A set of basic, foundational values and beliefs about government that is shared by most citizens. Key elements: democracy, equality before the law, limited government, capitalism & private property
  • Federalism
  • Political Ideology
  • Political Socialization
  • American Political Culture
Quote or "snippet" from politician's speech used by media to represent whole speech. Used by candidates to spread message (slogan); Used by media to avoid serious (boring) discussion of issues.
  • Spin
  • Narrowcasting
  • Sound Bites
  • Franking Privilege
Topic = factions (interest groups); minority factions controlled by majority; majority faction controlled by greater size of USA + virtuous leaders
  • Federalist 5
  • Federalist 50
  • Federalist 20
  • Federalist 10
Chief Justice John Marshall famously announces the existence of the power of judicial review: the power of the Supreme Court to declare laws and actions of local, state, or national governments unconstitutional.
  • Virginia plan
  • Judicial review
  • Original jurisdiction
  • Marbury vs. Madison
A group of individuals with broad common interests who organize to nominate candidates for office, develop a party platform (policy goals), win elections, and run government
  • Constitution
  • Political Action Committee
  • Party Platform
  • Political Party
Independent agencies created by Congress to regulate important aspects of the nation's economy. Commissioners appointed by President but not removable except "for cause" (to protect independence). Most independent and least accountable part of the federal bureaucracy.
  • Independent Executive Agencies
  • Cabinet Departments
  • Independent Regulatory Commissions
  • Government Corporations
Central government set up by Articles of Confederation (1781-89). No executive or judicial branches. Unicameral legislature with no power to tax or regulate interstate commerce (intentionally weak to prevent tyranny). One state one vote, supermajority (9/13) to pass important laws, unanimous vote to amend (our constitution is unconstitutional!)
  • Confederation Congress
  • Constitution
  • Electoral College
  • New Jersey Plan
Gives Washington DC electoral college votes as if it were a state (DC still has no representation in Congress)
  • 23rd Amendment
  • Virginia Plan
  • Buckley v Valeo
  • 13th Amendment
Informal raising of support (and money) before first primaries
  • Invisible Primary
  • Open Primary
  • General Election
  • National Convention
Commander-in-chief of armed forces; pardon power (except for impeachment); treaty power; appointment power; veto power
  • Select Committees
  • Executive Privilege
  • Executive Enumerated Powers
  • Presidential Nomination Reform
Ten organizations that advise the President. Includes the Office of Management and Budget, the Council of Economic Advisors, and National Security Council. Top positions must be confirmed by Senate.
  • Congressional Caucuses
  • Executive Office of the President (EOP)
  • President as Party Leader
  • Removal Process
A committee set up by a corporation or interest group to raise and funnels money to political candidates. Donation amounts to PACs are limited by FECA rules (hard money).
  • Political Action Committee
  • Soft Money
  • Electoral College
  • Independent Expenditures
An order from the House Rules Committee that permits a bill to be amended on the floor (allows "death by amendment")
  • Filibuster
  • Cloture
  • Open Rule
  • Closed Rule
Voting for one party for one office and for another party for other offices. Frequent among independent voters; leads to divided government.
  • Checks And Balances
  • Divided Government
  • Separation Of Powers
  • Ticket Splitting
The process by which a congressional committee debates, amends, and/or rewrites bills.
  • Marking Up
  • Swing State
  • The Cabinet
  • Gerrymandering
Electioneering by third parties (527s or SuperPacs) to help a candidate get elected (without coordinating with candidates). Protected by Supreme Court in Citizens United as free speech and so cannot be limited by federal law.
  • Lobbying
  • Soft Money
  • Political Action Committee
  • Independent Expenditures
Congress making sure the Executive Branch and the Bureaucracy is correctly executing (carrying out) laws.
  • Legislative Oversight
  • Judicial Review
  • Executive Privilege
  • Federalism
Unenumerated Rights Amendment. Citizens have unenumerated rights in addition to those stated in the Constitution. Not been developed by Supreme Court (too open ended)
  • Critical Election
  • 5th Amendment
  • 9th Amendment
  • 14th Amendment
Consults with the president on matters of defense and foreign policy.
  • National Security Counsel
  • Department Of Defense
  • Attorney General
  • Joint Chiefs Of Staff
Written in 1788 by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay to support ratification of the Constitution. Fed 10 (factions) & Fed 51 (separation of powers, checks & balances)
  • Virginia Plan
  • New Jersey Plan
  • Federalist Papers
  • Bill Of Rights
1996 California initiative that banned all affirmative action programs.
  • Proposition 204
  • Proposition 309
  • Proposition 209
  • Proposition 208
Intentional breaking of a law to protest against the law. Thoreau vs. Mexican-American War, Rosa Parks & MLK vs. Jim Crow segregation.
  • Civil Disobedience
  • Political Socialization
  • Judicial Activism
  • Affirmative Action
Use of unlimited time for debate in the Senate to kill bills by making (or threatening to make) long speeches. No filibuster in House (House Rules Committee places time limits on all debates). Broken by cloture motion (60 votes)
  • Pocket Veto
  • Filibuster
  • Logrolling
  • Cloture
One General from each of the 4 armed service branches (army, navy, air force, marines) and, since 1/2012, the National Guard. The JCS are key military advisors to the President.
  • Department of Defense
  • Attorney General
  • The Cabinet
  • Joint Chiefs of Staff
Main form = voting. Also joining political party, volunteering on political campaign, campaign contributions, running for office, protests...
  • Political Socialization
  • Political Action Committee
  • Political Participation
  • Political Ideology
A Democratic Party commission after 1968 that made changes to delegate selection process for National Convention to make the nomination process more democratic (by using primaries & ending superdelegates) and introduced affirmative action policy in delegate selection (more women & minorities).
  • Fraser-McGovern Commission
  • 527 Organization
  • National Convention Delegates
  • American Party System
Belief in aggressive government intervention to combat recession & promote economic growth, especially by massive federal spending ("stimulus")
  • Separation Of Powers
  • Libertarianism
  • Monetarism
  • Keynesianism
Low in America compared to other western democracies (50-60% for presidential elections; 40-50% for midterms)
  • Electoral College
  • Voter Turnout
  • Political Socialization
  • Divided Government
Jim Crow era state laws that discouraged African Americans from voting by saying that if your grandpa couldn't vote, then neither can you. The newly-freed slaves grandpas couldn't vote, so neither could they. Declared unconstitutional in 1915.
  • Literacy Test
  • Poll Tax
  • White Primary
  • Grandfather Clause
A philosophy of judicial decision-making whereby judges allow their personal views about public policy (liberal or conservative) to guide their decisions. Activist judges are comfortable declaring laws unconstitutional.
  • Stare Decisis
  • Judicial Activism
  • Judicial Review
  • Judicial Restraint
Tax on voting. Used to discourage African Americans from voting during the Jim Crow era. Also used to exclude poor whites. Declared unconstitutional by 24th Amendment.
  • Poll Tax
  • White Primary
  • Literacy Test
  • Grandfather Clause
Leader of a congressional committee. Usually the longest serving member of the majority party on that committee (seniority rule). A very powerful position - Controls the committee calendar, agenda, and hearings. Can pigeonhole (table) a bill by refusing to schedule debate on it.
