AP Gov Vocab Flashcards
Agenda setting
The process of forming the list of matters that policymakers intend to address
Amendment
In revision or change to a bill, law, or constitution
Amicus curiae brief
Friend of the court; interested groups may be invited to file legal briefs supporting or rejecting arguments of the case.
Anti-federalists
Opposed the adoption of the US 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
Appellate jurisdiction
Gives the court authority to hear cases on appeal from the lower courts
Apportionment
Distribution of representatives among the states based on the population of each state
Appropriations
Money granted by Congress or a state legislature for a specific purpose
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
At-large
All the voters of the state or country elect their representative
Bicameral
A legislature divided into two chambers; Congress has the Senate and the House of Representatives
Bill
A law proposed by the legislature
Bills of attainder
Prohibits a person being found guilty of a crime without a trial
Bill of Rights
The first 10 amendments to the Constitution guaranteeing certain rights and liberties to the people
Blanket primary
Voters may vote for candidates of either party
Block Grant
Money given to states for general programs within a broad category
Brief
Legal document submitted to the court setting forth the facts of the case and supporting a particular position
Brief orders
The returning of a case to a lower court because a similar case was recently decided
Brown v. Board of Education
Supreme Court decision that overturned Plessy v. Ferguson; ended legal segregation, said school segregation is unconstitutional
Bureaucracy
A systematic way of organizing a complex and a large administrative structure with responsibility for carrying out the day-to-day tasks of the organization, departments, and agencies of the government
Bureaucratic theory
The hierarchical structure and standardized procedures of government allow bureaucrats to hold the real power over public policy; proposed by Max Weber
Cabinet
Government departments headed by presidential appointees to help establish public policy and operate a specific policy area of governmental activity
Casework
Assistance given to constituents by congressional members, answering questions or doing favors
Categorical grants
Federal grants for specific purposes defined by law
Caucus
Locally held meeting in a state to select delegates who, in turn, will nominate candidates to political offices
Caucus (congressional)
An association of congressional members who advocate a political ideology, religion, ethnic, or economic interest
Certificate
A lower court asks the Supreme Court about a rule of law or procedure
Checks and balances
Each branch of government is subject to restraints by the other two branches
Civil liberties
Constitutional freedoms guaranteed to all citizens
Civil rights
Positive acts of government designed to prevent discrimination and provide equality before the law
Closed primary
Only registered party members may vote
Cloture
Prevents filibustering and ends debate in the Senate, by a 3/5 vote of the Senate
Coattail effect
Weaker or lesser-known candidates from the president’s party profit from the president’s popularity by winning votes
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 my Nordie’s in businesses, schools, colleges and labor
Commerce and slave trade compromise
Resolved differences between Northern and Southern states; Congress could not tax exports nor ban the slave trade for 20 years
Comparable worth
Women should be paid salaries equal to men for equivalent job responsibilities and skills
Concurrent jurisdiction
The authority to hear cases is shared by federal and state courts
Concurrent powers
Powers shared by the federal and state governments
Concurring opinion
Justice or justices who agree with the majority’s opinion but not with the reason behind the decision
Conference committee
A temporary committee to work out a compromise version of the bill that has passed the House of Representatives and Senate in different forms
Congressional Districting
State legislatures draw congressional districts for states with more than one representative
Connecticut (Great) compromise
Settled disputes between the states over the structure of the legislative branch
Conservative
A person whose political views favor more local, limited government, less government regulations, conformity to social norms and values; tough on criminals
Constituency service
Casework, assistance to constituents by congressional members
Constituent
All residents of the state for senators, all residents of the district for House members
Constitution
The document setting forth the laws and principles of the government; a plan of government
Constitutional courts
Federal courts created by the Congress under article 3 of the Constitution, including the district courts, Courts of Appeals, and specialized courts such as the US Court of international trade
