Cracking Ap Vocabulary Flashcards
A system of law where the court is seen as a neutral area where disputants can argue the merits of their cases
Adversary system
Adversary system
A system of law where the court is seen as a neutral area where disputants can argue the merits of their cases
Affirmative action
Government-mandated programs that seek to create special employment opportunities for African Americans, women, ad other victims of past discrimination
Government-mandated programs that seek to create special employment opportunities for African Americans, women, ad other victims of past discrimination
Affirmative action
Amendment
Addition to the constitution. Amendments require approval by two thirds of both houses if Congress ad three-quarters of the states. The first ten amendments make up the bill of rights
Addition to the constitution. Amendments require approval by two thirds of both houses if Congress ad three-quarters of the states. The first ten amendments make up the bill of rights
Amendment
Amicus curiae briefs
“Friend of the court” briefs that qualified individuals or organizations file in lawsuits to which they are not a party, so the judge may consider their advice in respect to matters of law that directly affect the cases in question.
“Friend of the court” briefs that qualified individuals or organizations file in lawsuits to which they are not a party, so the judge may consider their advice in respect to matters of law that directly affect the cases in question.
Amicus curiae briefs
Appellate jurisdiction
Term used to describe courts whose role is to hear appeals from lower courts
“Friend of the court” briefs that qualified individuals or organizations file in lawsuits to which they are not a party, so the judge may consider their advice in respect to matters of law that directly affect the cases in question.
Appellate jurisdiction
Articles of confederation
The United States’ first constitution. The government formed by the articles of confederation lasted from 1781 (the year before the end of the revolutionary war) to 1789. The government under the articles proved inadequate because it did not have the power to collect taxes from the states, nor could it regulate foreign trade to generate revenue from import and export tariffs.
The United States’ first constitution. The government formed by the articles of confederation lasted from 1781 (the year before the end of the revolutionary war) to 1789. The government under the articles proved inadequate because it did not have the power to collect taxes from the states, nor could it regulate foreign trade to generate revenue from import and export tariffs.
Articles of confederation
Bicameral
Consisting of two legislative houses. The United States has a bicameral legislature; it’s two houses are the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Consisting of two legislative houses. The United States has a bicameral legislature; it’s two houses are the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Bicameral
Bill of rights
First 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution. The Bill of Rights guarantees personal liberties and limits the powers of the government.
Blanket primary
Primary election in which voters may select a candidate from any party for each office. Blanket primaries use the same procedure as general elections.
Block grants
Federal money given to the dates with only general guidelines for its use. The states have the authority to decide how the money will be spent.
Bread-and-butter issues
Those political issues are specifically directed at the daily concerns of most working-class Americans, such a job security , tax rates, wages, and employee benefits.
Broad constructionism
Belief that the Constitution should be interpreted loosely when concerning the restrictions it places on federal power. Broad constructionists emphasize the importance of the elastic clause, whichever Congress to pass laws “necessary and proper” to the performance of its duties.
Brown v. Board of education
The 1954 case in which the Supreme Court overturned the “separate but equal” standard as it pooled to education. In a 9-0 decision, the court ruled that “separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.” “Separate but equal” had been the law of the land since the court approved it in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)
Budget deficit
Condition that arises when federal expenditures exceed revenues; in other words, when the government spends more money that it takes in.
Budget resolution
Set of budget guidelines that must pass both houses of congress in identical form by April 15. The budget resolution guides government spending for the following fiscal year.
Categorical grants
Federal aid given to states with strings attached. To recur e the money, states must agree to adhere to federally mandated guidelines for spending it.
Caucus
Meeting of local party members for the purpose of choosing delegates to a national party convention. The term also refers to a meeting of the democratic members of the House of Representatives.
