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AP Government & Politics > AP Government and Politics - Complete Flashcard Set > Flashcards

AP Government and Politics - Complete Flashcard Set

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1
Q

politics

A

the process of influencing the actions and policies of government

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2
Q

government

A

the rules and institutions that make up that system of policymaking

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3
Q

social contract

A

people allow their governments to rule over them to ensure an orderly and functioning society

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4
Q

natural rights

A

the right to life, liberty, and property, which government cannot take away

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5
Q

democracy

A

a system of government where power is held by the people

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6
Q

American political culture

A

the set of beliefs, customs, traditions, and values that Americans share

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7
Q

popular sovereignty

A

the idea that the government’s right to rule comes from the people

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8
Q

republicanism

A

a system in which the government’s authority to rule comes from the people

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9
Q

inalienable rights

A

rights the government cannot take away

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10
Q

liberty

A

social, political, and economic freedoms

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11
Q

participatory democracy

A

a theory that widespread political participation is essential for democratic government

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12
Q

civil society groups

A

independent associations outside the government’s control

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13
Q

pluralist theory

A

a theory of democracy that emphasizes the role of groups in the policymaking process

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14
Q

elitist theory

A

a theory of democracy that the elites have a disproportionate amount of influence in the policymaking process

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15
Q

political institutions

A

the structure of government, including the executive, legislature, and judiciary

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16
Q

constitutional republic

A

a democratic system with elected representatives in which the Constitution is the supreme law

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17
Q

constitution

A

a document that sets out the fundamental principles of governance and establishes the institutions of government

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18
Q

republic

A

a government ruled by the representatives of the people

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19
Q

Shays’s Rebellion

A

a popular uprising against the government of Massachuettes

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20
Q

unicameral

A

a one house legislature

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21
Q

Constitutional Convention

A

a meeting attended by state delegates in 1787 to fix the Articles of Confederation

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22
Q

writ of habeas corpus

A

the right of the people detained by the government to know the charges against them

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23
Q

bills of attainder

A

when the legislature declares someone guilty without a trial

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24
Q

ex post facto laws

A

laws punishing people for acts that were not crimes at the time they were committed

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25
Q

Virginia Plan

A

a plan of government calling for a three-branch government with a bicameral legislature, where more populous states would have more representation in Congress

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26
Q

New Jersey Plan

A

a plan for government that provided for a unicameral legislature with equal votes for each states

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27
Q

Grand Committee

A

a committee at the Constitutional Convention that worked out the compromise on representation

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28
Q

Great (Connecticut) Compromise

A

an agreement for a plan of government that drew upon both the Virginia and New Jersey Plans; it settled issues of state representation by calling for a bicameral legislature with a House of Representatives apportioned proportionately and a Senate apportioned equally

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29
Q

bicameral

A

a two house legislature

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30
Q

Three-Fifths Compromise

A

an agreement reached by delegates at the Constitutional Convention that a slave would count as three-fifths of a person in calculating state representation

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31
Q

Compromise on Importation

A

Congress could not restrict the slave trade until 1808

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32
Q

seperation of powers

A

a design of government that distributes powers across institutions in order to avoid making one branch too power on its own

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33
Q

checks and balances

A

a design of government in which each branch has powers that can prevent the other branches from making policy

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34
Q

federalism

A

the sharing of power between the national government and the states

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35
Q

legislative branch

A

the institution responsible for making laws

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36
Q

expressed/enumerated powers

A

authority specifically granted to a branch of the government in the Constitution

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37
Q

necessary and proper clause (elastic clause)

A

language in Article I, Section 8, granting Congress the powers necessary to carry out its enumerated powers

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38
Q

implied powers

A

authority of the federal government that goes beyond its expressed powers

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39
Q

executive branch

A

the institution responsible for carrying out laws passed by the legislative branch

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40
Q

judicial branch

A

the institution responsible for hearing and deciding cases through the federal courts

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41
Q

supremacy clause

A

constitutional provision declaring that the Constitution and all national laws and treaties are the supreme law of the land

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42
Q

amendment

A

the process by which changes may be made to the Constitution

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43
Q

Federalists

A

supporters of the proposed Constitution, who called for a strong national government

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44
Q

Antifederalist

A

those opposed to the proposed Constitution, who favored stronger state governments

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45
Q

Federalist Papers

A

a series of 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay and published between 1787-77 that lay out the theory behind the Constitution

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46
Q

Federalist 51

A

An essay in which Madison argues that the separation of powers and federalism will prevent tyranny

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47
Q

faction

A

a group of self interested people who use the government to get what they want, trampling the rights of others in the process

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48
Q

Federalist 10

A

an essay in which Madison argues that the dangers of factions can be mitigated by a large republic and republican government

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49
Q

Brutus 1

A

An Antifederalist paper arguing that the country was too large to be governed as a republic, and that the Constitution gave too much power to the national government

