process clause

Twenty First Amendment

repealed the 18th Amendment of prohibition

Poll taxes

required citizens of a state to pay money in order to vote

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

requires people on welfare to find work within two years and set lifetime maximum of five years on welfare

national chairperson

responsible for the day-to- day activities of the party

Seventh Amendment

right to a trial by jury

Second Amendment

right to bear arms

inflation

rise in price of goods and services

New York Times v. Sullivan (1964)

set guidelines for winning libel suits (must prove actual malice)

sample

small proportion of people who are chosen in a survey to represent a whole

subcommittee

specialized groups within standing committees

beats

specific locations from which news frequently emanates

presidential primaries

state's voter go to polls to express preference

Dual federalism

states and the national government each remain supreme with their own spheres

battleground states

states candidates focus on... like to decide outcome

frontloading

states holding primaries early to capitalize on media attention

Privileges and immunities

states may not prevent citizens from their basic rights

Planned Parenthood v Casey

states may regulate abortion as long as there is "no undue burden" on the mother; did not overturn Roe v. Wade but gave states more leeway in regulating abortion (parental consent for minors, 24 hour waiting period)

Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971)

struck down a law reimbursing religious schools for textbooks and teacher salaries and set up a three part test to determine other issues of separation of church and state

United States v. Virginia (1996)

struck down a military institute's long-standing male-only admission policy (VMI)

Progressive Tax

tax based upon the amount of money an individual earned, such as an income tax. Became legal as a result of the ratification of the Sixteenth Amendment to the Constitution.

random sampling

technique employed by survey researchers, everyone should have an equal probability of being selected for a sample

Social Security Trust Fund

the "account" into which Social Security employee and employer contributions are "deposited" and used to pay out eligible recipients

"Bully" pulpit

the ability to use the office of the presidency to promote a particular program and/or to influence Congress to accept legislative proposals

Public opinion

the circulation of populations opinions

Connecticut Compromise

the compromise reached at the Constitutional Convention that established two houses of Congress: the House of Representatives, in which representation is based on a state's share of the US population; and the Senate, in which each state has two representatives

Miller v. California (1973)

the definition of obscenity was redefined from that of "utterly without socially redeeming value" to that which lacks "serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value"

Extradition

the delivery of an accused criminal from one place to another where the trial will be held

Bill of Rights

the first 10 amendments to the US Constitution drafted in response to some of the Anti-Federalists concerns. these amendments define sich basic liberties as freedom of religion, speech, and press and guarantee defendants' rights

Articles of Confederation

the first constitution of the US, adopted by Congress in 1777 and enacted in 1781. The Articles established a national legislature, the Continental Congress, but most authority rested with the state legislature

Limited government

the idea that certain restrictions should be placed on government to protect the natural rights of citizens

Consent of the governed

the idea that government derives its authority by sanction of the people

supply-side economics

the key task for fiscal policy is to stimulate the supply of goods

Reed v Reed

the landmark case in 1971 in which the supreme court for the first time upheld a claim of gender discrimination.

Judicial Review

the power of the courts to determine whether acts of Congress and by implication, the executive are in accord with the US Constitution. Judicial review was established by Marbury V. Madison

White Primary

the practice of keeping blacks from voting in the southern states' primaries through arbitrary use of registration requirements and intimidation

laissez-faire

the principle that govt should not meddle in the economy

Hydraulic Fracturing

the process of creating fissures, or fractures, in undergound formations by pumping water, sand, and other additives under high pressure into the formations to allow natural gas and oil to flow. this process has allowed the oil and gas industry to open many new oil and gas fields in shale rock, expanding supplies of those fuels.

Electioneering

the process of getting a person elected to public office

Balance of Trade

the ratio of what is paid for imports to what is earned from exports. When more is paid than earned, there is a balance-of-trade deficit

income distribution

the way the national income is divided into "shares" ranging from the poor to the rich

Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)

to be decided in June 2015, it will determine the constitutionality of same sex marriages and/or whether states needed to recognize gay marriages

coalition government

two or more parties join together to form a majority in a national legislature

party machines

type of political party organization that relies heavily on materiel inducements

Chaplinsky v. New Hampshire (1942)

upheld a conviction on theory that "fighting words" inflict injury and/or tend to incite a public disturbance

Gregg v. Georgia (1976)

upheld a death penalty law if the penalty was carried out in a consistent way

California Regents v. Bakke (1978)

upheld affirmative action in a case involving state university quota for admitting minority students

Webster v. Reproductive Health Services (1989)

upheld limits on use of public funds to assist in abortions, and set the precedent that the right to an abortion can be regulated

McConnell v. FEC (2003)

upheld provisions strictly regulating "soft money" in the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act

Zelman v. Simmons-Harris (2002)

upheld school voucher program as aid went to the parents not to the public or private school

Gregg v Georgia

upheld the death penalty was NOT cruel and unusual punishment

party image

voter's perception of what each party stands for

ticket splitting

voting with one party of one office and with another party for other offices

mandate theory of elections

winner has mandate from the people to carry out his platform and poltics

gender gap

women= democrat candidate b/c less conservative than men

3rd Amendment

No quartering of soldiers without the consent of the owner.

d. For one of the forms of support you described in (c), explain two different ways in which that form of support helps interest groups to achieve their fundamental goal in the political process.

1) Access/influence policymakers 2) Have like minded people/ policy advocates in office.

c. Describe two different ways by which interest groups support the fundamental goal of political parties in the political process.

1) Monetary contributions/ PAC's 2) Media Contributions

d. Identify a feature of the U.S. Constitution designed to address the problem of government having too little power. Explain how it addresses the problem.

1) Necessary and Proper, Elastic Clause: The Congress shall have Power ... To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof. 2) Spells out the governments Enumerated powers in the Constitution.

a. Describe THREE ways in which parties serve as linkage institutions (linking the public to government)

1) Parties give cues to voters; even though party ties have weakened, most voters have a party image of each party; and many voters still rely on a party to give them cues for voting. 2) Parties articulate policies; within the electorate and in the government 3) Political party advocates specific policy alternatives. 4) Parties frame discussion over issues , swaying voter's opinion.

B) Explain two advantages of each form of participation you identified in (A)

1) Protest- Bring public attention, low cost, sympathy, immediate response. 2) Litigation- Numerical majority not necessary, appeal to principle/law opposed to opinion 3) Running for political office- direct impact on political decision- setting policy agenda

a. Identify two characteristics of a valid, scientific, public opinion poll.