  • Speaker Of The House
  • House Rules Committee
  • Committee Chairperson
  • Conference Committees
Free trade agreement among USA, Canada & Mexico. Goal = promote economic prosperity & cooperation. Easier perhaps to achieve at regional level than global level (World Trade Organization).
  • World Trade Organization
  • 16th Amendment
  • North American Free Trade Agreement
  • United Nations
The Presidency is a "bully pulpit" - a good position from which to inspire Congress & the nation, with the help of the media, to follow his political agenda. Example = FDR's fireside chats, Obama's televised State of the Union Address...
  • Bully Pulpit
  • Executive Privilege
  • Executive Orders
  • Lame Duck
Economic organization to promote global wealth.
  • United Nations
  • North American Free Trade Agreement
  • Nato
  • World Trade Organization
A political party's statement of its goals and policies for the next four years, created at National Convention. Lofty rhetoric and specific legislative goals. Can cause splintering (example: southern whites abandoned Democratic Party in 1948 when it adopted a pro-civil rights plank.
  • Party Platform
  • National Convention
  • Constitution
  • Political Party
The fifteen largest and most influential agencies of the federal bureaucracy (e.g., Department of State, Treasury, Justice...) Headed by Secretary or Attorney General (Department of Justice)
  • Independent Regulatory Commissions
  • Independent Executive Agencies
  • Cabinet Departments
  • Government Corporations
Power of Congress to tax income
  • 16th Amendment
  • Americans With Disabilities Act (1990)
  • Budget Committee
  • 19th Amendment
Series of liberal (Keynesian) economic laws enacted by FDR to combat Great Depression. Includes Social Security System & federal minimum wage law. Birth of Democratic Party as liberal party (soft electoral realignment)
  • Cooperative Federalism
  • Don't Ask Don't Tell
  • Affirmative Action
  • The New Deal
Anyone can vote in any party primaries (but can only vote in the primaries of one party). Less party control over process. May cause raider effect.
  • General Election
  • Open Primary
  • Blanket Primary
  • Closed Primary
The leader of the majority party and presiding officer of the House of Representatives. Key role in assigning bills to committee and members to committees & setting party's legislative agenda
  • Solicitor General
  • Speaker of the House
  • Attorney General
  • Vice President
Current Chief Justice (appointed by Bush in 2005); moved court in conservative direction; known for pro-corporation cases (Citizens United)
  • John Marshall
  • Cheif Robers
  • Josh
  • Chief Justice John Robers
The principle of dividing governmental powers among different branches of government to protect against tyranny (Federalist 51).
  • Separation of Powers
  • Checks and Balances
  • Federalism
  • Judicial Review
Also known as the Big State Plan. Wanted proportional representation in Congress (based on population).
  • Virginia Plan
  • Articles Of Confederation
  • New Jersey Plan
  • Connecticut Compromise
Permanent committees in House and Senate that handle bills dealing with a particular subject area. Examples: Defense, Budget, Education.
  • Conference Committees
  • Select Committees
  • Joint Committees
  • Standing Committees
Major anti-discrimination law for disabled; requires access (ramps, braille, etc.); unfunded mandate
  • Americans With Disabilities Act (2000)
  • Americans With Disabilities Act (1990)
  • Americans With Disabilities Act (1991)
  • Americans With Disabilities Act (1890)
A poll of voters exiting the polls (voting locations) to attempt to predict the outcome of the election. May create a bandwagon effect.
  • Lobbying
  • Bandwagon Effect
  • Push Poll
  • Exit Poll
No "unreasonable" searches and seizures. Exclusionary rule (Weeks v. US, Mapp v. Ohio)
  • 4th Amendment
  • 19th Amendment
  • Exclusionary Rule
  • 8th Amendment
Law responding to 9/Expands anti-terrorist powers (wiretapping, surveillance); 4th Amendment concern for civil liberties.
  • Patriot Act (1996)
  • Patriot Act (2001)
  • Patriot Act (2011)
  • Patriot Act (1901)
One who brings a court action against another (the complainer)
  • Appellant
  • Prosecutor
  • Defendant
  • Plaintiff
A federal legislative agency that audits (investigates) other agencies of the federal government and reports it's findings to Congress (makes sure they are not spending more money than the government has appropriated for them).
  • House Ways And Means Committee
  • Government Accountability Office
  • Office Of Management And Budget
  • House Rules Committee
The tendency of states to move their primaries & caucuses earlier in the calendar in order to maximize their impact on nomination process (bandwagon effect).
  • Push Poll
  • Primary Frontloading
  • Franking Privilege
  • Rally Effect
Only registered party members can vote in the party primaries. Maximum party control over process, used in most state primaries.
  • Closed Primary
  • Referendum
  • Blanket Primary
  • Open Primary
Money that is not subject to campaign finance limits and regulation by the FEC. All money before FECA was soft money. FECA shut down unlimited contributions to candidates so soft money flowed to political parties. McCain-Feingold shut down soft money contributions to political parties so now unlimited contributions flow to 527s and Super-Pacs.
  • Lobbying
  • Soft Money
  • Logrolling
  • Independent Expenditures
Get-out-the vote activities (grassroots organization). Can be very unorganized. The initial point of entry for those seeking involvement in politics (volunteers, organizers, or candidates)
  • Conference Committees
  • Party Caucus (modern)
  • Local Party Organization
  • 527 Organization
Gives all citizens the right to inspect all records of federal agencies except those containing military, intelligence, or trade secrets; increases accountability of bureaucracy
  • Freedom of Information Act
  • Sunshine Laws
  • Judicial Review
  • Ethics in Government Act
The President may remove any appointed federal officer whenever he wants for any reason. However, the Supreme Court has upheld Congressional limits on removal power for Independent Commissioners (can only be removed "for cause").
  • Stare Decisis
  • Case Or Controversy Requirement
  • Removal Process
  • Impeachment Process
Literal meaning of 5th & 14th Due Process Clauses: Government cannot deprive you of life, liberty or property without holding certain procedures (trial, lawyer, right to question witnesses). Many elements of PDP are specifically protected by 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th Amendments.
  • Procedural Due Process
  • Judicial Review
  • Substantive Due Process
  • Habeas Corpus
Established the direct election of senators (instead of being chosen by state legislatures)
  • Criminal Law
  • 13th Amendment
  • 17th Amendment
  • 15th Amendment
Belief in limited government intervention to combat recession & promote economic growth. Major tool = increasing or decreasing money supply to avoid inflation & maintain price stability.
  • Monetarism
  • Libertarianism
  • Socialism
  • Keynesianism
A nation's basic law, creates political institutions, assigns or divides power in government and often provides certain guarantees to citizens. Can be written or unwritten.
  • Constitution
  • Declaration Of Independence
  • Checks And Balances
  • Bill Of Rights
When a 3rd party candidate takes enough votes away from one of the main party candidates to make him/her lose the election. Ex., Ralph Nader & Green Party may have caused Al Gore to lose 2000 election to George Bush.