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50
Q

federalism

A

A system that divides power between the national and state governments

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51
Q

unitary system

A

a system where the central government has all of the power over subnational governments

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52
Q

confederal system

A

a system where the subnational governments have most of the power

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53
Q

federal system

A

a system where power is divided between national and state governments

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54
Q

exclusive powers

A

powers only the national government can exercise

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55
Q

implied powers

A

powers not granted specifically to the national government but considered necessary to carry out the enumerated powers

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56
Q

Tenth Amendment

A

reserves powers not delegated to the national government to the states and the people; the basis of federalism

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57
Q

reserved powers

A

powers not given to the national government, which are retained by the states and the people

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58
Q

concurrent powers

A

powers granted to both states and the federal government in the Constitution

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59
Q

full faith and credit clause

A

constitutional clause requiring states to recognize the public acts, records, and civil courts proceedings from another state

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60
Q

Extradition

A

the requirement that officials in one state return a defendant to another state where a crime was committed

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61
Q

privileges and immunities clause

A

constitutional clause that prevents states from discriminating against people from out of state

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62
Q

Thirteenth Amendment

A

constitutional amendment that outlaws slavery

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63
Q

Fourteenth Amendment

A

constitutional amendment that provides that persons born in the United States are citizens and prohibits states from denying persons due process or equal protection under the law

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64
Q

Fifteenth Amendment

A

constitutional amendment that gave African American males the right to vote

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65
Q

dual federalism

A

a form of American federalism in which the states and the nation operate independently in their own areas of public policy

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66
Q

selective incorporation

A

the process through which the Supreme Court applies fundamental rights in the Bill of Rights to the states on a case-by-case basis

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67
Q

cooperative federalism

A

a form of American federalism in which the states and the national government work together to shape public policy

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68
Q

absentee ballots

A

voting completed and submitted by a voter before the day of an election

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69
Q

affirmative action

A

a policy designed to address the consequences of previous discrimination by providing special consideration to individuals based upon their characteristics, such as race or gender

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70
Q

agency capture

A

when agencies tasked with regulating businesses, industries, or other interest groups are populated by individuals with close ties to the very firms they are supposed to regulate

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71
Q

agenda setting

A

the media’s ability to highlight certain issues and bring them to the attention of the public

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72
Q

aggregating

A

a process through which internet and other news providers relay the news as reported by journalists and other sources

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73
Q

amendment

A

a constitutional provision for a process by which changes may be made to the Constitution

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74
Q

the American dream

A

the idea that individuals should be able to achieve prosperity through hard work, sacrifice, and their own talents

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75
Q

amicus curiae brief

A

a brief filed by someone who is not a party to a case in an attempt to persuade the court to agree with the arguments set forth in the brief

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76
Q

appellate jurisdiction

A

the authority of the court to hear and review decisions made by lower courts in that system

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77
Q

appropriation

A

the process through which congressional committees allocate funds to executive branch agencies, bureaus, and departments

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78
Q

Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union

A

a governing document that created a union of thirteen sovereign states in which the states, not the union, were supreme

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79
Q

bail

A

an amount of money posed as a security to allow the charged individual to be freed while awaiting trial

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80
Q

bargaining and persuasion

A

an informal tool used by the president to persuade members of Congress to support his/her policy initatives

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81
Q

battleground states

A

a state where the polls show a close contest between the Republican and Democratic candidate in a presidential election

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82
Q

benchmark poll

A

a survey taken at the beginning of a political campaign in order to gauge support for a candidate and determine which issues are imortant to voeters

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83
Q

Bill of Rights

A

a list of fundamental rights and freedoms that individuals possess. The first ten amendments to the Constitution are referred to as the Bill of Rights.

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84
Q

bipartisanship

A

an agreement between the parties to work together in Congress to pass legislation

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85
Q

block grant

A

a type of grant in aid that gives state officials more authority in the disbursement of federal funds

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86
Q

broadcast media

A

outlets for news and other content that rely on mass communications technology to bring stories directly to people’s houses

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87
Q

budget deficit

A

the different when a government takes in less money than it spends

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88
Q

budget surplus

A

the amount of money remaining when the government takes in more money than it spends

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89
Q

bully pulpit

A

presidential appeals to the public to presissue other branches of government to support his/her policies

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90
Q

bureaucrat

A

an official employed within a government bureaucracy

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91
Q

bureaucratic adjudication

A

when the federal bureaucracy settles disputes between parties that arise over the implementation of federal laws or determines which individuals or groups are covered under a regulation or program

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92
Q

bureaucratic discretion

A

the power to decide how.a law is implemented and, at times, what Congress actually meant when is passed a given law

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93
Q

business cycle

A

the fluctuation of economic activity around. along-term trend, with periods of expansion and contraction

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94
Q

candidate-centered campaign

A

a trend in which candidates develop their own strategies and raise money with less influence from the party elite

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95
Q

capitalist system

A

a way of structuring economic activity in which private firms are allowed to make most or all of the decisions involving the production and distribution of goods and services