1) Random Sample 2) Representative Sample 3) Unbiased Wording in poll 4) Large Sample Size(STRAW POLLS ARE A BAD EXAMPLE)

c. Explain how a Bill of Rights came to be added to the Constitution and how this illustrates a lesson about politics that is still relevant today.

1) The House approved 17 amendments. Of these 17, the Senate approved 12. Those 12 were sent to the states for approval in August of 1789. Of those 12, 10 were quickly approved (or, ratified). Virginia's legislature became the last to ratify the amendments on December 15, 1791. 2) An amendment is proposed, it does not become part of the Constitution unless it is ratified by three-quarters of the states 3) Compromise passed amendments(If you compromise you might not get everything you want but you will get most of what you want.

Title IX

A United States law enacted on June 23, 1972 that states: "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."

Informal Amendment

A change made in Constitution not by actual written amendment. *Methods:* Legislation passed by Congress Actions taken by the President Decisions of the Supreme Court Activities of political parties Custom

Mandate

A claim by a victorious candidate that the electorate has given him or her special authority to carry out promises made during the campaign.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

A clause in Article IV of the Constitution which requires that each state respect the laws, records and court decisions of another state.

Executive Office of the President

A collection of agencies that help the president oversee department and agency activities, formulate budgets and monitor spending, craft legislation, and lobby Congress. *Includes:* National Security Council, Council of Economic Advisers Office of Management and Budget Office of National Drug Control Policy

Stare Decisis

A common law doctrine under which judges are obligated to follow the precedents established in prior decisions

6th Amendment

A constitutional amendment designed to protect individuals accused of crimes. It includes the right to counsel, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to a speedy and public trial.

Sixth Amendment

A constitutional amendment designed to protect individuals accused of crimes. It includes the right to counsel, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to a speedy and public trial.

5th Amendment

A constitutional amendment designed to protect the rights of persons accused of crimes, including protection against double jeopardy, self-incrimination, and punishment without due process of law.

Fifth Amendment

A constitutional amendment designed to protect the rights of persons accused of crimes, including protection against double jeopardy, self-incrimination, and punishment without due process of law.

Fourteenth Amendment

A constitutional amendment giving full rights of citizenship to all people born or naturalized in the United States, except for American Indians.

General Revenue Sharing

A controversial program, in effect between 1972 and 1986, in which the federal government returned federal tax money to state and local governments to spend without restrictions.

Consent of the Governed

A derivative of the doctrine of natural rights; a philosophy, later adopted by Jefferson when he drafted the Declaration of Independence that puts the authority of the government in the people's hands.

Federal Budget

A detailed financial document containing estimates of federal income and spending during the coming fiscal year. *Key Agencies:* Office of Management and Budget Congressional Budget Office Budget Committees Ways & Means Committee (House) Appropriations Committee (House)

Executive Order

A directive, order, or regulation issued by the president; based on constitutional or statutory authority and have the force of law.

Clear and Present Danger Test

A doctrine adopted by the Supreme Court of the United States to determine under what circumstances limits can be placed on First Amendment freedoms of speech, press or assembly. *Supreme Court Cases:* Schenck v. United States (1919) Abrams v. United States (1919) Gitlow v. New York (1925)

Independent Executive Agencies

A federal agency that is not part of any department; its leader reports directly to the president (NASA is an example)

Civil Rights Act of 1964

A federal law that authorized federal action against segregation in public accommodations, public facilities, and employment.

Medicare

A federal program of health insurance for persons 65 years of age and older

Matching Requirements

A federal requirement that state or local governments must put up some of their own funds in order to get federal money.

Medicaid

A federal system of health insurance for those requiring financial assistance.

Federalism

A form of government in which power is divided between the federal, or national, government and the states.

Impeachment

A formal document charging a public official with misconduct in office

Superfund

A fund created by Congress in 1980 to clean up hazardous waste sites. Money for the fund comes from taxing chemical products.

prior restraint

A government preventing material from being published.

Caucus

A group of members of Congress sharing some interest or characteristic

Political Party

A group of people joined together by common philosophies and common approaches with the aim of getting candidates elected in order to develop and implement public policy. It is characterized by an organization that is responsible to the electorate and has a role in government.

Elector

A group of people named by each state legislature to select the president and vice president.

Judicial Activism

A judicial philosophy in which judges make bold policy decisions, even charting new constitutional ground. Advocates of this approach emphasize that the courts can correct pressing needs, especially those unmet by the majoritarian political process.

Judicial Restraint

A judicial philosophy in which judges play minimal policy-making roles, leaving that duty strictly to the legislatures.

Gideon v Wainwright

A landmark case in United States Supreme Court history. In the case, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that state courts are required under the Sixth Amendment of the Constitution to provide counsel in criminal cases for defendants unable to afford their own attorneys.

Federal Election Campaign Acts (FECA)

A law passed in 1974 for reforming campaign finances; created the *Federal Election Commission*, provided public financing for presidential primaries and general elections, limited presidential campaign spending, required disclosure, and attempted to limit contributions.

Class Action Suit

A lawsuit filed on behalf of a group of persons with a similar legal claim against a party or individual.

writ of certiorari

A legal document issued by the Supreme Court to request the court transcripts of a case, indication that the court will review a lower court's decision

briefs

A legal document submitted by lawyers to courts. It sets forth the facts of a case, summarizes any lower court decisions on the case, gives the arguments for the side represented by the lawyer, and discusses decisions in other cases that bear on the issue.

Bills of Attainder

A legislative act, illegal without a judicial trial, that inflicts punishment on an individual or group for the purpose of suppressing that person or group.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislature divided into two houses

Department

A major administrative unit with responsibility for a broad area of government operations; usually indicates a permanent national interest in that particular governmental function.

Issue Network

A network of people in Washington, D.C.-located within interest groups, on congressional staff, universities, think tanks, and the media-who regularly discuss and advocate public policies.

Conservative

A person who believes government power, particularly in the economy, should be limited in order to maximize individual freedom; see also *Liberal*.

Lobbyist

A person who is employed by and acts for an organized interest group or corporation to try to influence policy decisions and positions in the executive and legislative branches.

Liberal

A person whose views favor more government involvement in business, social welfare, minority rights, & increased government spending; see also *Conservative*.

Ambassador

A personal representative appointed by the head of a nation to represent that nation in matters of diplomacy.

Elite Theory

A perspective holding that society is ruled by a small number of people who exercise power in their self-interest; see also *Pluralism*.

Judicial Activism

A philosophy of judicial decision-making that argues judges should use their power broadly to further justice, especially in the areas of equality and personal liberty.