  • Closed Primary
  • Spoiler Effect
  • Pigeonholing
  • Third Party
Government censorship of written material (preventing publication). Almost impossible due to 1st Amendment (only when major threat to national security). See Pentagon Papers Case (NY Times v. US)
  • Fairness Doctrine
  • Exclusionary Rule
  • Judicial Restraint
  • Prior Restraint
Association of members created to support a political ideology or regional economic interest (black caucus, women's caucus, blue dog democrats...)
  • Congressional Caucuses
  • National Convention
  • Primary Election
  • Legislative Oversight
The power of the President & Senate to appoint important government officers (federal judges, agency directors, etc.). President nominates candidate, which then must by confirmed by simple majority in the Senate (check on President's power). Subject to senatorial courtesy rule for local appointments (district judges)
  • Pardon Power
  • Executive Privilege
  • Term Limits
  • Appointment Power
Powers that are given to both federal and state governments. Ex., the power to tax and create courts. Exclusive powers are given only to one level of government (ex., the power to declare war)
  • Checks And Balances
  • Supremacy Clause
  • Police Powers
  • Concurrent Powers
A 2010 decision by the United States Supreme Court holding that independent expenditures are free speech protected by the 1st Amendment and so cannot be limited by federal law. Leads to creation of SuperPACs & massive rise in amount of third party electioneering (Citizens for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow)
  • Citizens United v FEC
  • Buckley v valeo
  • Us V. lopez (1995)
  • Bush v. gore
Belief in the abolition of all government (maybe through violent means)
  • Libertarianism
  • Socialism
  • Anarchism
  • Federalism
A decision in a previous court case that is used as the basis for a decision in a similar case.
  • Jurisdiction
  • Judicial Review
  • Stare Decisis
  • Precedent
1st Amendment clause: Congress cannot "establish" a religion. Accomodationists (establishment = government-funded religion) vs. Separationists (establishment = ANY involvement with religion); Lemon test
  • Free Exercise Clause
  • Commerce Clause
  • Necessary And Proper Clause
  • Establishment Clause
The heads of the minority and majority parties in the Senate. Less powerful than the Speaker, they set legislative agenda for their party and help set the daily Senate agenda.
  • Senate Leaders
  • Council Of Economic Advisors
  • House And Senate Whips
  • Seniority Rule
1883 reform law that replaced the patronage/spoils system in the federal bureaucracy with a merit-based professional system. "Important" leadership positions in bureaucracy (Secretaries, Commissioners, Directors) & federal judges still appointed by president.
  • Ethics In Government Act
  • Patronage System
  • Congressional District System (electoral College)
  • Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act
Federal agency that regulates the radio, television, wire, satellite and cable communications.
  • United Nations
  • Prior Restraint
  • Federal Communications Commission
  • Equal Time Rule
FCC rule requiring media stations to offer advertising time to all candidates if they offer it to one candidate.
  • Exclusionary Rule
  • Prior Restraint
  • Fairness Doctrine
  • Equal Time Rule
Era in the South after Civil War (1865) until 1950s. African Americans were freed from slavery and could legally vote (Amendments 13, 14, 15) but were still subjected to discriminatory state laws enforcing segregation and kept from voting by laws (ex. poll taxes, literacy tests) and by violence (KKK)
  • Literacy Test
  • Shays' Rebellion
  • Jim Crow Era
  • Class Action Lawsuit
Media tends to cover elections like a sporting event because it generates excitement (who is ahead, who is behind) & it is easy to do (poll data). HRJ is bad because it reduces time spent on analysis of issues & it can create a bandwagon effect in coverage of elections ("Romney looks like he will win this one...")
  • Prior Restraint
  • Equal Time Rule
  • Political Socialization
  • Horse-Race Journalism
(1) CJ Marshall establishes doctrine of implied powers (Congress can create a national bank because it is necessary & proper to carrying out the enumerated power to coin money); (2) Supremacy clause prevents state (Maryland) from taxing the National Bank. Very important case enlarging power of federal government.
  • McCulloch v. Maryland (1824)
  • McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
  • McCulloch v. Maryland (1724)
  • McCulloch v. Maryland (1823)
Major foreign policy ideology. Act in the world only to protect and benefit yourself. (Contrast with idealism)
  • Isolationism
  • Political Ideology
  • Socialism
  • Realism
Rule of judicial self restraint to limit power of judicial review; the Court will only consider real controversies including real, adverse parties (no advisory opinions)
  • Fairness Doctrine
  • Closed Rule
  • Case or Controversy Requirement
  • Congressional Caucuses
Government bureaucracy; non-elected agents ("worker bees") that work for executive agencies to execute the law; hierarchical organization, job specialization, detailed rules & procedures, administrative discretion. Massive growth since New Deal & WWII (2.5m people = nation's largest employer)
  • White House Office
  • Iron Triangle
  • Executive Privilege
  • Civil Service
"Let the decision stand"; the principle that cases should be decided in ways consistent with similar prior cases. Promotes consistency & fairness.
  • Judicial Activism
  • Judicial Review
  • Stare Decisis
  • Original Jurisdiction
A policial ideology that opposes capitalism and supports government control of major aspects of the economy (ex. electricity, health care).
  • Socialism
  • Libertarianism
  • Anarchism
  • Federalism
Creative/activist interpretation of 5th and 14th Due Process Clauses. "Liberty" protected by the DPC includes substantive "fundamental rights" like rights protected by Bill of Rights (leads to incorporation doctrine) and other rights like the right to privacy.
  • Substantive Due Process
  • Judicial Review
  • Procedural Due Process
  • Habeas Corpus
The President's self-declared power to keep executive communications confidential, especially if they relate to national security. Informal amendment to Constitution (by tradition). Can lead to conflict with other branches (Watergate).
  • Executive Orders
  • Executive Agreement
  • Judicial Review
  • Executive Privilege
Established by CJ Marshall in McCulloch v. Maryland. Congress has the power to make all laws that are "necessary and proper" for carrying out its enumerated powers. So it can create a National Bank to carry out its power to coin money. Major cause of growth of federal power.
  • Congressional Oversight
  • Dual Federalism
  • Council of Economic Advisors
  • Doctrine of Implied Powers
Major anti-gender discrimination law that applies to universities and schools that accept federal funding. Controversial because many universities cut male sports programs so as not to violate Title IX.
  • Free Exercise Clause
  • Title IX
  • Affirmative Action
  • Civil Rights Act Of 1964
Qualified presidential candidates can receive matching federal funds in primary and set amount to spend on general elections (but cannot raise & spend additional money). Attempt to limit campaign spending & corruption but rejected by Obama in 2008 (too easy to raise more money by contributions)
  • Presidential Election Campaign Fund
  • Government Accountability Office
  • Soft Money
  • Substantive Due Process
National party organization that, with Congressional leaders and President, runs party affairs between national conventions, (DNC and RNC, each is headed by a chairperson).
  • National Chairperson
  • National Committee
  • Political Party
  • Electoral College
A state level method of direct democracy that gives voters a chance to approve or disapprove proposed legislative action or a proposed amendment. Occurs when a state wants the voter's opinion on a controversial issue.