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96
Q

categorical grants

A

grants in aid provided to states with specific provisions on their use

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97
Q

caucus

A

a process through which a state’s eligible voters meet to select delegates to represent their preferences in the nomination process

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98
Q

certioari

A

the process through which most cases reach the Supreme Court; after four justices concur that the Court should hear the case, a writ of certiorari is issued to lower court to request the relevant case records

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99
Q

civil disobedience

A

the intentional refusal to obey a law to call attention to its injustice

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100
Q

civil law

A

a category of law covering cases involving private rights and relationships between individuals and groups

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101
Q

civil liberties

A

fundamental rights and freedoms protected from infringement and government

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102
Q

civil rights

A

protections from discrimination as a member of a particular group

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103
Q

Civil Rights Act of 1964

A

legislation outlawing racial segregation in schools and public places and authorizing the attorney general to sue individual school districts that failed to desegregate

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104
Q

civil society group

A

an independent association outside the government’s control

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105
Q

clear and present danger test

A

legal standard that speech posing an immediate and serious threat to national security is not protected by the First Amendment

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106
Q

closed primary

A

a primary election in which only those who have registered as a member of a political party may vote

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107
Q

cloture

A

procedure through which senators can end debate on a bill and proceed to action, provided three-fifths of senators agree to it

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108
Q

collective action

A

political action that occurs when individuals contribute their energy, time, or money to a larger group goal

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109
Q

collective good

A

also called a public good; a public benefit that individuals can enjoy or profit from even if they do not help to achieve it

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110
Q

command and control economy

A

economic policy in which government dictates much of a nation’s economic activity, including the amount of production and prices for goods

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111
Q

commitee chair

A

leader of a congressional committee who has the authority over the committee’s agenda

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112
Q

Committee of the Whole

A

consists of all members of the House and meets in the House chamber but is governed by different rules, making it easier to consider complex and controversial legislation

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113
Q

concurring opinion

A

an opinion that agrees with the majority decision, offering different or additional reasoning that does not serve as precedent

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114
Q

Congressional Budget Office (CBO)

A

the federal agency tasked with producing independent analyses of budgetary and economic issues to support the congressional budget process

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115
Q

conservatism

A

an ideology favoring more regulation of social behavior and less government interference in the economy

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116
Q

constituency

A

a body of voters in a given area who elect a representative or senator

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117
Q

consumer price index

A

a basket of fixed goods and services over time, used to measure the cost of living

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118
Q

criminal law

A

a category of law covering the actions determined to harmed the community

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119
Q

critical election

A

a major national election that signals a change in the balance of power between the two parties

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120
Q

de facto segregation

A

a separation of individuals based on characteristics that arise not by law but because of other factors, such as residential housing

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121
Q

defendant

A

a person or group against whom a case is brought

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122
Q

de jure segregation

A

the separation of individuals based on their characteristics, such as race, intentionally and by the law

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123
Q

delegate

A

a person who acts as the voters’ representative at a convention to select the party’s nominee

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124
Q

delegate role

A

the idea that the main duty of a member of Congress is to carry out constituent wishes

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125
Q

demographic characteristics

A

measurable characteristics of a population, such as economic status, race, gender, and ethnicity

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126
Q

demographics

A

the grouping of individuals based on shared characteristics

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127
Q

deregulation

A

the reduction or elimination of government power in a particular industry, usually to create more competition within the industry

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128
Q

descriptive representation

A

the degree to which a body of representatives in a legislature does or does not reflect the diversity of that nation’s identities and lived experiences

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129
Q

devolution

A

returning more authority to state or local governments

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130
Q

digital divide

A

divisions in society that are driven by access to and knowledge about technologies; these gaps often fall along the lines of partisanship, class, race, and ethnicity

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131
Q

direct democracy

A

a political system in which citizens vote directly on public policies

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132
Q

discharge petition

A

a motion filed by a member of the Congress to move a bill out of committee and onto the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote

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133
Q

discretionary spending

A

spending for programs and policies at the discretion of Congress and the president

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134
Q

dissenting opinion

A

an opinion that disagrees with the majority opinion and does not serve as precedent

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135
Q

divided government

A

a situation that occurs when control of the presidency and one or both of the chambers of Congress is split between the two major parties

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136
Q

double jeopardy

A

protects an individual acquitted of a crime from being charged with the same crime in the same jurisdiction

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137
Q

due process clause

A

the clause in the Fourteenth Amendment that restricts state governments from denying their citizens life, liberty, or property without legal safeguards

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138
Q

earmark

A

an addition to a piece of legislation that directs specific funds to projects with districts or state

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139
Q

economic interest groups

A

a group advocating on behalf of the financial interests of members

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140
Q

economic policy

A

the efforts of governments to regulate and support the economy to protect and expand citizens’ financial well. being and economic prospects and to support businesses in the global financial system