Affirmative Action

A policy designed to give preferential treatment for members of a previously disadvantaged group

Affirmative Action

A policy designed to redress past discrimination against women and minority groups through measures to improve their economic and educational opportunities

Deregulation

A policy promoting cutbacks in the amount of Federal regulation in specific areas of economic activity.

Exit Poll

A poll taken of a small percentage of voters as they leave the polls; used to forecast the outcome of an election or determine the reasons for voting decisions.

Solicitor General

A presidential appointee and the third-ranking office in the Department of Justice, in charge of the appellate court litigation of the federal government

Equal Rights Amendment (ERA)

A proposed amendment to the United States Constitution, aimed at ending discrimination against women; defeated in 1982.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

A regional organization that was created in 1949 by nations including the US, Canada, and most Western European nations for mutual defense and has subsequently been expanded

Seniority System

A rule for picking committee chairs in effect until the 1970's

Federalist Papers

A series of articles written by John Jay, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison urging the adoption of the Constitution. *Key Ideas:* Federalist 10 - Factions, Tyranny of the Majority Federalist 39 - Federalism Federalist 51 - Checks and Balances Federalist 70 - Presidency Federalist 78 - Judicial Review

Medicaid

A shared program between the federal and local governments that covers hospital and nursing home costs of low: income people

Party Dealignment

A shift away from the major political parties to a more neutral, independent ideological view of party identification.

Opinion

A statement of legal reasoning behind a judicial decision. The content of an opinion may be as important as the decision itself.

Lobbying

A strategy by which organized interests seek to influence the passage of legislation by exerting direct pressure on members of the legislature.

Filibuster

A strategy unique to the Senate whereby opponents of a piece of legislation try to talk it to death

Crisis

A sudden, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous event requiring the president to play the role of crisis manager.

Unitary system

A system of government in which power is concentrated in the central government.

Petit Jury

A trial jury of 12 that sits at civil/criminal cases.

Second Amendment

A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.

search warrant

A written authorization from a court specifying the area to be searched and what the police are searching for.

Taft-Hartley Act (1947)

Act that outlawed the closed union shop and certain kinds of strikes, permitted employers to sue unions for violations of contracts, allowed the use of injunctions to stop union activities, and allowed states to adopt right: to: work laws, giving employers more rights regarding the establishment of union shops. Finally, the act gave the president the right to step in and prevent a strike by an entire industry, such as the steel or auto industry, if such an action would threaten the nation's health and safety.

Case Work

Activities of members of Congress that help constituents as individuals

25th Amendment

Adopted in 1967 to establish procedures for filling vacancies in the office of president and vice president as well as providing for procedures to deal with the disability of a president.

Wagner Act

Also called the National Labor Relations Act of 1935, it gave workers involved in interstate commerce the right to organize labor unions and engage in collective bargaining and prevented employers from discriminating against labor leaders and taking action against union leaders.

Whips

Also known as assistant floor leaders, they check with party members and inform the majority leader of the status and feelings of the membership regarding issues that are going to be voted on. Whips are responsible for keeping party members in line and having an accurate count of who will be voting for or against a particular bill.

Separation of Church and State

Also known as the "establishment clause," it is part of the First Amendment to the Constitution prohibiting the federal government from creating a state supported religion.

Party Caucus

Also known as the party conference, it is a means for each party to develop a strategy or position on a particular issue.

Tenth Amendment

Amendment stating that the powers not delegated to the federal gov. are reserved to the states "State's amendment"

Riders

Amendments to bills, often in the form of appropriations, that sometimes have nothing to do with the intent of the bill itself and many times are considered to be pork barrel legislation. Safety net: a minimum government guarantee that ensures that individuals living in poverty will receive support in the form of social welfare programs.

AFL-CIO

American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations joined in 1955 - Largest labor organization in US.

US Chamber of Commerce

American lobbying group that represents the interests of many businesses and trade associations.

Plessy vs Ferguson

An 1896 Supreme Court Decision that provided a constitutional justification for segregation by ruling that a Louisiana law requiring "equal but separate accommodations for the white and colored races" was constitutional

Impeachment

An action by the House of Representatives to accuse the president, vice president, or other civil officers of the United States of committing "Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors."

Iron Triangle

An alliance among an administrative agency, an interest group, and a congressional committee. Each member of the iron triangle provides key services, information, or policy for the others.

Incentive System

An alternative to command-and-control, with market-like strategies such as rewards used to manage public policy.

Flat Tax

An alternative to the *progressive income tax* where individuals pay the same percentage regardless of how much they earn

Devolution

An effort to shift responsibility of domestic programs to the states in order to decrease the size and activities of the federal government; associated with *Ronald Reagan*.

Critical (Realigning) Elections

An election that signals a party realignment through voter polarization around new issues. *Examples:* 1800, 1828, 1860, 1896, 1932, 1964

Strategic Petroleum Reserve

An emergency supply of up to one billion barrels of oil that is stored in underground salt caverns along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, as mandated by the U.S. Energy Policy and Conservation Act.

Bureaucracy

Any large, complex administrative structure; a hierarchical organization with job specialization and complex rules.

Obscenity

Any work that, taken as a whole, appeals to a prurient interest in sex.

Courts of Appeal

Appellate courts that can review all final decisions from district courts.

Political participation

Citizen activities used to influence the selection of political leaders or the policies they pursue. (Ex: voting, protest, civil disobedience)

"rule of 4"

At least four justices of the Supreme Court must vote to consider a case before if can be heard

Administrative Discretion

Authority given by Congress to the Federal bureaucracy to use reasonable judgment in implementing the laws.

Judicial Review

Authority given to the courts to review the constitutionality of acts by the executive, the legislature, or the states; established in *Marbury v. Madison*.

Jurisdiction

Authority vested in a particular court to hear and decide the issues in any particular case.

Judiciary Committee

Key Senate committee that is responsible for recommending presidential judicial appointments to the full Senate for approval.

Veto

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

Speaker of the House

Chose by the majority party, has both formal and informal powers, and is second in line to succeed to the presidency

Speaker of the house

Chosen by the majority party, has both formal and informal powers as the head of the House of Representatives. Second in line after the Vice President to succeed to the presidency

Supremacy clause

Constitution is the ultimate law in US

Writ of Mandamus

Court order directing an official to perform a nondiscretionary or ministerial act as required by law.

Writ of Habeas Corpus

Court order requiring jailers to explain to a judge why they are holding a prisoner in custody.

cruel and unusual punishment

Court sentences prohibited by the 8th Amendment. Although the Supreme Court has ruled that mandatory death sentences for certain offenses are unconstitutional, it has not held that the death penalty itself constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.