  • Referendum
  • Gerrymandering
  • Closed Primary
  • Initiative
Senate will not confirm a presidential nomination for a position within a state (ex., District Court Judge) without the consent of the senior senator of the President's party from that state. Informal amendment to appointment process (by tradition)
  • Logrolling
  • Judicial Review
  • Senatorial Courtesy
  • Executive Privilege
Banned soft money donations to political parties (loophole from FECA); also imposed restrictions on 527 independent expenditures (issue ads only, not direct advocacy for a candidate). Declared unconstitutional by Citizens United case. Also known as McCain-Feingold Act.
  • Gerrymandering
  • Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act
  • Buckley V Valeo
  • 26th Amendment
Decide how to spend money allocated to each spending category by Budget Resolution; 12 subcommittees for major areas of budget (ex. defense, energy, agriculture); major source of earmarking
  • Standing Committees
  • Appropriations Committees
  • Joint Committees
  • Vice President
EOP group that includes the President's most trusted personal advisors (led by White House Chief of Staff); members do not need senate confirmation
  • Office Of Management And Budget
  • Supreme Court
  • White House Office
  • Civil Service
The argument that judicial review is problematic because it allows unelected judges to overrule the decisions of elected representatives, thus undermining the will of the majority.
  • Federalism
  • The Canon Of Constitutional Avoidance
  • Counter-Majoritarian Difficulty
  • Independent Expenditures
Member of White House staff that controls flow of information from president, holds daily press briefings, tries to spin/control media
  • Vice President
  • The Cabinet
  • White House Press Secretary
  • Attorney General
Evolved as a way for Congress to handle large and complex work-load; divides up law-making into major subject areas; major responsibility for debating & marking up bills + oversight of execution of laws (the bureaucracy)
  • Conference Committees
  • President's Cabinet
  • Congressional Committee System
  • Two-party Political System
North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Cold War military alliance (USA + Western Europe vs. USSR).
  • NATO
  • UNITED NATIONS
  • WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION
  • ISOLATIONISM
Deputy leadership position. Connects leaders with "rank and file" members, and tries to encourage party unity & discipline
  • Joint Chiefs of Staff
  • Seniority Rule
  • House and Senate Whips
  • Solicitor General
Activity that seeks to influence the outcome of an election. Independent electioneering (SuperPacs & 527s) is protected free speech and so cannot be limited by government.
  • Lobbying
  • Gerrymandering
  • Electioneering
  • Logrolling
Election in which the winner becomes an elected government official.
  • 2nd Amendment
  • Executive Orders
  • Electoral College
  • General Election
Mandatory nondenominational school prayer violates Establishment Clause (see also Santa Fe School District v. Doe striking down student-led prayer at school football games)
  • Engle v. Vitale (1992)
  • Engle v. Vitale (1991)
  • Engle v. Vitale (1997)
  • Engle v. Vitale (1993)
A government organization that, like regular corporations, provides a service to the public and typically charges for its services. The U.S. Postal Service is an example. Privatization would abolish GCs.
  • Government Corporations
  • Independent Executive Agencies
  • Independent Regulatory Commissions
  • Cabinet Departments
Congress is allowed to attach "strings" (conditions of aid) to money given to states (raise drinking age to 21 to get highway funds). Major tool of fiscal federalism.
  • South Dakota v. Dole (1997)
  • South Dakota v. Dole (1987)
  • South Dakota v. Dole (1977)
  • South Dakota v. Dole (2087)
12 states send delegates to revise the Articles of Confederation; Delegates soon agree to draft completely new Constitution with stronger federal government. Elite conspiracy?
  • Philadelphia Convention (1788)
  • Philadelphia Convention (1687)
  • Philadelphia Convention (1782)
  • Philadelphia Convention (1787)
Major supporters of Republican Party = WASPs, business people, the rich
  • House Ways and Means Committee
  • World Trade Organization
  • Political Party
  • Republican Party Coalition (modern)
States cannot deny the right to vote based on gender
  • Treaty Power
  • 19th Amendment
  • Formal Amendment Process
  • Criminal Law
Changing the meaning of the Constitution without changing the actual words (which requires a formal amendment through Article V process). Examples = Supreme Court opinions, laws, traditions.
  • Informal Amendment Process
  • Bill Of Rights
  • 10th Amendment
  • New Jersey Plan
Federal agencies that aren't large or important enough to get department status. Directors appointed by President w/ advice & consent of Senate. Ex. NASA, CIA, EPA
  • Independent Regulatory Commissions
  • Independent Executive Agencies
  • Government Corporations
  • Cabinet Departments
Evidence obtained in violation of 4th Amendment is not admissible in criminal trial. (Weeks v. U.S., Mapp v. Ohio)
  • Free Exercise Clause
  • Exclusionary Rule
  • Prior Restraint
  • Establishment Clause
House & Senate standing committees that begins budget process in Congress by setting overall budget size and amounts that will be spent on different topics (ex. defense, education)
  • Supreme Court
  • Pocket Veto
  • National Committee
  • Budget Committee
Congressional committees to discuss & supervise certain topics, with membership drawn from both houses. (ex., Committee on Library, Taxation)
  • Select Committees
  • Standing Committees
  • Conference Committees
  • Joint Committees
The losing party in a court case who appeals the case to an appellate court.
  • Plaintiff
  • Appellant
  • Defendant
  • Jurisdiction
Temporary congressional committees appointed for a specific purpose, such as impeachment investigations or the "Super Committee" on the Budget
  • Joint Committees
  • Select Committees
  • Conference Committees
  • Standing Committees
Thomas Jefferson's statement of political liberalism (limited government to protect life liberty and pursuit of happiness; right to revolution).
  • Federalist Papers
  • Declaration of Independence
  • Bill of Rights
  • Constitution
A more or less consistent set of beliefs about what policies government should pursue.
  • Sampling Error
  • Political Socialization
  • Political Ideology
  • Realism
First major federal law (1971) to regulate federal elections. Created Federal Election Commission (FEC). Required disclosure of sources of campaign funds (transparency), set limits on contributions to candidates (individuals = $1000, PACs = $5000), spending limits for candidates, limits on independent expenditures.
  • Buckley V Valeo
  • Referendum
  • Federal Election Campaign Act
  • Civil Rights Act Of 1964
Democratic party leaders (superdelegates) secure nomination of VP Hubert Humphrey even though he did not compete in any state primaries. Controversy led to the Fraser-McGovern Commission and related reforms.
  • 1968 DNC
  • 1969 DNC
  • 1978 DNC
  • 1973 DNC
The ability of a president to negotiate treaties with foreign nations (requires ratification by 2/3 senate vote). Overshadowed by Executive Agreements.
  • Executive Agreement
  • Appointment Power
  • Executive Privilege
  • Treaty Power
1974 campaign finance case declared some federal limits on campaign contributions in FECA violated First Amendment (ex. maximum spending limit and limits on candidates' spending their own money).
  • Bipartisan campaign reform act
  • Citizens united v fec
  • Soft money
  • Buckley v Valeo
A form of restricting African American's 15th Amendment rights during the Jim Crow Era by only allowing whites to vote in the primary elections; giving African Americans only the opportunity to vote for white racist A or white racist B.