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141
Q

economic recession

A

a period of decline in economic activity, typically defined by two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth

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142
Q

economy

A

the systems and organizations through which a society produces and distributes goods and services

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143
Q

Electoral College

A

a constitutionally required process for selecting the president through slates of electors chosen in each state, who are pledges to vote for a nominee in the presidental election

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144
Q

elite

A

a small number of individuals who tend to have well informed and well reasoned opinion

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145
Q

entitlement program

A

a program that provides benefits for those who qualify under the law, regardless of income

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146
Q

entrance survey

A

a poll conducted of people coming to an event

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147
Q

equal protection clause

A

clause of the Fourteenth Amendment that requires the states to treat all citizens alive with regard to application of the laws

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148
Q

Equal Rights Amendment

A

a proposed but not ratified amendment to the Constitution that sought to guarantee equality on the basis of sex

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149
Q

era of divided government

A

a trend since 1969, in which one party controls one or both houses of Congress and the president is from the opposite party

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150
Q

establishment clause

A

First Amendment protection against the government requiring citizens to support a religion

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151
Q

exclusionary rule

A

a rule that evidence obtained without a warrant is inadmissable in court

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152
Q

executive agreement

A

an agreement between a president and another nation that does not have the same durability in the American system as a treaty but does not require Senate ratification

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153
Q

executive branch

A

the institution responsible for carrying out laws passed by the legislative branch

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154
Q

Executive Office of the President

A

a collection of offices within the White House organization designed mainly to provide information to the president

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155
Q

executive order

A

policy directives issued by presidents that do not require congressional approval

156
Q

executive privilege

A

a right claimed by presidents to keep certain conversations, records, and transcripts confidential from outside scrutiny, especially that of Congress

157
Q

exit poll

A

a survey conducted outside a polling place in which individuals are asked who or what they just voted for anw hy

158
Q

federal bureaucracy

A

the departments and agencies within the executive branch that carry out the laws of the nation

159
Q

federal civil service

A

the merit based bureaucracy, excluding the armed forces and political appointments

160
Q

federal courts of appeals

A

the middle level of the federal judiciary; these courts review and hear appeals from the federal district courts

161
Q

federal district courts

A

the lowest level of the federal judiciary, these courts usually have original jurisdiction in cases that start at the federal level

162
Q

Federalist 10

A

An essay in which Madison argues that the dangers of faction can be mitigated by a large republic and republican government

163
Q

Federalist 78

A

An argument by Hamilton that the federal judiciary would be unlikely to infringe upon rights and liberties but would serve as a check on the other two branches

164
Q

federal judiciary

A

the branch of the federal government that interprets the laws of the nation

165
Q

Federal Reserve System

A

a board of governors, Federal Reserve Banks, and member banks responsible for monetary policy

166
Q

federal system

A

a system where the power is divided between the national and state governments

167
Q

filibuster

A

a tactic through which an individual senator. may use the right of unlimited debate to delay a motion or postpone action on a piece of legislation

168
Q

fiscal federalism

A

the federal government’s use of grants in aid to influence policies in the states

169
Q

fiscal policy

A

government use of taxes and spending to attempt to lower unemployment, support economic activity, and stabilize the economy

170
Q

focus group

A

a small group of individuals assembled for a conversation about specific issues

171
Q

franchise/suffrage

A

the right to vote in political elections

172
Q

freedom of expression

A

a fundamental right affirmed in the First Amendment to speak, publish, and protest

173
Q

free exercise clause

A

First Amendment protection of the rights of individuals to exercise and express their religious beliefs

174
Q

free rider

A

Individual who enjoys collective goods and benefits from the actions of an interest group without joining

175
Q

front loading

A

a decision by a state to push its primary or caucus to a date as early in the election season as possible to gain more influence in the presidential nomination process

176
Q

gender gap

A

a term that refers to the fact that American women are more likely to identify with and vote for Democratic Party candidates than men, who are more likely to vote for Republican Party Candidates

177
Q

generational effect

A

the impact of historical events experienced by a generation on their political views

178
Q

gerrymandering

A

the intention use of redistricting to benefit a specific interest group or group of voters

179
Q

GOTV

A

efforts to mobilize voters

180
Q

globalization

A

the increasing interconnectedness of people, businesses, and countries throughout the world

181
Q

going public

A

a tactic through which presidents reach out directly to the American people with the hope that the people will, in turn, put pressure upon their representatives and senators to press for a president’s policy goals

182
Q

government interest group

A

organization acting on behalf of local, state, or foreign governments

183
Q

Grand Committee

A

committee at the Constitutional Convention that worked out the compromise on representation

184
Q

grand jury

A

a group of citizens who, based on the evidence presented to them, decide whether or not a person should be indicated and subsequently tried in a court of law

185
Q

grants in aid

A

federal money provided to states to implement public policy initatives

186
Q

grassroots lobbying

A

mobilizing interest groups members to pressure their representatives by contacting them directly through phone calls, email, and social media