Constitutional law
Laws relating to the interpretation of the Constitution
Cooperative federalism
Cooperation among federal, state, and local governments; “marble cake” federalism
Courts of appeals
Federal courts that review decisions of Federal District Courts, regulatory commissions, and other federal courts
Critical election
Sharp changes in the existing patterns of party loyalty due to changing social and economic conditions
Dealigning election
Party loyalty becomes less important to voters, and they vote for the other party candidate or independents
Dealignment
When a significant number of voters choose to no longer support a particular political party
Declaration of Independence
Drafted in 1776 by Thomas Jefferson declaring America’s separation from Great Britain
Deficit
Government spending exceeds revenue
Delegated powers
Powers specifically granted to the national government by the Constitution
Democracy
A system whereby the people rule either directly or by elected representation
Deviating election
Minority party is able to win the support of majority party members, Independents, and new voters
Devolution
An effort to shift responsibility of domestic programs (welfare, healthcare, and job-training) to the states in order to decrease the size and activities of the federal government (first order devolution); some states have attempted to shift responsibilities further to local governments (Second order devolution)
Direct democracy
Citizens meet and make decisions about public policy issues
Direct primary
Party members vote to nominate their candidate for the general election
Discretionary spending
Spending set by the government through appropriations bills, including operating expenses and salaries of government employees
Discrimination
Unfair treatment of a person based on race or group membership
Dissenting opinion
Justice or justices who agree with the majority opinion
District Courts
Lowest level of federal courts, where federal cases begin and trials are held
Divided government
One party controls the executive, and the other party controls one or both houses of Congress
Double Jeopardy
Being tried twice for the same offense
Dual federalism
Federal and state governments each have defined responsibilities within their own sphere of influence; “layer cake” federalism
Elastic clause
The necessary and proper clause, article 1, section 8, clause 18 that allows Congress to pass laws to carry out its powers
Electoral college
Representatives from each state who formally cast ballots for the president and vice president
Electorate
People qualified to vote
Elite theory
A small group of people identified by wealth or political power, who rule in their self interest
Eminent domain
Allows the government to take property for public use but also requires the government to provide just compensation for that property
Entitlement program
Payments made to people meeting eligibility requirements, such as Social Security
Environmental impacts statement
Required studies and reports of likely environmental impacts, filed with the environmental protection agency prior to the beginning of a project
Equal protection clause
Constitutional guarantee that everyone be treated equally
Establishment clause
Prohibits the establishment of a national religion
Exclusionary rule
Rule that evidence required as a result of an illegal act by police cannot be used against the person from whom it was seized
Executive agreement
Agreement with another head of state not requiring approval from the Senate
Executive order
The president directs an agency to carry out policies or existing laws
Executive privilege
The right of the president to withhold information from Congress or refuse to testify; Limited by the Supreme Court in US v. Nixon
Ex post facto law
Laws apply to acts committed before passage of the laws are unconstitutional
Extradition
States may return fugitives to a state from which they have fled to avoid criminal prosecution at the request of the state’s governor
Federal budget
Amount of money the federal government expects to receive and authorizes government to spend for a fiscal (12 month period) year
Federal system
Power is divided between the states and the federal government
Federalism
A division of governmental powers between the national government and the states
Federalist papers
Written by Hamilton, Jay, and Madison to support the ratification of the U.S. Constitution
Federalists
Supported a strong central government and expanded legislative powers
Filibuster
A lengthy speech designed to delay the vote on a bill; used only in the Senate
Fiscal federalism
National government’s use of fiscal policy to influence States through the granting or withholding of appropriations
Fiscal policy
The policies of taxation and spending that compromise the nation’s economic policy
Fiscal year
A 12 month period, October through September, for planning the federal budget
Floor leaders
Direct party strategy and decisions in the house of representatives and senate.