  • White Primary
  • Grandfather Clause
  • Literacy Test
  • Poll Tax
A procedure used in the senate to limit debate on a bill (end a filibuster); requires 60 votes.
  • Filibuster
  • Logrolling
  • Cloture
  • Pocket Veto
Non-partisan legislative support agency (economists) to analyze President's Budget Proposal & how much programs and budget items will cost. Goal is to aid the Congressional budget process.
  • Department of justice
  • Congressional Budget Office (CBO)
  • House ways and means committee
  • Conference committees
Three economic experts to help president understand and develop economic policy; must be confirmed by senate
  • Council of Economic Advisors
  • Office of Management and Budget
  • White House Office
  • The Cabinet
Headed by President and/or National Chairperson. Main function (limited) is to hold the national convention to select the presidential candidate & write the party platform.
  • Party Boss
  • National Party Organization
  • National Chairperson
  • National Committee
Law requiring agency meetings and decision-making process to be open to the public. One way of making agencies more accountable to Congress and the public.
  • Executive Orders
  • Privatization
  • Sunshine Laws
  • Initiative
Federal department responsible for enforcing federal laws (includes FBI, Civil Rights Division, Antitrust Division, Drug Enforcement Administration...)
  • Department of Defense
  • Senatorial Courtesy
  • Department of Justice
  • Supreme Court
Used in Schenck v. US (1919) to determine whether speech is unprotected "incitement" to illegal activity. Replaced by stricter "imminent lawless action" test in Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969)
  • Clear & Present Danger Test
  • Full faith & Credit Clause
  • Prior restraint
  • Free exercise clause
Cabinet-level agency in charge of the armed forces and military policy. HQ = The Pentagon. (Secretary Panetta)
  • Department of Justice
  • Department of Defense
  • Joint Chiefs of Staff
  • Attorney General
Belief in government assistance to improve society, especially for the poor and minorities. Socially liberal policies include universal health care, public education, affirmative action, welfare programs
  • Judicial Activism
  • Social liberalism
  • Grassroots Activism
  • Isolationism
Federal law protecting against racial discrimination in voting. Major accomplishment of civil rights movement vs. Jim Crow. Bans all discriminatory voting procedures. Requires ballots to be printed in minority languages. Section 5 = federal policing of states with history of discrimination (still necessary?)
  • Voting Rights Act (1865)
  • Voting Rights Act (1966)
  • Voting Rights Act (1965)
  • Voting Rights Act (1964)
The party opposing an appeal from a lower court to an appellate court.
  • Defendant
  • Appellee
  • Appellant
  • Plaintiff
Laws that punish conduct that was not illegal when it was performed. These laws are always unconstitutional. Also known as a retroactive law.
  • Ex Post Facto Laws
  • Judicial Review
  • Bill Of Rights
  • Habeas Corpus
Federal government using money (grants) to influence & control states.
  • Fiscal Federalism
  • Unfunded Mandates
  • Block Grants
  • Cooperative Federalism
1st Amendment clause; Congress can make no law abridging freedom of speech (including symbolic speech); Gitlow v. NY incorporates clause into 14th Amendment.
  • Commerce Clause
  • Establishment Clause
  • Free Speech Clause
  • Necessary And Proper Clause
The % margin of error of a survey. Randomized polls accurate to 3%.
  • Political Socialization
  • Sampling Error
  • Push Poll
  • Measurement Error
First ten amendments to the Constitution; major source of civil liberties; applies to states via selective incorporation doctrine; promised to Anti-Federalists to secure ratification of Constitution
  • Federalist Papers
  • Declaration of Independence
  • Bill of Rights
  • Constitution
Minority state system for allocating electoral college votes (used in ME & NE). The winner of each congressional district is awarded that district's electoral vote, and the winner of the state-wide vote is awarded the state's remaining two electoral votes. More accurately reflects voter will, but reduces states' influence in electoral process.
  • Congressional District System (Electoral College)
  • Patriot Act (2001)
  • 2nd Amendment
  • 16th Amendment
Government lawyer that represents the US government at the district court level (trials).
  • U.S. Attorneys
  • Prosecutor
  • Plaintiff
  • Attorney General
State laws making sodomy (gay sex) a crime violate equal protection clause (fails rational basis test because only possible reason for law is homophobia)
  • Lawrence v. Texas (2002)
  • Lawrence v. Texas (1993)
  • Lawrence v. Texas (1903)
  • Lawrence v. Texas (2003)
Prohibits discrimination based on race or gender in employment or public accommodations (restaurants, hotels). Created EEOC to enforce. Based on Congress's interstate commerce clause power (discrimination impacts interstate commerce). The most important federal civil rights law.
  • Civil Rights Act of 1964
  • Civil Rights Act of 1974
  • Civil Rights Act of 1963
  • Civil Rights Act of 2064
Tried to increase voter turnout by allowing voter registration at same time as getting or renewing driver's license. Increased the registration rate, but not the voter turnout rate (people still apathetic or not motivated to vote)
  • Motor Voter Act (1988)
  • Motor Voter Act (1994)
  • Motor Voter Act (2003)
  • Motor Voter Act (1993)
The effort to reduce the size & power of the federal government by returning (devolving) power to the states. Associated with economic conservatives, President Reagan & the Tea Party.
  • Devolution Revolution
  • Categorical Grant
  • Commerce Clause
  • Fiscal Federalism
The right to challenge the legality of your detention by government (to have a judge determine whether or not the government can detain you). This right can be temporarily suspended by Congress in times of rebellion or unrest.
  • Habeas Corpus
  • Stare Decisis
  • Writ Of Certiorari
  • Judicial Review
Some states allow citizens to come up with their own ideas for laws to put on an election ballot. If the proposition passes it becomes a law. Requires many voter signatures to get on the ballot. Most direct form of democracy (citizen law-making)
  • Referendum
  • Primary Election
  • Logrolling
  • Initiative
The Federal constitution, laws, and treaties are the supreme law of the land. States cannot interfere with federal power (ex. McCulloch v. Maryland).
  • Establishment Clause
  • Supremacy Clause
  • Commerce Clause
  • Judicial Review
Use American power to promote democracy and peace around the world. Associated with Woodrow Wilson & Jimmy Carter. (Compare with realism)
  • Idealism (foreign policy)
  • Franking Privilege
  • American Political Culture
  • Counter-Majoritarian Difficulty
Father of political liberalism (limited government to protect life liberty & property; right to revolt if government becomes a tyranny); he greatly influenced Jefferson & the Declaration of Independence.
  • Federalists
  • John Locke
  • Thomas Hobbes
  • Thomas Jefferson
An error in collecting polling data. Example = response bias or confusing questions.
  • Sampling Error
  • Narrowcasting
  • Measurement Error
  • Political Socialization
Limits the president to two terms.
  • 22nd Amendment
  • Americans With Disabilities Act (1990)
  • Executive Agreement
  • 14th Amendment
The act of trying to influence a politician or bureaucrat. Usually lobbyists are highly paid insiders with access to people in power (revolving door). Major weapon of corporate interest groups.
  • Soft Money
  • Electioneering
  • Gerrymandering
  • Lobbying
System of federalism that strictly separates federal power (ex. foreign relations) and state power (ex. protect against crime). Each level of government is dominant within its own sphere. Probably how the Founders thought America would work (enumerated federal powers + reserved state powers). Also known as "layer-cake federalism."