187
Q

gridlock

A

a slowdown or halt in Congress’s ability to legislate and overcome divisions, especially those based on partisanship

188
Q

hold

A

a delay placed on legislation by a senator who objects to a bill

189
Q

horse race journalism

A

coverage of political campaigns that focuses more on the drama of the campaign than n policy issues

190
Q

House majority leader

A

the person who is the second in command of the House of Representatives

191
Q

House Rules Committee

A

a powerful committee that determines when a bill will be subject to debate and vote on the House floor, how long the debate will last, and whether amendments will be allowed on the floor

192
Q

implementation

A

the bureaucracy’s role in putting into action the laws that Congress has passed

193
Q

implied powers

A

authority of federal government that goes beyond its expressed powers; powers not granted specifically to the national government byt considered necessary to carry out the enumerated powers

194
Q

inalienable rights

A

rights the government cannot take away

195
Q

incumbency advantage

A

institutional advantages held by those already in office who are trying to fend off challengers in an election

196
Q

incumbent

A

a political official who is currently in office

197
Q

independent executive agency

A

agency otherwise similar to cabinet departments but existing outside of the cabinet structure and usually having a narrower focus of mission

198
Q

independent regulatory agency

A

organization that exists outside of the major cabinet departments and whose job it is to monitor and regulate specific sectors of the economy

199
Q

individualism

A

the belief that individuals should be responsible for themselves and for the decisions they make

200
Q

informal powers

A

powers not laid out in the Constitution but used to carry out presidential duties

201
Q

interest group

A

voluntary association of people who come together with the goal of getting the policy that they favor enacted

202
Q

investigative journalism

A

an approach to newsgathering in which reporters dig into stories, often looking for instances of wrongdoing

203
Q

iron triangle

A

coordinated and mutually beneficial activities of the bureaucracy, Congress, and interest groups to achieve shared policy goals

204
Q

issue network

A

webs of influence between interest groups, policymakers, and policy advocates

205
Q

judicial activism

A

a philosophy of constitutional interpretation that justices should wield the power of judicial review, sometimes creating bold new policies

206
Q

judicial branch

A

the institution responsible for hearing and deciding cases through federal cases

207
Q

judicial restraint

A

a philosophy of constitutional interpretation that asserts justices should be cautious in overturning laws

208
Q

judicial review

A

authority of the Supreme Court to strike down a law or executive action if it conflicts with the Constitution

209
Q

free enterprise

A

an economic system in which government intrudes as little as possible in the transactions among citizens and. businesses

210
Q

lame duck period

A

period at the end of a presidential term when Congress may block presidential initiatives and nominees

211
Q

legal segregation

A

the separation by law of individuals based on their race

212
Q

legislative branch

A

the institution responsible for making laws

213
Q

libel

A

an untrue written statement that injures a person’s reputation

214
Q

liberalism

A

an ideology favoring less government control over social behavior and greater regulation of the economy

215
Q

libertarianism

A

an ideology favoring very little government intervention beyond protecting private property and individual liberty

216
Q

liberty

A

social, political, and economic freedoms

217
Q

life-cycle effect

A

the impact of a person’s age and state in life on his or her political views

218
Q

linkage institutions

A

channels that connect individuals with government, including elections, political parties, interest groups, and the media

219
Q

lobbying

A

interacting with the government officials in order to advance a group’s public policy goals

220
Q

logrolling

A

trading of votes on legislation by members of Congress to get their earmarks passed into legislation

221
Q

majority-minority district

A

a district in which voters of a minority ethnicity constitute an electoral majority within that electoral district

222
Q

majority opinion

A

binding SCOTUS opinions, which serve as precedent for future cases

223
Q

majority party leader

A

the head of the party with the most seats in Congress, chosen by the party’s members

224
Q

malappoprtionment

A

the uneven distribution of the population between legislative districts

225
Q

mandatory spending

A

spending required by existing laws that is locked in the budget

226
Q

Marbury v. Madison

A

A SCOTUS decision that established judicial review over federal laws

227
Q

markup

A

a process during which a bill is revised prior to a final vote in Congress

228
Q

mass media

A

sources of information that appeal to a wide audience, including newspapers, radio, television, and Internet outlets

229
Q

mass survey

A

a survey designed to measure the opinions of the population, usually consisting of 1,500 responses

230
Q

media consolidation

A

the concentration of ownership of the media into fewer corporations

231
Q

media effects

A

the power of the news media in shaping individuals’ political knowledge, preferences, and political behavior

232
Q

Medicaid

A

a federal program that provides health care for the poor

233
Q

Medicare

A

a federal program that provides health insurance to seniors and the disabled

234
Q

merit system

A

a system of hiring and promotion based on competitive testing results, education, and other qualifications rather than politics and personal connections

235
Q

minority leader

A

the head of the party with the second highest number of seats in Congress, chosen by the party’s members

