Suarez Test 5(Mixed Test)

Amnesty (Ms)

General pardon offered to a group of people

Containment (MS)

Policy to stop the spread of communism

Platform (MS)

Political party's formal statement of basic principles, stands on major issues, and objectives

Commutation (MS)

Power to reduce the length of a sentence or fine for a crime

Diplomatic immunity (MS)

Practice in international law under which ambassadors and other appointed foreign officials are not subject to the laws of the state to which they are accredited

Patronage (MS)

Practice of giving government jobs to supporters and friends

Veto (MS)

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

Bill (MS)

Proposal presented to a legislative body for possible enactment as a law

Shield law (MS

Gives reporters some protection against having to disclose their sources or reveal other confidential information in legal proceedings

Deportation (MS)

Legal process in which aliens are legally required to leave the US

Pardon (MS)

Release from the punishment or legal consequences of a crime, by the President (in a federal case) or a governor (in a State case)

Libel (MS)

False and malicious use of printed words (Newspapers, books, people can file civil suits for defamation of character)

Slander (MS)

False and malicious use of spoken words

Impeach (MS)

Formal charge brought against a public official by the lower house in a legislative body

Executive agreements (MS)

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

Continuous Body (Ms)

Governing unit whose seats are never all up for election at the same time (H or R is not)

Ambassador (MS)

Personal representative appointed by the head of a nation to represent that nation in matters of diplomacy

Affirmative action (MS)

Policy that requires most employers take positive steps to remedy the effects of past discriminations

Spoils system (MS)

Practice of awarding government jobs, contracts, and other favors to friends and supporters

Cabinet (MS)

Presidential advisory body

Rider (MS)

Provision unlikely to pass on it's own merit, added to a bill certain to pass

Cloture (MS)

Procedure that may be used to limit or end floor debate in a legislative body (16 members of senate must call for the action and 60 senators (3/5) for it to pass)

Referendum (MS)

Process by which a legislative measure is referred to the state's voters for final approval or rejection

Reservation (MS)

Public land set aside by a government for use by Native American tribes (are not subject to the same laws as others, casinos- nuclear waste sites)

Bail (Ms)

Sum of money that the accused may be required to post as a guarantee that he or she will appear in court at the proper time

Filibuster (MS)

Tactic aimed to defeat a bill in a legislative body by preventing a final vote

Constituents (MS)

The people and interests that an elected officer represents (applies to all elected positions)

Speaker of the House (MS)

The presiding officer of the House of Representatives, chosen by and from the majority party in the House

Welfare state (MS)

Countries that provide extensive social services at little or no cost to the users (US provides programs like Social Security, Medicare, Welfare)

Writ of Habeas Corpus (MS)

Court order which prevents unjust arrests and imprisonments (They can not leave you in jail without charging you with a crime or arrest you for not reason)

Sedition (MS)

Crime of attempting to overthrow the government by force, or to disrupt its lawful activities by violent acts

Sabotage (MS)

Destruction of property or obstruction of normal operations, as by civilians or enemy agents in time of war (can happen at school too)

Executive order (MS)

Directive, rule, or regulation issued by a chief executive or subordinates, based upon constitutional or statutory authority and having the force of law

Deterrence (MS)

Maintaining massive military strength to prevent any attack upon the country

Floor leaders (MS)

Members of the House and Senate picked by their parties to carry out party decisions and steer legislative action to meet party goals

Refugee (MS)

One who leaves his or her home to seek protection from war, persecution, or some other danger (political reasons or to escape war)

Visa (MS)

Permit to enter another state, obtained from the country one wishes to enter

Pocket veto (MS)

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

Commerce power (MS)

Ability of congress to regulate interstate and foreign trade

Reprieve (MS)

An official postponement of the execution of a sentence

Whip (MS)

Assistants to the floor leaders responsible for monitoring and marshaling votes

Treason (MS)

Betrayal or one's country, levying war against the US or offering comfort or aide to its enemies

Parole (MS)

Release of a prisoner short of the complete term of the original sentence (abolished by federal government in 1984 for all offenders convicted of federal crimes, some states (NY) do not allow parole for those convicted of violent crimes, must follow terms of parole or return to prison)

De facto segregation (MS)

Separation of groups even if no law requires it (housing patterns, schools)

Segregation (MS)

Separation of one group from another

Espionage (MS)

Spying (every country does it)

Reverse discrimination (MS)

Bias, prejudice or unfair treatment against the majority group

Passport (MS)

Certificate issued by a government, identifying that person as a citizen of a country and authorizing that person to travel, live abroad

Electoral college (MS)

Chosen group of persons who make a formal selection of President and Vice President

Draft (MS)

Conscription or compulsory military service