  • Dual Federalism
  • Affirmative Action
  • Cooperative Federalism
  • Supremacy Clause
An order by the Supreme Court saying that it will hear a certain case (rule of 4). Granted in cases that raise important constitutional questions or where circuit courts have reached different opinions on a particular issue.
  • Amicus Curiae Brief
  • Habeas Corpus
  • Stare Decisis
  • Writ of Certiorari
Links local level to national level. State committee (still mostly volunteer but might have an office, some paid positions). Major jobs are (1) to hold primary elections to select candidates; (2) to support state level candidates in general elections; and (3) to influence platform of National Party.
  • Party Caucus (modern)
  • Super-PAC
  • Department of State
  • State Party Organization
A technique of fiscal federalism used by Congress to control states. Requires states to do something in order to get the money (ex. South Dakota v. Dole, raise drinking age 21 to get highway money).
  • Condition of Aid
  • Referendum
  • Initiative
  • Categorical Grant
Any political party that appears as an alternative to the two main parties of the Democrats and the Republicans. Often extremist, single-issue or candidate-centered. Not major feature of US political system because of winner-take-all electoral system. Can have spoiler effect (Nader in 2000) or are absorbed into major party (Tea Party in 2008).
  • Democratic Party
  • Third Party
  • Political Party
  • Republican Party
Federal laws that require the states to do things without providing the money to do so. Examples: ADA (wheelchair ramps), NCLB (AIMs testing)
  • Block Grants
  • Dual Federalism
  • Concurrent Powers
  • Unfunded Mandates
1942 case establishing "fighting words" category of unprotected speech.
  • Chaplinsky v U.S.
  • Lemon v. kurtzman (1971)
  • Buckley v Valeo
  • Engle v. vitale (1992)
Person responsible for the day-to-day activities of the party, usually hand-picked by the presidential nominee.
  • Superdelegates
  • National Committee
  • National Chairperson
  • President
Final federal appellate court ("court of last resort"). Hears appeals from Circuit Courts (certiorari petition / rule of 4). Only hears "important" constitutional cases.
  • Electoral College
  • District Courts
  • Constitution
  • Supreme Court
Anyone can vote in any party primaries (like open primary) but voters not limited to one party (can vote for example in Democratic presidential primary and Republican senate primary). Least amount of party control over process.Declared unconstitutional (violates party's freedom to associate)
  • Blanket Primary
  • General Election
  • Closed Primary
  • Open Primary
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) unconstitutional because it exceeded Congress' commerce clause power. With Lopez v. United States, two recent cases checking commerce clause growth of federal power (unchecked since New Deal). Next up: Obamacare.
  • US v. Morrison (2000)
  • US v. Morrison (1999)
  • US v. Morrison (2005)
  • US v. Morrison (1990)
The modern media trend for TV and radio shows to target very narrow ideological audiences (ex. conservatives watch Glenn Beck and Bill O'Reilly); results in greater political polarization
  • Narrowcasting
  • Lobbying
  • Spin
  • Logrolling
Name recognition, campaign contributions, credit-claiming (pork & casework).
  • Incumbent Advantages
  • Franking Privilege
  • Unfunded Mandates
  • Independent Executive Agencies
Organization set up after Citizens United to engage in independent electioneering. Can receive unlimited donations but cannot coordinate with a candidate. Causing amount of money spent on elections to skyrocket (SuperPacs have spent $85 million so far in Election 2012)
  • House Rules Committee
  • National Convention
  • Local Party Organization
  • Super-PAC
(1) All persons born in the U.S. are citizens; (2) no person can be deprived of life, liberty or property without DUE PROCESS OF LAW; (3) no state can deprive a person of EQUAL PROTECTION of the laws. Second of three "Reconstruction Amendments" passed after Civil War.
  • Treaty Power
  • Equal Rights Amendment
  • 14th Amendment
  • Federal Election Campaign Act
A state that could go either way in a presidential elections (unlike "safe states"). Target of a lot of attention in elections. Also known as "battleground states" or "purple states" (Ohio, Florida in 2008)
  • Electoral College
  • Third Party
  • Swing State
  • Democratic Party
Process of ending government services and allowing the free market (private firms) to provide the service. Purpose = reduce government spending & provide more efficient services. Example = abolishing the postal service. Supported by Republicans.
  • Privatization
  • Socialism
  • Deregulation
  • Isolationism
Nomination process is too long and too expensive. One reform idea is to have a single national primary on one day (but this would require runoff election and would hurt less well known candidates who need time to establish their candidacy)
  • Independent Executive Agencies
  • Primary Election
  • Presidential Nomination Reform
  • Concurrent Powers
Group of important advisors to the President (Heads of Department agencies, VP and other VIPs chosen by president). Created by Washington, example of an informal amendment to the Constitution based on custom / tradition.
  • Supreme Court
  • The Cabinet
  • Joint Chiefs Of Staff
  • Council Of Economic Advisors
The lifting of government rules & restrictions on business, industry, and professional activities; major goal of Republicans
  • Deregulation
  • Privatization
  • Executive Orders
  • Administrative Discretion
An individual or group being sued by a plaintiff or charged with a crime by a prosecutor.
  • Appellant
  • Defendant
  • Prosecutor
  • Plaintiff
A method to deny blacks right to vote during the Jim Crow Era by requiring reading or civics test in order to vote. Could be selectively applied. Rationale: only the educated should vote. Prohibited by the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
  • Literacy Test
  • White Primary
  • Grandfather Clause
  • Poll Tax
You support my bill, I'll support yours. Trading favors by legislators to help pass their bills.
  • Filibuster
  • Cloture
  • Logrolling
  • Gerrymandering
Right to jury in civil trials.
  • Declaration of Independence
  • Patronage System
  • Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act
  • 7th Amendment
A common method of randomizing poll sample to maximize accuracy.
  • Civil Disobedience
  • Exit Poll
  • Random Digit Dialing
  • Bandwagon Effect
Laws dealing with offenses against society (murder, rape, arson). Prosecuted by the government, violation results in fines or prison sentences
  • 23rd Amendment
  • 17th Amendment
  • Executive Agreement
  • Criminal Law
Replaced the League of Nations after WWII. Global organization to maintain peace and facilitate diplomacy.
  • United Nations
  • Nato
  • North American Free Trade Agreement
  • World Trade Organization
Belief that American democracy is a sham; we really live in a plutocracy. The Constitution was written by rich white men for rich white men.
  • Pluralist Theory
  • Elite Theory
  • Libertarianism
  • Republic
Government should protect "traditional" (Christian) views on marriage, gender roles, & social issues. Oppose gay marriage, legalization of drugs, abortion.
  • Social Conservatism
  • Libertarianism
  • Amicus Curiae Brief
  • Political Ideology
Head of the Justice Department and the chief law enforcement officer of the United States
  • Solicitor General
  • Attorney General
  • Vice President
  • Speaker Of The House
Law giving president power to veto portions of budget bill; purpose = reduce size of national deficit; declared unconstitutional (violates separation of powers)
  • Legislative Veto
  • Line Item Veto
  • Executive Agreement
  • Pocket Veto
When a state legislature or independent commission draws new House district lines (if gain/loss of seats after reapportionment process based on census every ten years)
  • State Government
  • Redistricting Process
  • Party Caucus (historical)
  • The Cabinet
The idea that politicians can only represent people like them (ex. only women can represent women, blacks represent blacks, etc.)