Special Courts

Courts created by Congress to deal with cases deriving from the delegated powers of Congress such as military appeals, tax appeals, and veteran appeals.

United Nations

Created in 1945 and currently including 193 member nations, with a central peacekeeping mission and programs in areas including economic development and health, education, and welfare. The seat of real power in the UN is the Security Council

Twenty Fifth Amendment

Creates Line of Succession: President, Vice President, Speaker of the House, Senator Pro Tempore, Secretary of State

Ex Post Facto Law

Criminal law applied retroactively to the disadvantage of the accused; prohibited by the United States Constitution.

Gridlock

Describes people's perception that Congress and the president are in a state of disagreement that results in little legislation passing.

Representation

Describes the relationship between the few leaders and the many followers.

Sixth Amendment

Designed to protect individuals accused of crimes. It includes the right to counsel, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to a speedy and public trial.

political party

Downs: "team of men seeking to control the governing apparatus by gaining office in a duly constituted election"

Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)

Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees the right to marry as one of the fundamental liberties it protects, and that analysis applies to same-sex couples in the same manner as it does to opposite-sex couples.

Mapp v Ohio

Established the exclusionary rule was applicable to the states (evidence seized illegally cannot be used in court)

Mapp v Ohio (1961)

Established the exclusionary rule; evidence illegally obtained cannot be used in court; Warren Court's judicial activism

Baker v. Carr (1962)

Established the principle of "one person, one vote" and made such patterns of representation illegal. The Court asserted that the federal courts had the right to tell states to reapportion their districts for more equal representation.

Schenck v US (1919)

Establishes clear and present danger test limiting freedom of speech (espionage act)

Eight Amendment

Exclusive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Commerce Power

Exclusive power of Congress to regulate interstate and foreign trade.

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

Executive office responsible for helping the President write the federal budget and monitoring federal spending.

Block Grants

Federal grants to the states and local communities that are for general use in a broad area, such as community development.

Unfunded Mandates

Federal laws that require states to meet certain regulatory standards, but provide no money to help the states comply. Congress enacted a law in 1995 to curtail the practice.

Independent Regulatory Agencies

Federal regulatory agencies that are are administratively independent of both the president and Congress. *Examples:* Federal Trade Commission Securities and Exchange Commission

Mandatory Spending

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

Hatch Act

Federal statute barring Federal employees from active participation in certain kinds of politics and protecting them from being fired on partisan grounds.

Keystone Pipeline

For transporting oil from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico; length increasing because easily accessible oil has been tapped. It is not clean: oil spills happen. It goes across residential areas (flooding suburbs with oil) and wildlife areas. This oil is largely for export and not domestic use.

Cabinet

Government departments headed by presidential appointees to help establish public policy and operate a specific policy area of governmental activity.

patronage

Granting favors or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support

Single issue groups

Groups that vote on a single issue. Typically having a narrow interest, tend to dislike compromise, and draw membership from people new to politics.

Minority rights

Guarantees rights to minorities and allows that they can join majorities through persuasion and reasoned argument. (Traditional democratic theory) Ex: Freedom of speech and assembly.

U.S. v. Lopez (1995)

Gun Free School Zones Act exceeded Congress' authority to regulate interstate commerce.

Gideon v Wainwright (1963)

Held a court appointed attorney will represent defendants who cannot afford counsel

New York Times v Sullivan (1964)

Held that First Amendment protects the publication of all statements, even false ones, about the conduct of federal officials (except with intentionally malice-filled statements)

Hernandez v Texas (1954)

Held that Mexican Americans and all other racial and national groups in the United States had equal protection under the 14th Amendment

Miranda v Arizona (1966)

Held that criminal suspects must be informed of their right to an attorney and of their right against self-incrimination prior to questioning by police.

Employment Division v Smith (1990)

Held that states may accommodate otherwise illegal acts done in pursuit of religious beliefs, but they are not required to do so

Exclusionary Rule

Holds that evidence gained by illegal or unreasonable means cannot be used at the court trial of the person from whom it was seized; see also *Inevitable Discovery*. *Constitutional Connection:* Fourth Amendment *Supreme Court Cases:* Mapp v. Ohio (1961)

Defendant

In a civil suit, the person against whom a court action is brought by the plaintiff; in a criminal case, the person charged with the crime.

Rule of Four

In order for a case to be heard by the Supreme Court, four justices must agree to hear the case.

Seventh Amendment

In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

McDonald v. Chicago (2010)

Incorporated the 2nd Amendment right to bear arms to the states

a. Explain how liberty is in danger when government has too much power. Provide an example to illustrate this danger

Infringement on rights(Privacy laws and 4th amendment being abused, Eminent Domain)

Ted Cruz

Junior Texas Senator since 2013, Senate

5th Amendment

Innocent until proven guilty; you cannot be held until proven guilty except in a time of war or if you are potentially dangerous to the public; cannot be tried for for the same crime twice, and you do not have to be a witness against yourself. No Double Jeopardy.

Marshall Court

John Marshall's tenure as Chief justice of the Supreme Court, whose leadership resulted in the landmark decisions of Marbury v. Madison, McCulloch v. Maryland, and Gibbons v. Ogden. These cases shifted power to the judiciary and federal government.

Political Action Committees

Known as PACs, they raise money from the special interest constituents and make contributions to political campaigns on behalf of the special interest group.

Pendleton Act

Known as the Civil Service Act of 1883, it set up merit as the criterion for hiring, promoting, and firing federal employees.

Writ of Certiorari

Latin for "to be made more certain," the process in which the Supreme Court accepts written briefs on appeal based on the "rule of four" justices voting to hear the case.

Stare Decisis

Latin for judicial precedent, this concept originated in England in the twelfth century when judges settled disputes based on custom and tradition.

Roe v Wade (1973)

Legalized abortion on the basis of a woman's right to privacy

Superfund

Legislation that mandated the cleanup of abandoned toxic waste dumps and authorized premarket testing of chemical substances. It allowed the EPA to ban or regulate the manufacture, sale, or use of any chemicals that could present an "unreasonable risk of injury to health or environment," and outlawed certain chemicals such as PCBS.

New Deal

Legislation that provided a safety net for all members of society, such as Social Security, under Franklin Delano Roosevelt during the Great Depression.

c. Explain why each of the following limits the influence of public opinion on the voting decisions of members of Congress. • Legislators' voting • Party leadership

Legislators' voting: 1) To appear to not be indecisive to voters, changing their minds based on polls Party leadership: 1) Limits the influence of public opinion to avoid the risk of loosing party support- partisan ideology influence greater than public opinion

White House Staff

Managed by the White House Chief of Staff, who directly advises the president on a daily basis, it includes the more than 600 people who work at the White House, from the chef to the advance people who make travel arrangements. The key staff departments include the political offices of the Office of Communications, Legislative Affairs, Political Affairs, and Intergovernmental Affairs. It includes the support services of Scheduling, Personnel, and Secret Service and the policy offices of the National Security Affairs, Domestic Policy Affairs, and cabinet secretaries.

