American Politics + Gov Flashcards
Advise and consent
U.S. Senate provides advice to the president on treaties and key appointments through the mechanism of hearings and approves these items with a vote requiring a two-thirds majority.
American exceptionalism
The idea that America’s development is different from other countries, that its democracy is not quite like other countries.
Bill of Rights
The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which establish such individual rights as freedom of speech and religion.
Bureaucracy
Governmental departments, ministries, agencies, and officials that carry out public policy, ideally in a rational, efficient, impartial, and stable manner
Contract
An agreement, usually written and enforceable by law, between two or more people to do something.
Deliberative function
That part of the legislative process consisting of discussion and debate on issues.
Judicial review
The ability of the U.S. Supreme Court to declare an act of Congress or a state legislature unconstitutional.
Legislative function
Formal responsibility of legislatures to make laws.
Legitimacy
The general acceptance by political actors and citizens that government actions are appropriate and fully accepted.
Media
Agencies of communication such as newspapers, magazines, radio, television, and, more recently, the Internet.
Meritocracy
Members of a bureaucracy who have gained employment and achieved advancement by reason of merit as opposed to patronage or personal favor. Often applies to systems of personnel recruitment in government by civil service examination.
Political party
Organized group that seeks to elect candidates to government office; a “team” that seeks to control government.
Representative function
One of the roles performed by legislative bodies. Legislators represent and look out for the interests of their constituents who elected them to office.
Supervisory function
The legislative responsibility to monitor and oversee the work of the executive and the bureaucracy.
Tort
A wrongful act, injury, or damage (not involving a breach of contract) for which a civil action can be brought.