  • Descriptive Representation
  • Gerrymandering
  • Casework
  • Speaker Of The House
False and malicious (mean) writings ("libel") or speech ("slander") about a living person. Not protected speech under 1st Amendment but check out NY Times v. Sullivan (very difficult for "public figures" to prove defamation)
  • 1st Amendment
  • Defamation
  • Prior Restraint
  • Free Press Clause
1990 case declining to extend the constitutional right to privacy to include the right to die (assisted suicide). Three states currently allow assisted suicide. It is a serious crime everywhere else.
  • 10th Amendment
  • Mapp v Ohio
  • Cruzan v. Missouri
  • Lawrence v. Texas (2003)
Party members that vote at the National Convention to select the party candidate for president. Pledged delegates follow the wishes of voters in primaries and caucuses. Unpledged "superdelegates" vote for whoever they want.
  • Electoral College
  • Party Caucus (historical)
  • National Convention Delegates
  • Primary Election
Rich highly educated white male protestant lawyers & businessmen! Women VERY underrepresented! (<17%)
  • Descriptive Representation
  • Congressional Demographics
  • Gerrymandering
  • Voter Turnout
Theory of representation that says that anyone can represent any group (ex. a rich white guy can represent the interests of poor black people). Compare to Descriptive Representation.
  • Substantive Representation
  • Descriptive Representation
  • Divided Government
  • Filibuster
Constitutional system for electing president and vice president. Each state has electors = to number of senators + representatives (DC also has 3 because of 23rd Amendment). Citizens of state vote for candidate. Winner gets all electoral college votes (except Maine & Nebraska which uses proportional system). Winner of majority of electoral college votes becomes president. If no majority then President picked by House from top 3 candidates.
  • Electoral College
  • Political Party
  • Supremacy Clause
  • Supreme Court
Most common state system for allocating electoral college votes (candidate with the most votes wins all of the electoral votes of that state). Used in all but 2 states. Maximizes states' influence in electoral process but completely ignores votes for losing candidates (undemocratic).
  • Electoral Realignment
  • Civil Rights Act of 1964
  • Winner-Take-All System (Electoral College)
  • Formal Amendment Process
A group within a standing committee that specializes in a subcategory of the standing committee's responsibility. (Ex. House Committee on Foreign Affairs has subcommittees on Asia, Europe, Africa, etc.)
  • Standing Committees
  • Select Committees
  • Subcommittees
  • Joint Committees
AKA Spoils System. Filling government bureaucracy based on connections & political favors not merit (cronyism); ended by Pendleton Act (1883)
  • Patronage System
  • Department Of State
  • Department Of Justice
  • Office Of Management And Budget
Person holding office after his or her replacement has been elected to the office, but before the current term has ended. Lame Duck Presidents may find it hard to influence Congress (why work with a guy who is about to leave?)
  • Divided Government
  • Lame Duck
  • Judicial Restraint
  • Bully Pulpit
The jurisdiction of courts to hear appeals from lower trial or appellate courts. Appellate courts determine whether cases were decided correctly by the court below. Circuit courts have mandatory AJ (they have to hear appeals from District Courts). Supreme Court has discretionary AK (they can choose to hear appeals from Circuit Courts and State Supreme Courts).
  • Appellate Jurisdiction
  • Precedent
  • Defendant
  • Stare Decisis
The short period (days or months) following an election when a president's popularity and ability to influence Congress is at its highest.
  • 22nd Amendment
  • War Powers Act
  • Honeymoon Period
  • Descriptive Representation
Plan at Philadelphia Convention for equal representation in new Congress (1 state 1 vote). Also known as "small state plan." Opposite of the Virginia "big state" Plan. Becomes basis of representation in the Senate.
  • Virginia Plan
  • New Jersey Plan
  • Connecticut Compromise
  • Articles Of Confederation
Electoral district with only one representative (single member). The representative is whoever wins a plurality of the votes in a general election (no run-off elections). Senate and House districts are SMPDs. Discourages third parties, leads to two-party system.
  • Faithless elector
  • Single-Member Plurality District (SMPD)
  • Independent executive agencies
  • Congressional Budget Office (cbo)
When policymaking institutions of government (President, Senate, House) are divided among the parties (e.g., Democratic President, Republican Congress). Requires more compromise; can lead to gridlock.
  • Checks And Balances
  • Separation Of Powers
  • Divided Government
  • Federalism
A philosophy of judicial decision-making whereby judges give significant deference to the decisions made by elected representatives in the legislative and executive branches. Restrained judges are uncomfortable declaring laws unconstitutional.
  • Judicial Restraint
  • Judicial Review
  • Judicial Activism
  • Stare Decisis
Negative ad attacking opposing candidate (ex., swift boat veterans, willie horton); proliferating with independent SuperPAC spending (you ain't seen nothin' yet!)
  • Devolution Revolution
  • Super-pac
  • Swing State
  • Attack Ad
A type of poll that attempts to influence opinions secretly using a poll (would you vote for McCain if you knew that he had a black, illegitimate child?)
  • Sampling Error
  • Bandwagon Effect
  • Push Poll
  • Exit Poll
Power of the president to forgive a federal offense without penalty or grant release from a penalty already imposed. Based on kingly power to intervene in judicial process in exceptional cases.
  • Appointment Power
  • Executive Orders
  • Executive Privilege
  • Pardon Power
States cannot deny any person the right to vote because of race. Third of three "Reconstruction Amendments" passed after Civil War. First Voting Rights Amendment (with 19, 24 & 26)
  • Faithless Elector
  • 15th Amendment
  • 4th Amendment
  • Equal Rights Amendment
States must recognize laws & judicial decisions of other states (ex., marriage, child support payments); public policy exception for gay marriage?
  • Commerce clause
  • Supremacy clause
  • 10th amendment
  • Full Faith & Credit Clause
Elector who does not vote for the candidate they promised to vote for. These have never determined outcome of presidential election but is a major problem with electoral college system
  • Faithless Elector
  • Filibuster
  • Electoral College
  • Superdelegates
Family (most important); TV/media (growing in importance); friends/peers; school (formal socialization). How we develop (absorb) opinions & beliefs.
  • Political Ideology
  • Free Press Clause
  • Agents of Socialization
  • Political Party
The right & power to make decisions in a particular area. Federal courts are courts of limited jurisdiction. Before a federal court can hear a case it must establish that it has the power to hear this type of case (primary jurisdiction is to hear cases involving the federal constitution and/or federal law).
  • Precedent
  • Stare Decisis
  • Judicial Review
  • Jurisdiction
Judicial doctrine that applies the Bill of Rights (one right at a time) to state and local governments by incorporating them into the concept of liberty in the 14th Amendment's Due Process Clause (which is binding on the states)
  • Exclusionary Rule
  • Free Exercise Clause
  • Prior Restraint
  • Selective Incorporation Doctrine
Freedom of religion (establishment & free exercise clauses), speech, press, assembly, and petition.