NAACP

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, founded in 1909 to abolish segregation and discrimination, to oppose racism and to gain civil rights for African Americans, got Supreme Court to declare grandfather clause unconstitutional

NRA

National Rifle Association formed a lobbying arm for 2nd amendment gun ownership rights

d. Explain two reasons why the Electoral College has not been abolished.

No alternative History/tradition Benefits small states

Third Amendment

No quartering of soldiers in private houses during times of peace or war

4th Amendment

No unreasonable searches of someones' property or breaking or entering with out the owners consent or a search warrant, granted only if there is reasonable evidence for a crime.

symbolic speech

Nonverbal communication, such as burning a flag or wearing an armband.

Virginia Plan

Offered at the Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia, it urged the delegates to create a legislature based on the population of each state.

congressional districts

One of a fixed number of districts into which a state is divided, each district electing one member to the national House of Representatives

patronage

One of the key inducements used by party machines. Occurs when a job, promotion, or contract is given for political reasons rather than for merit or competence alone

b. Explain the two side so the debate over whether to include a Bill of Rights in the Constitution.

One of the many points of contention between Federalists and Anti-Federalists was the Constitution's lack of a bill of rights that would place specific limits on government power. Federalists argued that the Constitution did not need a bill of rights, because the people and the states kept any powers not given to the federal government. Anti-Federalists held that a bill of rights was necessary to safeguard individual liberty.

Establishment Clause

Part of the 1st Amendment stating that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion."

Executive Agreement

Pact made by the president with the head of a foreign state; a binding international agreement with the force of law but which (unlike a treaty) does not require Senate consent.

Natural Rights

Part of Locke's philosophy; rights that are God given such as life, liberty, and property.

Free Exercise Clause

Part of the *First Amendment* guaranteeing to each person the right to believe whatever that person chooses in matters of religion. *Supreme Court Cases:* Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972) Employment Division v. Smith (1990)

Establishment Clause

Part of the *First Amendment* prohibiting either the establishment of a religion or the sanctioning of an existing religion by the government; see also *Free Exercise Clause*. *Supreme Court Cases:* Engel v. Vitale (1962) Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971) Lee v. Weisman (1992)

due process clause

Part of the 14th Amendment guaranteeing that persons cannot be deprived of life, liberty, or property by the U.S. or state governments without due process of law.

Committee Chairs

Play dominant roles in scheduling hearings, hiring staff, appointing subcommittees, and managing committee bills when they are brought before the full house.

Senatorial Courtesy

Policy that gives senators the right to be notified by the chief executive of pending political nominations, usually judicial. Once informed, the approval of the senators from the state from which the judge comes is obtained and the appointment process moves on. This courtesy does not apply to Supreme Court justice nominations.

Regulatory Policy

Policy that results in government control over individuals and businesses. Examples of regulatory policy include protection of the environment and consumer protection.

PAC's

Political Action Committees, raise money for candidates &/or parties

Ideological Party

Political Party based on a particular set of beliefs, a comprehensive view of social, economic, and political matters. *Examples:* Libertarian Party

Talking Heads

Politicians who use sound bites or other means to present a superficial look at a policy position rather than an in-depth approach in explaining their views.

Bipartisan

Politics that emphasizes cooperation between the major parties.

Expressed Powers

Powers that congress has that are specifically listed in the Constitution; also known as the *Enumerated Powers*.

Delegated Powers

Powers which are granted to, and exercised ONLY by the national government. The delegated powers are specifically listed in the U.S. Constitution at Articles I, II, III; also known as *Expressed Powers*.

"New Federalism"

President Ronald Reagan's effort to restore to state governments the responsibility for making and implementing policies.

Line Item Veto

Presidential power to strike, or remove, specific items from a bill without vetoing it in its entireity; passed by Congress in 1996 and declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1998. *Supreme Court Cases:* Clinton v. City of New York

Fourth Amendment

Protects Americans against unreasonable searches and seizures. No soldier, Gov agent, or police can search your home without a search warrant.

A) Identify three forms of participation in the political process other than voting.

Protest Litigation Running for political office

Clean Air Act of 1970

Required EPA to develop and enforce regulations to protect the public from airborne contaminants; forced states to follow and make sure the laws for followed in relation to the EPA. States allowed to decide officials for enforcement.

Bakke v UC Regents

Reserving 16 seats for minority students is violation of EQUAL PROTECTION CLAUSE of the 14th Amendment; UC acting unconstitutionally

House Rules Committees

Reviews almost all bills coming from a House committee before they go to the full House

6th Amendment

Right to a speedy and public trial, with help of a lawyer, and the right to confront witnesses in criminal cases.

2nd Amendment

Right to bear arms.

Fourth Amendment

Right to privacy: have to have a search warrant or probable cause to search, protects you from unreasonable search and seizure of your home and property

Natural rights

Rights inherent in human beings, not dependent on governments, which include life, liberty, and property. The concept of natural rights was central to English philosopher John Locke's theories about government and was widely accepted among America's Founders.

10th Amendment

Rights not specifically given to the national government are retained by the people and State. (States' Rights)

Senatorial Courtesy

Senate will not confirm a presidential nomination for a position within a state (ex., District Court Judge) w/o consent of senior senator of President's party from that state. Informal appointment process (by tradition)

Standing Committees

Separate subject-matter committees in each house of Congress that handle bills in different policy areas.

Children's Health Insurance Program

State and Federal government partnership that helps to cover children and pregnant women in families whose income are too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford private coverage.

Checks and Balances

System of overlapping the powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, to permit each branch to check the actions of the others and thus no branch of government may dominate the other; see *Separation of Powers*.

Civil Law

That body of law relating to human conduct, including disputes between private persons and between private persons and government not covered by criminal law.

Marbury vs. Madison

The 1803 case in which the Supreme Court asserted its power to determine the meaning of the US Constitution, establishing the court's power of judicial review over acts of Congress

Marbury v. Madison

The 1803 case in which the Supreme Court asserted its rights to determine the meaning of the US Constitution. The decision established the Court's power of judicial review over acts of Congress

Barron v. Baltimore

The 1833 Supreme Court decision holding that the Bill of Rights retrained only the national government, not the states and cities.

