Exam 2 Flashcards
Expressed powers
Powers specifically given to the federal gov’t by the constitution.
Implied powers
Powers not specifically mentioned in the constitution.
Inherent powers
(Not enumerated or implied) assumed to exist as a direct result of country’s existence.
Delegated powers
power to coin money, regulate commerce, declare war, raise and maintain armed forces, and establish post offices.
Reserved powers
Not expressively given to the gov’t but intended to be used by the states.
10th amendment
any power not given to the federal gov’t is basically given to the states.
Bicameralism
a “two house” legislature
Pork barreling
use of gov’t funds for projects designed to please voters and win votes.
Apportionment
(Occurs every 10yrs) allocates congressional seats among the 50 states.
Redistricting
the drawing of new electoral boundaries (Occurs every 10yrs)
Filibuster
“hijacking” the floor of chamber for a long period to prevent senate from closing a debate.
Due process clause
clause in constitution prohibiting the gov’t from depriving a person of life, liberty, or property w/o due process of law.
Commerce clause
(Article 1 Section 8) in the constitution stating that congress can give power to regulate all business activities that cross state lines or affect more than one state/nation.
necessary and proper clause
(aka elastic clause) constitutional clause that gives congress the power to make all laws “necessary and proper” for executing its powers.
Prior restraint
review and restriction of speech prior its release
selective incorporation
process of applying the bill of rights to the constitution to state gov’t through the language of the 14th amendment.
establishment clause
congress is prohibited from creating/promoting a state religion the gov’t interfering.
clear and present danger test
gov’t cannot interfere w/ speech unless it presents a clear and present danger that will lead to criminal acts.
congressional oversight
refers to the reviewing of federal agencies and provides the legislative branch with w/ the opportunity to inspect and check the executive branch and its agencies.
logrolling
an agreement by two or more lawmakers to support each others bill.
compelling state interest
element of the strict scrutiny test by which courts exercise judicial review of legislative and executive branch enactments that affect constitutional rights, such as those found in the 1st amendment.
house rules committee
unique to the house of representatives and review all bills coming from the house committee before they go to the full house.
strict scrutiny
supreme court test to see if a law denies equal protection because it does not serve a compelling state interest and is not narrowly tailored to achieve that goal.
Civil rights act of 1964
No discrimination to programs that receive federal funding.
Standing committees
Permanent committees established under the standing rules of the senate and specialize in the consideration of certain areas.
Joint committee
Include membership from both houses of congress and established w/ narrow jurisdictions and lack authority to report legislation.
Conference committee
Temporary, composed of house and senate conferees for the purpose of reconciling differences in legislation. Used to solve bicameral differences.
Article 1 section 8
list of specific powers of congress like the power to establish and maintain an army, establish post offices, create courts, regulate commerce between states, and declare war.