  • 19th Amendment
  • 26th Amendment
  • 1st Amendment
  • 13th Amendment
Laws dealing with private rights of individuals (defamation, breach of contract, negligence). Violation results in damages or injunction.
  • Stare Decisis
  • Prior Restraint
  • Civil Law
  • Bill Of Attainder
Federal block grant to provide cash assistance for poor families ("welfare program"). Each state can design its own program. Replaces Aid to Families With Dependent Children (AFDC) which was a categorical grant.
  • Executive Privilege
  • Class Action Lawsuit
  • Original Jurisdiction
  • Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
Constitutional power of the president - "supreme commander" of the nation's armed forces. Important to keep military under civilian control, leads to conflict with Congress over war power (War Powers Act)
  • Department Of Defense
  • Executive Privilege
  • Commander-in-Chief
  • Speaker Of The House
The power of Congress to oversee how laws are carried out ("watchdog function" to prevent fraud & waste). Carried out through committee hearings & investigations, approprations process (how much are we spending on that program again?), GAO..
  • Congressional Oversight
  • Executive Privilege
  • Senatorial Courtesy
  • Separation Of Powers
Political ideology (litmus test); acceptability to Senate (not too radical); judicial experience; diversity
  • Government Accountability Office
  • Political Ideology
  • Congressional Demographics
  • Judicial Appointment Factors
How the Supreme Court decides whether to hear a case. Requires four or more justices to "grant certiorari" (agree to hear an appeal). Supreme Court agrees to hear <1% of cases.
  • Rule of 6
  • Rule of 4
  • Rule of 1
  • Rule of 8
1992 abortion case that applied new flexible test (instead of rigid trimester framework of Roe v Wade): Does state regulation of abortion place "undue burden" on women's right to an abortion? Court used test to uphold some regulations like waiting periods and parental notification for minors.
  • Roe V. wade (1973)
  • Baker v. carr
  • Planned Parenthood v. Casey
  • 9th amendment
Allows president to veto bad parts of a bill but keep the rest. Like a scalpel. Especially useful for cutting out pork from spending bills. Declared unconstitutional (impermissibly changed the detailed law-making process established in Article I)
  • Executive Privilege
  • Line-Item Veto
  • Legislative Veto
  • Pocket Veto
Practice of congressmen of securing ("appropriating") federal money ("pork") for projects that will benefit their constituents. Major incumbent advantage & source of budget increases
  • Gerrymandering
  • Casework
  • Logrolling
  • Earmarking
Powers not expressly given to federal government by the Constitution are reserved to states or the people. Also known as "reserved powers amendment" or "states' rights amendment"
  • concurrent Powers
  • bill of rights
  • federalism
  • 10th Amendment
Abolishes poll taxes
  • Federalist Papers
  • The New Deal
  • 24th Amendment
  • 5th Amendment
Rule in the House of Representatives that prohibits any amendments to bills or says that only members of the committee reporting the bill may offer amendments
  • Filibuster
  • Closed Rule
  • Cloture
  • Open Rule
Power of Congress to veto executive decisions & actions; declared unconstitutional in INS v. Chadha (1983) (violates separation of powers)
  • Line-item Veto
  • Pocket Veto
  • Legislative Veto
  • Judicial Review
POTUS is the symbolic leader of his party. Acts as party's chief spokesperson to the public & sets party's legislative agenda (bully pulpit)
  • Chief Justice John Robers
  • Joint Chiefs of Staff
  • House and Senate Whips
  • President as Party Leader
"Unpledged Delegates" (usually important party members) at national party convention (about 20% of total delegates) who, unlike "pledged delegates" selected in primaries or caucuses, are not committed to a particular candidate. Used by party leaders to retain some control over candidate selection. Can be important in close races (like Obama vs. Hillary Clinton in 2008)
  • Supreme Court
  • Closed Primary
  • Electoral College
  • Superdelegates
Supreme Court intervenes in battle between President Nixon and Congress (impeachment process). President cannot use executive privilege as an excuse to withhold evidence in impeachment process. Leads to Nixon's resignation.
  • 26th amendment
  • Baker v. Carr
  • U.S. v. Nixon
  • Bush v. Gore
5th Amendment self-incrimination clause requires government agents to warn suspects of their right to remain silent and/or contact an attorney before questioning them when they are in custody. Statements made without Miranda Warning are inadmissible in court (like the exclusionary rule for evidence)
  • Miranda v. Arizona (1866)
  • Miranda v. Arizona (1965)
  • Miranda v. Arizona (1966)
  • Miranda v. Arizona (1971)
Laws that punish individuals or groups without a trial. These laws are always unconstitutional.
  • Writ of Certiorari
  • Habeas Corpus
  • Bill of Attainder
  • Amicus Curiae Brief
Belief that American political system basically works; competing interest groups all get heard at different times and places in government. Federalism helps (more layers of government).
  • Cooperative Federalism
  • Pluralist Theory
  • Elite Theory
  • Republic
System of federalism where federal & state governments help each other perform governmental duties. Also known as marble-cake federalism. E.g., After hurricanes federal and state agencies work together to provide relief. Can cause confusion and/or conflict among among different levels of government. Best explanation of how federalism works today (instead of dual federalism)
  • Dual Federalism
  • Separation Of Powers
  • Cooperative Federalism
  • Concurrent Powers
Separation of powers & checks & balances protects against tyranny
  • Federalist 52
  • Federalist 51
  • Federalist 26
  • Federalist 46
Intermediate federal appellate courts. Cover 13 "circuits" across America. Hear appeals from District Courts in their jurisdiction.
  • Circuit Courts
  • Judicial Review
  • Supreme Court
  • Joint Committees
Detailed budget outline prepared by President & OMB. Sets priorities in discretionary spending & proposes changes to entitlement programs. Start of annual budget process.
  • President's Budget Proposal
  • Office Of Management And Budget
  • Council Of Economic Advisors
  • Open Rule
"Copy-cat" behavior. People often do things just because other people do them. In primary elections, it is when people support the candidate everyone else seems to be supporting (poll leaders). Leads to Primary Frontloading (states want to have the most impact in the primary process)
  • Sampling Error
  • Exit Poll
  • Push Poll
  • Bandwagon Effect
Electioneering and issue advocacy by ordinary & unpaid citizens (the roots of American political system). Examples include Tea Party, youth activism in ObamaCompare with "Astroturf Activism" - fake grassroots efforts (paid for by political interests).
  • Grassroots Activism
  • Lobbying
  • Keynesianism
  • Affirmative Action
The ability of an agency to determine how it will execute (carry out) laws. Major source of independent power for agencies. (Ex. The FDA decides how to determine safety of food & drugs, the U.S. Attorneys decide whether or not to prosecute suspects)
  • Administrative Discretion
  • Constitution
  • Deregulation
  • Judicial Review
Assistance given to individual constituents by congressional members, like helping an elderly person figure out how to get Medicare benefits. Major incumbency advantage.
  • Logrolling
  • Casework
  • Cloture
  • Gerrymandering
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