Gitlow v. New York

The 1925 Supreme Court decision holding that freedoms of the press and speech are "fundamental personal rights and liberties protected by the due process clause of the 14th Amendment from impairment by the states" as well as by the federal government.

Near v Minnesota

The 1931 Supreme Court decision holding that the first amendment protects newspapers from prior restraint.

Brown vs. Board of Education

The 1954 Supreme Court decision holding that school segregation is inherently unconstitutional because it violates the 14th Amendment's guarantee of equal protection, marking the end of legal segregation in the United States

Engel v Vitale

The 1962 Supreme Court decision holding that state officials violated the 1st Amendment when they wrote a prayer to be recited by New York's schoolchildren.

NY Times v Sullivan

The 1st amendment protects all publications of statements, even false ones, about conduct of public officials except when statements are published with strictly malicious intentions

Court Packing

The act of placing members of the same political party on the bench so that opinion of the court will be consistent with that of the political party; associated with *Franklin Roosevelt*.

Foreign Policy

The actions and stands that a nation takes in every aspect of its relationships with other countries; everything a nation's government says and does in world affairs.

Due Process/Due Process Clause

The constitutional guarantee that "no person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law." *Constitutional Connections:* Fifth Amendment Fourteenth Amendment

Double Jeopardy

The constitutional prohibition against a person being put on trial more than once for the same offense. *Constitutional Connection:* Fifth Amendment

Extradition

The constitutional provision which allows a state to request another state to return fugitives.

Burger Court

The description given the United States Supreme Court from 1969 to 1986 (led by *Chief Justice Warren Burger*). It was expected that the "Burger Court" would become a conservative court under Warren Burger and reverse many of the liberal rulings of the earlier *Warren Court*.

Rehnquist Court

The description given the United States Supreme Court from 1986 to the present (led by Chief William H. Rehnquist). It is marked by its conservative rulings, cutting back on the rights of the accused and expanding the concept of federalism.

Warren Court

The description of the United States Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Earl Warren) from 1953 to 1969 which became the symbol of judicial activism and which handed down many landmark decisions on desegregation, civil rights, First Amendment freedoms, and the rights of criminal defendants

Declaration of Independence

The document approved by representatives of the American colonies in 1776 that stated their grievances against the British monarchy and declared their independence

Watergate

The events and scandal surrounding a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in 1972 and the subsequent cover-up of White House involvement, leading to the eventual resignation of President Nixon under the threat of impeachment.

Logrolling

The exchange of political favors for support of a bill.

Capital Punishment

The execution of an individual by the state as punishment for heinous offenses. *Constitutional Connection:* Eighth Amendment

Political Socialization

The factors that determine voting behavior such as family, religion, and ethnic background.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which define such basic liberties as freedom of religion, speech, and press and guarantee defendants' rights.

Articles of Confederation

The first national constitution of the United States that created a government lasting from 1781 to 1789; replaced by the current Constitution.

Shared Powers

The fused or overlapping powers and functions of the separate branches of government.

National Committee

The governing body of a political party made up of state and national party leaders.

Independent Executive Agency

The government not accounted for by cabinet departments, independent regulatory agencies, and government corporations; its administrators are typically appointed by the president and serve at the president's pleasure. *Examples:* NASA

Chief Justice

The head Justice on the Supreme Court who presides over the Court's public sessions

merit principle

The idea that hiring should be based on entrance exams and promotion ratings to produce administration by people with talent and skill

Merit Principle

The idea that hiring should be based on entrance exams and promotion ratings to produce administration by people with talent and skill.

Watergate

The illegal entry and phone monitoring of the Democratic headquarters by members of the Republican Party.

Government

The institutions that make authoritative decisions for any given society

Eminent Domain

The power of a government to seize private property for public use, usually with compensation to the owner. *Constitutional Connection:* Fifth Amendment

judicial review

The power of the courts to determine whether acs of Congress and those of the executive branch are in accord with the US Constitution, established by Marbury vs. Madison

Free-rider problem

The problem faced by unions and other groups when people do not join because they can benefit from the group's activities without officially joining. The bigger the group, the more serious the problem.

Gerrymandering

The process in which state legislatures create congressional districts, many of which are oddly shaped and favor the political party in power in the state making the changes.

Policy Implementation

The process of carrying out public policy

Agenda Setting

The process of forming the list of matters that policymakers intend to address.

Referendum

The process whereby a legislative proposal is voted upon by popular vote.

New Jersey Plan

The proposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for equal representation of each state in Congress regardless of the state's population.

Virginia Plan

The proposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for representation of each state in Congress in proportion to that state's share of the US population

libel

The publication of false or malicious statements that damage someone's reputation.

Incorporation Doctrine

The selective application of the protections of the federal Bill of Rights to the states. *Supreme Court Cases:* Gitlow v. New York (1925)

self-incrimination

The situation occurring when an individual accused of a crime in compelled to be a witness against himself or herself in court.

Concurrent Powers

Those powers which are exercised independently by both the national and state governments. Those powers shared by both levels of governments, i.e., state and national. *Examples:* Maintain law & order Levy tax Provide for the general welfare

Council of Economic Advisors

Three economic experts to help president understand and develop economic policy; must be confirmed by senate

Lemon Test

Three-prong test used to determine the constitutionality of a government action under the *Establishment Clause.* *Constitutional Connection:* First Amendment *Supreme Court Cases:* Lemon v. Kurtzman (1971)

b. Identify the fundamental goal of major political parties in the political process.

To get a candidate elected

civic duty

a citizen should vote...support democratic gov

party identification

a citizen's self-proclaimed preference for one party of the other

Federalists Papers

a collection of 85 articles written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison under the name "Publius" to defend the Constitution in detail

National Security Council (NSC)

a committee in the executive branch of government that advises the president on foreign and military and national security

Equal Rights Amendment

a constitutional amendment passed by Congress in 1972 stating that "equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the US or by any state on account of sex." The amendment failed to acquire the necessary support from three-fourths of the state-legislatures.

Census

a count of the population issued by the government for demographic changes

writ of habeas corpus

a court order requiring jailers to explain to a judge why they are holding a prisoner in custody

separation of powers

a feature of the Constitution that requires each of the three branches of government- executive, legislative, and judicial- to be relatively independent of the others. Power is shared among these three institutions

American Disabilities Act of 1990

a federal mandate prohibiting discrimination against the disabled in employment, public transportation, telecommunications services, and public accommodations and services operated by private entities to anyone physically or mentally disabled

union shop

a provision found in some collective bargaining agreements requiring all employees of a business to join the union within a short period, usually 30 days, and to remain members as a condition of employment

Arms Race

a tense relationship beginning in the 1950s between the Soviet Union and the United States whereby one side's weaponry became the other side's goad to procure more weaponry, and so on.