Franking privilege
Privilege that allows members of Congress to mail letters and other materials to constituents postage-free
Free exercise clause
Congress may not make laws restricting or prohibiting a person’s religious practices
Freedom of expression
Freedom of speech or right to petition the government for redress as a First Amendment right
Frontloading
Choosing an early date to hold the primary election
Full faith and credit clause
States are required to recognize the laws and legal documents of other states
Gatekeepers
Media executives, news editors, and prominent reporters who decide what news to present and how it will be presented
General election
Voters choose officeholder from among all the candidates nominated by political parties or running as independents
Gerrymandering
Drawing of congressional districts to favor one political party or group over another
Get-out-the-vote
A campaign near the end of an election to get voters out to the polls
Government
The formal and informal institutions, people, and processes used to create and conduct public policy
Grants-in-aid
Programs, money, and resources provided by the federal government to state and local governments to be used for specific projects and programs
Grassroots
Average voter at the local level
Gridlock
When opposing parties and interests often block each other’s proposals, creating a political stalemate or inaction between the executive and legislative branches of government
Hatch act
Prohibits government employees from engaging in political activities while on duty or running for office or seeking political funding while off duty; if in sensitive positions, may not be involved with political activities on or off duty
Hyperpluralism
Democracy seen as a system of many groups pulling government in many directions at the same time, causing gridlock and ineffectiveness
Ideology
A consistent set of beliefs by groups or individuals
Impeachment
Bringing charges of wrongdoing against a government official by the House of Representatives
Implied powers
Not expressed, but may be considered through the use of the necessary and proper clause
Impoundment
Refusal of the president to spend money Congress has appropriated
Incorporation
Application of portions of the Bill of Rights to the states under the 14th amendment
Incorporation doctrine
The Supreme Court ruling that most guarantees in the Bill of Rights are applicable to the states through the 14th amendment
Incrementalism
Small changes in policy over long periods of time; usually in reference to budget making that the best indicator of this years budget is last year’s budget plus a small increase
Incumbency effect
Tendency of those already holding office to win reelection due to advantages because they already hold of the office
Incumbent
The person currently holding office
Inherent powers
Powers that exist for the national government because the government is sovereign
Initiative
Allows voters to petition to propose legislation and then submit it for vote by qualified voters
Interest group
A group of private citizens whose goal is to influence and shape public policy
Interstate compacts
Agreements between states to work together on common issues
Iron triangle
Alliances that develop between bureaucratic agencies, interest groups, and congressional committees or subcommittees
Issue network
Individuals in Washington- located within interest groups; congressional staff, think tanks, universities, and the media – who regularly discuss and advocate public policies
Joint committee
Committee made up of members of both houses of Congress
Judicial activism
The court should play an active role in determining national policies
Judicial restraint
Holds that the court should avoid taking the initiative on social and political questions, operating strictly within the limits of the Constitution
Judicial review
Authority given reports to review constitutionality of acts by the executive, states, or the legislature; established in Marbury v. Madison
Jurisdiction
The authority of the courts to hear and decide issues in certain cases
Legislative courts
Courts created by Congress for a specialized purpose with a narrow range of authority
Legislative veto
To reject the actions of the president or executive agency by a vote of one or both houses of Congress without the consent of the president; ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in immigration and naturalization service v. Chadha
Lemon test
Standard set by the Supreme Court and lemon v. Kurtzman to measure the constitutionality of state laws in regard to freedom of religion
Liberal
A person whose views favor more government involvement in business, social welfare, minority rights, and increased government spending.