236
Q

Miranda rights

A

the right to remain silent and to have an attorney present during questioning, these rights must be given by police to individuals suspected of criminal activity

237
Q

mixed economy

A

economic policy in which many economic decisions are left to individuals and businesses with the federal government regulating economic activity

238
Q

monetary policy

A

a set of economic policy tools designed to regulate the amount of money in the economy

239
Q

motor voter law

A

a law allowing Americans to register to vote when applying for or renewing their driver’s license and making it easier for Americans with disabilities to register to vote

240
Q

national convention

A

a meeting where delegates officially select their party’s nominee for the presidency

241
Q

national debt

A

the total amount of money owed by the federal government

242
Q

natural rights

A

the right to life, liberty, and property, which government cannot take away

243
Q

need based assistance

A

social welfare programs whose benefits are allocated to individuals demonstrating specific needs

244
Q

net neutrality

A

a Federal Communications Commission rule that required internet service providers to treat all data and content providers equally and not discriminate based upon content or bandwidth demands

245
Q

New Jersey Plan

A

a plan of government that provided for a unicameral legislature with equal votes for each state

246
Q

news media

A

a broad term that includes newspapers, magazines, radio, television, internet sources, blogs, and social media posts

247
Q

nomination

A

the formal process through which parties choose their candidates for office

248
Q

obscenity and pornography

A

words, images, videos that depict sexual activity in an offensive manner that lack artistic merit

249
Q

Office of Management and Budget

A

the executive branch office that assists the president in setting national spending priorities

250
Q

open primary

A

a primary election in which all eligible voters may vote

251
Q

oral argument

A

presentation made by plaintiffs before the Supreme Court

252
Q

original jurisdiction

A

the authority of a court to act as the first court to hear a case, which includes the finding of facts in the case

253
Q

outsourcing

A

when a company moves its business to a place where labor costs are cheaper or production is more efficient because workers work longer hours

254
Q

oversight

A

efforts by Congress to ensure that all executive branch agencies, bureaus, and cabinet departments, as well as their officials, are acting legally and in accordance with congressional goals

255
Q

participatory democracy

A

the theory that widespread political participation is essential for democratic government

256
Q

partisan bias

A

the slanding of political news coverage in support of a particular political party or ideology

257
Q

partisan gerrymandering

A

drawing of district boundaries into strange shapes to benefit a political party

258
Q

party coalition

A

interest groups and like minded voters who support a political party over time

259
Q

party era

A

time period when one party wins most national elections

260
Q

party identification

A

an individual’s attachment to a political party

261
Q

party ideology

A

a party’s philosophy about the proper role of government and its consistent set of positions on major issues

262
Q

party line voting

A

voting for candidates who belong only to one political party for all of the offices on the ballot

263
Q

party platform

A

a set of positions and policy objectives that members of a political party agree to

264
Q

party system

A

the number of stable parties that exist at a particular time

265
Q

Pendleton Act

A

an act of Congress that created the first United States Civil Service Commission to draw up and enforce rules on hiring, promotion, and tenure of office within the civil service. Also known as Civil Service Reform Act of 1883.

266
Q

plaintiff

A

a person or group who brings a case to court

267
Q

plea bargaining

A

a legal process in which the defendant agrees to an outcome before the handing out of a verdict

268
Q

Plessy v Ferguson

A

a SCOTUS case in 1896 that upheld legal racial segregation

269
Q

pluralism

A

a theory of governmental influence that views the distribution of political power among many competing groups as serving to keep any one of them in check

270
Q

pluralist theory

A

a theory of democracy that emphasizes the role of groups in the policymaking process

271
Q

plurality

A

when a candidate receives more votes than any other candidate

272
Q

pocket veto

A

an informal veto caused when the president chooses not to sign a bill within ten days, during a time when Congress has adjourned at the end of session

273
Q

polarization

A

a sharp ideology distance betwen political parties

274
Q

police powers

A

a category of reserved powers that includes protection of people’s heath, safety, and welfare

275
Q

policy agenda

A

the set of issues to which government officials, voters, and the public are paying attention

276
Q

PAC

A

an organization that raises money for candidates and campaigns

277
Q

political culture

A

the shared set of beliefs, customs, traditions, and values that define the relationship between citizens and gov’t

278
Q

political efficacy

A

a person’s belief that he/she can make effective political change

279
Q

political ideology

A

an individual’s coherent set of beliefs about government and politics

280
Q

political institutions

A

the structure of government, including the executive, legislature, and judiciary

281
Q

political mobilization

A

efforts by political parties to encourage their members to vote

282
Q

political participation

A

the different ways in which individuals take action to shape the laws and politics of government

283
Q

political party

A

an organized group of party leaders, officeholders, and voters who work together to elect candidates to political office

284
Q

political patronage

A

filling administrative positions as a reward for support, rather than solely on merit