European Union

a transnational government composed of most European nations that coordinates monetary, trade, immigration, and labor policies, making its members one economic unit.

Super PACs (independent expenditure-only committees)

a type of independent political action committee which may raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, and individuals but is not permitted to contribute to or coordinate directly with parties or candidates.

Gibbons v. Ogden (1824)

broadly interpreted interstate commerce clause, encompassing virtually every form of commercial activity, while asserting the supremacy clause

linkage institutions

channels where people's concerns become political issues on the government's agenda

melting pot

characterizes US, mixing of cultures, ideas and people

campaign strategy

game plan for electoral campaign

Fifteenth Amendment

gave African American men the right to vote

Twenty Third Amendment

gives the right of voting to citizens in Washington D.C. and that they get votes in the electoral college

Eighth Amendment

gives us the right to bail or they can stay in jail until their trial, no unreasonable bail, forbids cruel and unusual punishment

Fourteenth Amendment

granted citizenship to anyone born in the United States and guaranteeing all citizens equal protection and due process of the law "selective incorporation"

Nineteenth Amendment

granted women the right to vote in 1920

Elastic clause

granting Congress the power to pass all laws necessary

investigative journalism

in-depth reporting to unearth scandals, scams, and schemes

underemployment rate

includes people actively seeking work but unable to find jobs, those who want work but have stopped searching, and those working part-time because they are unable to find full-time work

poverty level

income threshold below which people are considered poor based on what a family must spend for an "austere" standard of living

Duncan v. Louisiana (1968)

incorporated the 6th amendment protection of a right to a jury trial to states

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

incorporated the 6th amendment right to an attorney

Mapp v. Ohio (1961)

incorporated the Fourth Amendment exclusionary rule that forbid evidence from illegal searches and seizures to be used in court cases

Cantwell v. Connecticut (1940)

incorporated the free exercise clause, recognized absolute freedom of belief

narrowcasting

media programming that is focused on a particular interest and audience

national party convention

meeting of party delgates to choose a presidential ticket and write the party's platform

press conferences

meetings of public officials with reporters

direct mail

method to raise money where requests are sent to people who have supported something similar in the past

Categorical grants

money given for a particular category, but no specific programs

Project grants

money given to a specific project already approved in all its parts beforehand

Block grants

money given with no specified category

policy entrepreneur

people who invest their political "capital" in an issue

selective perception

people's beliefs often guide what they pay the most attention to

relative deprivation

perception by an individual that he is not doing well economically compared to others

talking head

person talking to camera (face) stimulating

social welfare policies

provide benefits, cash or in-kind, to individuals, based on entitlement or means testing

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

ruled separate but equal is inherently unequal

Dred Scott v. Sanford (1857)

ruled slaves were not citizens and couldn't sue in court, and that slaves were legal property and owners could not be restricted in where they took them

Edwards v. Aguillard (1987)

ruled that a law requiring the teaching of creationism held no secular purpose and violated the establishment clause

District of Columbia v. Heller (2008)

ruled that individuals have a constitutional right to keep a loaded handgun, but questions remained on how future cases would be decided

Furman v. Georgia (1972)

ruled that the death penalty was used in a discriminatory way and constituted cruel and unusual punishment in certain situations, such as accidental murder

United States v. Nixon (1974)

ruled there was a limit to presidential privilege and that presidents are subject to due process under the law

caucus

selecting convention delegates; opening meeting to express preference

Electoral College

selection of pres by electors chosen by the state parties

political culture

set of values widely shared within a society

Bradwell v. Illinois (1873)

sex discrimination case that ruled that the 14th amendment equal protection clause did not protect the right to practice a profession (woman not allowed to be a lawyer)

Cooperative federalism

sharing of governmental responsibilities between federal, state, and local agencies and institutions

sound bites

short videos lasting 10 secs; shown from a speech

Twentieth Amendment

shortened the time between the election and inauguration day ("Lame Duck Amendment") from March 4 to January 20 for president and vice president, and to January 3 for senators and representatives

Reno v. ACLU (1997)

struck down law prohibiting indecent and offensive material on the internet

Standing to Sue

sufficient stake in a matter to justify seeking relief through the court system

Federalists

supporters of the US Constitution at the time the states were contemplating its adoption

Tinker v. Des Moines School District (1969)

symbolic speech of students (in this case anti-war armbands) is protected by the First Amendment if doesn't create a disruption to education

McCulloch v. Maryland

that deal with the formation of a federal bank and a series of individual banks

U.S. Consitution

the document written in 1787 and ratified in 1788 that sets forth the institutional structure of US government and the tasks these institutions preform. It replaced the Articles of Confederation

Isolationism

the foreign police course of the United States followed throughout most of its history whereby it tried to stay out of other nations' conflicts, particularly European wars

Obergfell v Hodges

the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples by both the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution

Secretary of defense

the head of the Department of Defense and the president's key adviser of military policy and, as such, a key foreign policy actor

Secretary of State

the head of the Department of State and traditionally the key adviser to the president on foreign policy

Cold War

the hostility between the United States and the Soviet Union, which often brought them to the brink of war and which spanned the period from the end of WWII until the collapse of the Soviet Union and Eastern European communist regimes in 1989 and the years following

Iron Triangles

the relatively ironclad relationships and patterns of interaction that occur among agencies, interest groups, and congressional committees or subcommittees

Eminent Domain

the right of a government or its agent to expropriate private property for public use, with payment of compensation.

Roe v. Wade (1973)

the right to privacy gives a woman the right to an abortion in the first trimester of pregnancy

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

upheld state laws setting up segregation as long as it was "separate but equal"

Reynolds v. Simms (1964)

upholds the "one man, one vote" standard for state legislative apportionment

fiscal policy

use of the federal budget to to influence the economy; almost entirely determined by Congress and the president

proportional representation

used throughout Europe, awards legislative seats to political parties in proportion to the number of votes won in election

Buckley v. Valeo (1976)

using the justification of freedom of speech, "reasonable restrictions" on campaign contributions are allowed, but limits on campaign expenditures are not

wealth

value of assets owned

responsible party model

view about how parties should work; parties should offer clear choices to the voters and once in the office, should carry out their campaign promises

reapportionment

The process of reallocating seats in the House of Representatives every 10 years on the basis of the results of the census

one man, one vote

The rule that, under the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution, legislative voting districts must be the same voting size.