Limited government
Basic principle of US government to that each person has rights that government cannot take away
Line item veto
The president can reject a part of the bill while approving the rest; declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court
Lobbying
Attempting to influence policymakers through a variety of methods
Lobbyist
Uses political persuasion to influence legislation and benefit his or her organization
Logrolling
The exchange of political favors for support of a bill
Loose constructionist
The belief that judges should have freedom in interpreting the Constitution
Maintaining elections
Traditional majority power maintains power based on voters’ party loyalty
Majority Leader
The elected leader of the party with the most seats in the House of Representatives or Senate
Majority-minority districts
Drawing district boundaries to give a minority group a majority
Majority opinion
The majority of justices agree on the decision and the reasons for the decision
Mandates
Requirements imposed by the national government and state and local government to comply with federal rules and regulations
Mandatory spending
Required government spending by permanent laws
Marbury v. Madison
Established the principle of judicial review
Markup
Rewrite of a bill after hearings have been held on it
Mass media
All forms of communication that reach a large portion of the population
McCulloch v. Maryland
Supreme Court decision upholding the supremacy of the national government over the states
Media event
A speech or photo opportunity staged to give a politician’s view on an issue
Miranda V. Arizona
Requires that anyone arrested for a crime be advised of the right to counsel and the right to remain silent
Moderate
Person who’s views are between conservative and liberal and may include some of both ideologies
Monetary policy
Economic policy in which money is controlled through the Federal Reserve
Motor voter law
Allows citizens to register to vote at welfare and motor vehicle offices
National chairperson
Appointed by a committee as head of the party
National debt
Amount of money owed by the government
Natural rights
Basic rights that are guaranteed to all persons; basic rights that a government cannot deny
Necessary and proper clause
Gives Congress the powers to pass all laws necessary to carry out their constitutional duties, found in article 1, section 8, clause 18; also called “elastic clause”
New deal coalition
Alliance of southern conservatives, religious, and ethnic minorities who supported the Democratic Party for 40 years
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
Created to allow the free movement of goods between Canada, Mexico, and the United States by lessening and eliminating tariffs
Off year election
An election taking place in the year when no presidential elections are occurring; Midterm election
Open primary
Voters may choose the candidates of either party, whether they belong to the party or not
Opinion leaders
Those individuals held in great respect because of their position, expertise, or personality, who may informally and unintentionally influence others
Original jurisdiction
Court hears and decides a case for the first time
Oversight
Congress monitors policies of the executive branch
Pardon
A convicted person is exempt from the penalties of a crime
Plessy v. Ferguson
The Supreme Court case that upheld separate but equal segregation in 1896
Pluralist theory
Interest groups compete in the political arena with each promoting its own policy preferences through organized efforts
Policy adoption
The approval of a policy by legislation
Policy evaluation
Determines if a policy is achieving its goals
Policy formulation
The crafting of a policy to resolve public problems
Policy implementation
Carrying out a policy through government agencies and courts
Political action committee (PAC)
Extension of an interest group that contributes money to political campaigns
Political agenda
Issues that merit action, as determined by the public or those in power
Political culture
A set of basic values and beliefs about one’s country or government that is shared by most citizens and that influences political opinions and behaviors
Political efficacy
Belief that a person can influence politics and public policy making
Political ideology
A consistent set of beliefs about politics and public policy that sets the framework for evaluating government and public policy
Political party
Voluntary association of people who seek to control the government through common principles, based on peaceful and legal actions such as the winning of elections
Political socialization
Complex process by which people get their sense of political identity, beliefs, and values
Politics
Method of maintaining, managing, and gaining control of government
Popular sovereignty
Basic principle of US government which holds that the people are the source of all governmental power
Porkbarrel legislation
Legislation giving benefits to constituents through sometimes unnecessary or unwise projects within a state or district, to enhance a member’s chance of reelection
Precedents
Standards or guides based on prior decisions that serve as a rule for settling similar disputes
Presidential preference primaries
Voters elect delegates to the presidential nominating convention
President pro tempore
Serves as president of the Senate in the absence of the vice president; chosen by the majority party
Primary election
Nominating election held to choose party candidate who will run in the general election
Prior restraint
Censorship of information before it is published or broadcast
Privileges and immunities clause
States are prohibited from unreasonably discriminating against residents of other states
Procedural due process
Method of government action, or how the law is carried out according to established rules and procedures
Public opinion
