definitions of key terms

Question 1

US Constitution

Answer 1

The foundational document that establishes the structure, principles, and laws of the United States government.

Question 2

Bill of Rights

Answer 2

The first ten amendments to the US Constitution, guaranteeing fundamental rights and protections to American citizens.

Question 3

Separation of Powers

Answer 3

The division of government into distinct branches (legislative, executive, judicial), each with its own powers and responsibilities, to prevent abuse of power.

Question 4

Checks and Balances

Answer 4

A system that ensures no single branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to check or limit the powers of the others.

Question 5

Federalism

Answer 5

A system in which power is divided between a central (national) government and regional (state) governments.

Question 6

The US President

Answer 6

The head of the executive branch of the US government, responsible for enforcing laws and serving as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces.

Question 7

Political Formal Powers

Answer 7

Powers granted to the US President by the Constitution, such as veto power, treaty-making, and pardons.

Question 8

Imperial Presidency

Answer 8

A term describing a president with excessive power and authority, often acting unilaterally and beyond traditional checks and balances.

Question 9

Political Informal Powers

Answer 9

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but derived from tradition, practice, or interpretation, such as executive orders and executive privilege

Question 10

Imperilled Presidency

Answer 10

A term used to describe a presidency that is weakened or constrained, often due to restrictions from other branches of government or public opinion.

Question 11

Supreme Court

Answer 11

The highest court in the United States, consisting of nine Justices, with the authority to interpret the Constitution and determine the legality of laws and government actions.

Question 12

Judicial Activism

Answer 12

An approach to judicial decision-making where judges are willing to make broad or creative interpretations of laws and the Constitution, often to advance social or political change.

Question 13

Judicial Restraint

Answer 13

An approach to judicial decision-making where judges limit their rulings to a narrow interpretation of laws and the Constitution, avoiding broad or activist decisions

Question 14

Judicial Review

Answer 14

The power of the Supreme Court to review laws and government actions to determine their constitutionality

Question 15

Strict and Loose

Answer 15

Approaches to interpreting the Constitution; strict adheres closely to the original text, while loose allows for broader interpretation based on evolving societal norms.

Question 16

Constructionism

Answer 16

Working together for a singular reached outcome

Question 17

USA Electoral College System:

Answer 17

The system for electing the US President, where each state is allotted a certain number of electors based on its representation in Congress, and a majority of electoral votes is required to win the presidency.

Question 18

USA Primaries

Answer 18

Elections held by political parties to select their candidates for the general election.

Question 19

USA Caucuses

Answer 19

Local meetings where party members discuss and vote on candidates for the general election.

Question 20

USA National Nominating Conventions

Answer 20

USA National Nominating Conventions

Question 21

Direct Democracy

Answer 21

A form of democracy where citizens directly vote on laws and policies rather than through elected representatives.

Question 22

Voting Behaviour

Answer 22

The patterns and factors that influence how and why people vote in elections.

Question 23

Popular Vote

Answer 23

The total number of votes cast by citizens in an election, as distinct from electoral votes.

Question 23

Split Ticket Voting:

Answer 23

Voting for candidates from different political parties on the same ballot, indicating a non-partisan or mixed approach

Question 24

Abstention

Answer 24

Choosing not to vote in an election.

Question 25

Incumbency

Answer 25

The condition of already holding a political office; incumbents often have advantages in re-election campaigns.

Question 26

Ideology

Answer 26

A set of beliefs or principles that guide political attitudes and policy preferences.

Question 27

Factionalism

Answer 27

The presence of internal groups or factions within a political party or organization, often with differing goals or ideologies.

Question 28

Political Party Decline

Answer 28

The idea that political parties are losing influence or importance in the political process.

Question 28

Political Party Renewal

Answer 28

Efforts to strengthen or rejuvenate political parties, often through organizational changes or new strategies.

Question 29

Political Party Organisation

Answer 29

The structure and activities of political parties, including leadership, funding, and campaigning.

Question 30

Third Parties

Answer 30

Political parties other than the two major parties (Democratic and Republican) in the United States.

Question 31

Independent Candidates

Answer 31

Candidates who run for office without affiliation with a major political party.

Question 31

Political Pluralism

Answer 31

A political system that allows for multiple groups, parties, or ideologies to coexist and compete for power

Question 32

Electoral Finance

Answer 32

The funding and financial support for political campaigns and elections.

Question 33

Iron Triangles

Answer 33

A concept in political science describing the stable, mutually beneficial relationships among congressional committees, government agencies, and interest groups

Question 34

Promotional Groups

Answer 34

Organizations that advocate for specific causes or policies, often using public campaigns to influence public opinion and government action.

Question 35

Interest Groups

Answer 35

Organizations that represent the interests of specific groups of people or industries and seek to influence government policy and legislation.

Question 36

Political Action Committees (PACs) and Super PACs

Answer 36

Organizations that raise and spend money to influence elections, with PACs having limits on contributions and Super PACs allowed to raise unlimited funds, but not directly coordinate with candidates.

Question 37

Civil Liberties

Answer 37

Fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed to individuals, often protected by law or constitution.

Question 38

Bill of Rights

Answer 38

The first ten amendments to the US Constitution, guaranteeing fundamental rights and protections to American citizens.

Question 39

Landmark Rulings

Answer 39

Significant Supreme Court decisions that have a major impact on law, society, or government policy.

Question 40

Supreme Court

Answer 40

The highest court in the United States, with the authority to interpret the Constitution and determine the legality of laws and government actions

Question 41

Civil Rights Movement

Answer 41

A historical movement in the United States aimed at ending racial discrimination and promoting equal rights, primarily during the 1950s and 1960s.

Question 42

Congress

Answer 42

The legislative branch of the US government, consisting of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Question 43

House of Representatives

Answer 43

The lower chamber of Congress, with representation based on state population.

Question 44

Senate

Answer 44

The upper chamber of Congress, with two senators representing each state regardless of population.

Question 45

Oversight

Answer 45

The process by which Congress monitors and reviews the activities and decisions of the executive branch and government agencies.

Question 46

Committee System

Answer 46

The organizational structure within Congress where specific committees are responsible for evaluating legislation, conducting hearings, and overseeing government agencies