select committee

A congressional committee appointed to perform a special function beyond the authority or capacity of a standing committee

trustee

A congressman. They listen to their constituents' ideas, takes them into consideration, and then formulates an opinion of his own and acts upon that opinion

Hatch act

A federal law prohibiting government employees from active participation in partisan politics while on duty of for employees in sensitive positions at any time

caucus

A group of members of Congress sharing some interest or characteristic

bicameral

A legislature divided in two houses

joint committee

A permanent committee appointed from both houses of congress in order to perform investigations or special studies

Ways and Means Committee

A permanent committee of the House of Representatives, which makes recommendations to the House on all bills for raising revenue. The committee is the principal source of legislation concerning issues such as taxation, customs duties, and international trade agreements

lobbyists

A person who tries to influence legislation on behalf of a special interest. They try to persuade legislatures to support their cause

discharge petition

A petition signed by the members of the House of Representatives to bring a bill from committee to the floor for consideration

rules committee

A powerful committee in the House of Representatives that creates a rule(order) for each bill to be debated

bully pulpit

A public office or position of authority that provides its occupant with an outstanding opportunity to speak out on any issue-the presidency

impeachment-vote required

A simple majority from the house and a 2/3 vote from the senate is required to impeach a president

seniority system

A simple rule for picking committee chairs, in effect until the 1970s. The member who had served on the committee the longest and whose party controlled the chamber became chair, regardless of party loyalty, mental state, of competence

filibuster

A strategy unique to the Senate whereby opponents of a piece of legislation use their right to unlimited debate to prevent the Senate from ever voting on a bill. must have 60 members to stop filibuster

Baker vs. Carr

A supreme course case on the legality of reapportionment violating the 14th amendment.

casework

Activities of members of Congress that help constituents as individuals, particularly by cutting through bureaucratic red tape to get people what they think they have a right to get

domestic policy

Administrative decisions that are directly related to all issues and activity within the US borders. Congress is usually divided on these issues, making it hard for the president to pass bills in this area

Iron triangle

Also known as sub governments, they consist of interest groups, government agencies, and congressional committees or subcommittees that have a mutually dependent, mutually advantageous relationship; they dominate some areas of domestic policymaking

executive agreement

An agreement, usually pertaining to administrative matters and less formal than an international treaty, made between chiefs of state without senatorial approval

State of the Union

An annual message to Congress in which the president reports on the state of the nation and outlines a legislative program, required by the constitution

lame-duck

An elected official whose successor has already been elected, causing them to have little influence on the government

off-year election

An election taking place in a year when no presidential elections are occurring. Generally the president's party loses seats in congress

Executive Office of the President

An organization of several agencies staffed by the President's closest advisors who work directly with the president or a presidential assistant

senatorial courtesy

An unwritten tradition whereby nominations for state-level federal judicial posts are usually not confirmed if they are opposed by a senator of the president's party from the state in which the nominee will serve.

commerce clause

Article 1, section 8 of the constitution which gives Congress the power "to regulate commerce with foreign nations, and among the several states, and with the Indian tribes"

foreign policy

As the chief diplomat the president has the power to make treaties, with the support of congress, make executive agreements, and appoint and meet with ambassadors. Congress usually backs the president on foreign policy

conference committee

Congressional committees formed when the Senate and the House pass a particular bill in different forms. Party leadership appoints members from each house to iron out the differences and bring back a single bill

Nancy Pelosi

Current Minority Leader of the House, previously served as the speaker of the house, House of Representatives

Mitch McConnell

Current majority leader of for the Republican Party. Assumed office in 1985, Senate

Joe Straus

Current speaker of the Texas house of Representatives

David Dewhurst

Governor of Texas before Ted Cruz

Kevin McCarthy

House Republican majority leader

John Boehner

Republican speaker of the House from 2011 to 2015 under Obama. Representative from Ohio, House of Representatives

Pendleton Civil Service Act

Passed in 1883, an act that created a federal civil service so that hiring and promotion would be based on merit rather than patronage

25th Amendment

Ratified in 1967, this amendment permits the vice president to become acting president if the Vice President and the president's cabinet determine that the president is disabled, and it outlines how a recuperated president can reclaim the job

Eric Cantor

Republican Minority whip from 2009-2011 an Majority leader from 2011-2014, House of representatives

Lamar Smith

Republican politician in for Texas's 21st district, including most of Austin, since 1987, House of representatives

John Cornyn

Senior senator from Texas, Senate

Patrick Leahy

Senior senator from Vermont, served as the pro tempore during the Obama presidency, Senate

veto, override veto

The constitutional power of the president to send a bill back to Congress with reasons for rejecting it. A two-thirds vote in each house can override a veto

gerrymandering

The act of manipulating the boundaries of an electoral constituency to favor one party or class.

pork-barreling

The process of congressman using federal projects, grants, and contracts that are available to gain public support

logrolling

The exchange of support or favors, especially by legislators for mutual political gain as by voting for each other's bills

Independent Executive Agencies

The government agencies not accounted for by cabinet departments. Their administrators are appointed by the president and serve at the president's pleasure-NASA

"power of the purse"

The influence that legislatures have over public policy because of their power to vote money for public purposes.

Air Force One

The luxury aircraft that carries the president

quorum

The minimum number of members of an assembly or society that must be present at any of its meeting to make the proceedings of that meeting valid

committee chairperson

The most important influencers of their committees' agendas, committee chairs playtime dominant roles in scheduling hearings, hiring staff, appointing subcommittees, and managing committees bills when they are brought before the house

Congress

The national legislative body of the US, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Its members are elected in two year terms

pardon

The president has the power to grant these to someone, forgiving them of a crime or excusing them from a punishment

reprieve

The presidential power to postpone the execution of a sentence imposed by a court of law; usually done for humanitarian reasons or to await new evidence

Executive Departments

The primary units of the executive branch of the federal government of the United States that make up the cabinet, includes the Departments of State, Treasury, Justice, Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Labor, Defense, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Transportation, Energy, Education, Veterans Affairs, and Homeland Security.

Minority leader

The principal leader of the minority party in the House of Representatives or in the Senate

Majority leader

The principal partisan ally of the speaker of the house or the majority party's manager in the Senate. The majority leader in each house is responsible for scheduling bills, influencing committee assignments, and rounding up votes on behalf of the party's legislative positions

Article II

The section of the constitution that outlines the executive branch of government

Presidential coattails

The tendency for a popular political party leader to attract votes for other candidates of the same party in an election

regulation

The use of governmental authority to control or change some practice in the private sector

Camp David

These accords, signed by President Jimmy Carter, established the framework for a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt

constituent

a voting member of a community such as a congressman's district


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