A collection of shared attitudes of citizens about government, politics, and the making of public policy
Public-policy
The exercise of government power and doing those things necessary to maintain legitimate authority and control over society
Pure speech
Verbal communication of ideas and opinions
Radical
Ideological view that favors rapid fundamental change in the existing social, economic, or political order
Ratification
Method of enacting a constitution or amendment into law
Reactionary
Ideological view that favors a return to a previous state of affairs
Realigning elections
When a minority party wins by building a new coalition of voters that continues over successive elections
Realignment
A shift of voting patterns to form new coalitions of party support
Reapportionment
Redistribution of the congressional seats among the states after the census determines changes in population distribution
Recall
Special election initiated by petition to allow citizens to remove an official from office before his or her term expires
Referendum
Procedure whereby the state submits legislation to its voters for approval, allowing citizens to vote directly on issues
Representative democracy
Citizens choose officials (representatives) who make decisions about public policy
Reserved powers
Powers belonging specifically to the states and the people because they were not delegated to the national government nor denied to the states
Revenue-sharing
Giving money back to state and local government with no strings attached
Rider
An addition or amendment added to a bill that often has no relation to the bill but that may not pass on its own merits
Rule of four
Requirement that a case can only be heard by the Supreme Court if four justices vote to hear the case
Rules committee
Determines the rules of debate for bills in the House of Representatives
Runoff primary
When no candidate receives a majority of votes, an election held between the two candidates who received the most votes in the primary
Sampling
Using a representative cross-section of the general population chosen at random in the polling process
Sampling errors
Percentage of possible errors in the polling process
Select committee
Committee selected for a specific purpose
Self-incrimination
Accusing oneself or giving evidence that may prove oneself guilty
Senatorial courtesy
The practice of allowing senators from the president’s party who represent the state where a judicial district is located, to prove or disapprove potential nominees for the lower federal courts
Seniority system
System in which the chairmanship of the committee is given to the membership with the longest continuous service
Separation of powers
Practice by which power is separated among three branches of government; each branch has its own powers and duties and is independent of and equal to the other branches
Single-member districts
Only one representative is chosen from each district
Social contract
A voluntary agreement between the government and the governed
Social insurance programs
Programs to help the elderly, ill, and unemployed if the claimant has paid into them
Social welfare program
Government program to enhance quality of life
Soft money
Money distributed from the national political party organization that was not regulated by law; restricted by the bipartisan campaign finance reform act of 2002
Soundbite
A brief statement on TV or radio
Speaker of the house
Leading officer in the House of Representatives; chosen by the majority party
Speech plus
Verbal and symbolic speech used together
Split ticket voting
Voting for candidates from more than one party in the same election
Standing committee
Permanent committee
Stare decisis
Let the decision stand; decisions are based on precedents from previous cases
Straight ticket voting
Voting for candidates all of the same party
Straw poll
Early form of polling that asks the same question of a large number of people
Strict constructionist
The view that justices should base decisions on a narrow interpretation of the Constitution
Substantive due process
The policies of government or the particular subject matter of the laws determining what the law is about and whether the law is fair or if it violates constitutional protections
Suffrage
The right to vote
Superdelegates
Party officials in the Democratic Party who attend the national convention without having to run in primaries or caucuses
Super Tuesday
Day when most southern states hold presidential primaries
Supremacy clause
National law supersedes all other laws passed by states; found in article 6 of the Constitution
Symbolic speech
Using actions and symbols rather than words to convey an idea
Three-fifths compromise
Agreement that each slave counted as 3/5 of a person in determining representation in the House of Representatives for taxation
Traditional Democratic theory
Government depends upon the consent of the governed
Trial balloon
Test the public reaction to policy or appointments by releasing information to the media and gauging public reaction
Trustee
After listening to constituents, elected representatives vote based on their own opinions
Two-party system
Several political parties exists, but only two major political parties compete for power and dominate elections
Unfunded mandates
Requires states to enforce legislation without the funding necessary
Virginia plan
Madison’s plan for a bicameral legislature, with the executive and judiciary chosen by the legislature
War Powers act
Limits the ability of the president to commit troops to combat
Watergate
Break in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate building in 1972 that resulted in a cover-up and the subsequent resignation of President Nixon
Writ of certiorari
Order by the court directing a lower court to send up the records of a case for review
Writ of habeus corpus
Requires a judge to evaluate whether there is sufficient cause to keep a person in jail