285
Q

political science

A

the systematic study of the ways in which ideas, individuals, and institutions shape political outcomes

286
Q

political socialization

A

the experiences and factors that shape our political values, attitudes, and behaviors

287
Q

politico role

A

representation where members of Congress balance their choices with the interests of their constituents and parties in making decisions

288
Q

politics

A

the process of influencing the actions and policies of government

289
Q

popular sovereignty

A

the idea that the government’s right to rule comes from people

290
Q

pork barrel spending

A

legislation that directs specific funds to projects within districts or states

291
Q

precedent

A

a judicial decision that guides future courts in handling similar cases

292
Q

presidential pardon

A

presidential authority to forgive an individual and set aside punishment for a crime

293
Q

primary election

A

an election in which a state’s voters choose delegates who support a particular presidential candidate for nomination or an election by a plurality vote to select a party’s nominee for a seat in Congress

294
Q

prior restraint

A

the suppression of material prior to publication on the grounds that it might endanger national security

295
Q

privacy

A

a right not enumerated in the Constitution but affirmed by Supreme Court decisions that covers individuals’ decisions in their private lives, including decisions regarding reproductive rights and sexuality

296
Q

privilege

A

something subject to political process

297
Q

privileges and immunities clause

A

prevents states from discriminating against people from out of state

298
Q

probable cause

A

reasonable belief that a crime ha been committed or that there is evidence indicating so

299
Q

procedural due process

A

a judicial standard requiring that fairness be applied to all individuals equally

300
Q

proportional representation system

A

an election system for a legislature in which citizens vote for parties, rather than individuals, and parties are represented in the legislature according to the percentage of the vote they receive

301
Q

prospective voting

A

casting a ballot for a candidate who promises to enact policies favored by the voter in the future

302
Q

protest

A

a public demonstration designed to call attention to the need for change

303
Q

public interest group

A

group that acts on behalf of the collective interests of a broad group of individuals

304
Q

public opinion

A

the sum of individual attitudes about government, policies, and issues

305
Q

public policy

A

the intentional use of governmental power to secure the health, welfare, opportunities, and national security of citizens

306
Q

question order

A

the sequencing of questions in public opinion polls

307
Q

question wording

A

the phrasing of a question in a public opinion poll

308
Q

random digit dialing

A

the use of telephone numbers randomly generated by a computer to select potential survey respondents

309
Q

random selection

A

a method of choosing all poll respondents in a way that does not over or under represent any group of the population

310
Q

rational choice voting

A

voting based on what a citizen believes is in his or her best interest

311
Q

realignment

A

when the groups of people who support a political party shift allegiance to a different political party

312
Q

recruitment

A

the process through which political parties identify potential candidates

313
Q

redistricting

A

states’ redrawing of boundaries of electoral districts following each census

314
Q

registration requirements

A

the set of rules that govern who can vote and how, when, and where they vote

315
Q

regulation

A

the process through which the federal bureaucracy makes rules that have the force of law, to carry out the laws passed by congress

316
Q

representative demoracy

A

a political system in which oters select representatives who then vote on matters of public policy

317
Q

representative sample

A

a sample that reflects the demographics of the population

318
Q

republic

A

a government ruled by the representatives of the people

319
Q

republicanism

A

a system in which the government’s authority comes from the people

320
Q

reserved powers

A

powers not given to the national government, which are retained by the states and the people

321
Q

retrospective voting

A

voting based on an assessment of an incumbent’s past performance

322
Q

revenue sharing

A

when the federal government apportions tax money to the state with no strings attached

323
Q

revolving door

A

the movement of individuals between government and lobbying positions

324
Q

right

A

something fundamental to which all have access

325
Q

roll call vote

A

a recorded vote on a bill

326
Q

rulemaking

A

the process through which the federal bureaucracy fills in critical details of a law

327
Q

rule of law

A

the principle that no one, including public officials, is above the law

328
Q

sample

A

a group of individuals from a larger population used to measure public opinion

329
Q

sampling error

A

the margin of error in a poll, which usually is calculated to plus or minus three percentage points

330
Q

scientific poll

A

a representative poll of randomly selected respondents with a statistically significant sample size using neutral language

331
Q

selective benefit

A

benefit avaliable only to those who join the group

332
Q

selective incorporation

A

the process through which the SCOTUS applies fundamental rights in the Bill of Rights to the states on a case by case basis

333
Q

Senate majority leader

A

the person who has the most power in the Senate and is the head of the party with the most seats

334
Q

separate but equal

A

the doctrine that racial segregation was constitutional so long as the facilities for blacks and whites are equal

335
Q

Shays’s Rebellion

A

a popular uprising against the government of Massachusetts

336
Q

signing statement

A

text issued by presidents while signing a bill into law that usually consists of political statements or reasons for signing the bill but that may also include a president’s interpretation of the law itself

337
Q

single issue group

A

association focusing on one specific area of public policy, often a moral issue about which they are unwilling to compromise

338
Q

single member plurality system

A

an election system for choosing members of the legislature where the winner is the candidate who receives the most votes, even if the candidate does not receive a majority of the votes

339
Q

slander

A

an untrue spoken expression that injures a person’s reputation

340
Q

social contract

A

people allow their governments to rule over them to ensure an orderly and functioning society

341
Q

social insurance programs

A

programs such as SS that are financed by payroll taxes paid by individuals and that do not have income based requirements to receive benefits

342
Q

social media

A

forms of electronic communication that enable users to createa dn share content or to participate in social networking

343
Q

social movement

A

large groups of citizens organizing for political change

344
Q

social welfare policies

A

governmental efforts designed to improve or protect the health, safety, education, and opportunities for citizens and residents

345
Q

socioeconomic status

A

a measure of an individual’s wealth, income, occupation, and educational attainment

346
Q

Speaker of the House

A

the leader of the House of Representatives, chosen by an election of its members

347
Q

split ticket voting

A

voting for candidates from different parties in the same election

348
Q

standing

A

the legal ability to bring a case to court

349
Q

stare decisis

A

the practice of letting a previous legal decision stand

350
Q

State of the Union Address

A

the annual speech from the president to Congress updating that branch on the state of national affairs

351
Q

statute

A

a written law established by a legislative body

352
Q

straight ticket voting

A

voting for all of the candidates on the ballot from one political party

353
Q

superdelegate

A

usually, a party leader or activist who is not pledged to a candidate based on the outcomes of the state’s primary or caucus

354
Q

super PAC

A

an organization that may spend an unlimited amount of money on a political campaign, as long as the spending is not coordinated with the campaign

355
Q

supremacy clause

A

constitutional provision declaring that the Constitution and all national laws and treaties are the supreme law of the and

356
Q

Supreme Court

A

the highest level of the federal judiciary, which was established in Article III of the Constitution and serves as the highest court in the nation

357
Q

swing state

A

a state where levels of support for the parties are similar and elections swing back and forth between Democrats and Republicans

358
Q

symbolic speech

A

protected expression in the form of images, signs, and other symbols

359
Q

Tenth Amendment

A

reserves powers not delegated to the national government to the states and the people; the basis of federalism

360
Q

terrorism

A

the use of violence as a means to achieve political ends

361
Q

theory of participatory democracy

A

the belief that citizens impact policymaking through their involvement in civil society

362
Q

third party

A

a minor political party in competition with the two major parites

363
Q

Title IX of the Higher Education Amendment of 1972

A

legislation prohibiting sex discrimination in schools receiving federal aid, which had the impact of increasing female participation in sports program

364
Q

tracking poll

A

a survey determining the level of support for a candidate or an issue through a campaign

365
Q

treaty

A

an agreement with a foreign government negotiated by the president and requiring two thirds vote in the Senate to ratify

366
Q

trustee role

A

the idea that members of Congress should act as trustees, making decisions based on their knowledge and judgment

367
Q

two party system

A

a system in which two political parties dominate politics, winning almost all elections

368
Q

tyranny of the majority

A

when a large number of citizens use the power of their majority to trample on the rights of a smaller group

369
Q

tyranny of the minority

A

when a small number of citizens trample on the rights of the larger population

370
Q

unanimous consent agreement

A

an agreement in the Senate that sets the terms for consideration of a bill

371
Q

unemployment rate

A

the percentage of people actively looking for work who cannot find jobs

372
Q

unfunded mandate

A

federal requirement the states must follow without being provided with funding

373
Q

unicameral

A

a one house legislature

374
Q

unitary system

A

a system where the central government has all of the power over subnational governments

375
Q

veto

A

formal rejection by the president of a bill that has passed both houses of Congress

376
Q

Virginia Plan

A

a plan of government calling for a three branch government with a bicameral legislature, where more populous states would have more representation in Congress

377
Q

voter turnout

A

the number of eligible voters who participate in an election as a percentage of the total number of eligible voters

378
Q

Voting Rights Act of 1965

A

legislation outlawing literacy tests and authorizing the Justice Department to send federal officers to register voters in the uncooperative cities, counties, and states

379
Q

War Powers Resolution

A

a law passed over President Nixon’s veto that restricts the power of the president to maintain troops in combat for more than 60 days without congressional authorization

380
Q

warrant

A

a document issued by a judge authorizing a search

381
Q

weighting

A

a procedure in which the survey is adjusted according to the demographics of the larger population

382
Q

whip

A

a member of Congress, chosen by his or her party members, whose job it is to ensure party unity and discipline

383
Q

winner take all system

A

a system of elections in which the candidate who wins the plurality of votes within a state receives all of that state’s votes in the Electoral College

384
Q

wire serivce

A

an organization that gathers and reports on news and then sells the stories to other outlets

385
Q

writ of hapeas corpus

A

the right of people detained by the government to know the charges against them

AP Government & Politics (6 decks)

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