FSOT Master 5 Flashcards
Coalition
An alliance among different interest groups (factions) or parties to achieve some political goal. An example is the coalition sometimes formed between Republicans and conservative Democrats. (Ch. 2)
Coattail Effect
The tendency of lesser-known or weaker candidates lower on the ballot to profit in an election by the presence on the party’s ticket of a more popular candidate
Coercive Acts
Closed Boston Harbor to all but essential trade (food and firewood) and declared it would remain closed until the damages incurred during the Boston Tea Party were paid for. Several measures tightened English control over the Massachusetts government and its courts, and another required civilians to house British soldiers.
COINTELPRO?
COINTELPRO is an acronym (Counter Intelligence Program) for a program of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation aimed at investigating and disrupting dissident political organizations within the United States. Although covert operations have been employed throughout FBI history, the formal COINTELPRO operations of 1956-1971 were broadly targeted against organizations that were (at the time) considered to have politically radical elements, ranging from those whose stated goal was the violent overthrow of the US government (such as the Weathermen) to non-violent civil rights groups such as Martin Luther King Jr.’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference to racist and segregationist groups like the Ku Klux Klan and the American Nazi Party. COINTELPRO began in 1956 and was designed to “increase factionalism, cause disruption and win defections” inside the Communist Party U.S.A.
Cold war
Refers to the nonmilitary struggle between the United States (and its allies) and the former Soviet Union (and its allies) following World War II. (A cold war is distinguished from a hot or shooting war.) (Ch. 20)
Collective security
Agreement to form through treaties mutual defense arrangements, such as NATO, which guarantee that if one nation is attacked, other nations will come to its defense.
Command-and-control strategy
A strategy to improve air and water quality, involving the setting of detailed pollution standards and rules. (Ch. 21)
commander in chief
The role of the United States president as highest ranking officer in the armed forces. The Constitution provides this power, but, through the system of checks and balances, gives Congress the authority to declare war. During periods of war, presidents such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Lyndon Johnson, George H. W. Bush, William Jefferson Clinton, and George W. Bush have taken active roles as commander in chief.
Commerce clause
Article I Section 8 Clause 3 of the Constitution giving Congress the authority to regulate interstate commerce and commerce with foreign nations.
Committee clearance
The ability of a congressional committee to review and approve certain agency decisions in advance and without passing a law. Such approval is not legally binding on the agency, but few agency heads will ignore the expressed wishes of committees. (Ch. 13)
Common law
Based on the legal concept of stare decisis, or judicial precedent.
Communism
Economic System where workers own means of production and control distribution of resources
Compensatory action
An action designed to help members of disadvantaged groups, especially minorities and women, catch up, usually by giving them extra education, training, or services. (Ch. 19)
competitive federalism
term defined by Thomas R Dye, all units of gov competing with each other over ways to put together the goods and services of gov
Competitive service
The government offices to which people are appointed on the grounds of merit as ascertained by a written examination or by having met certain selection criteria (such as training, educational attainments, or prior experience). (Ch. 13)
Concurrent power
Power shared by the state and federal government, such as the power to tax.
Concurrent resolution
An expression of congressional opinion without the force of law that requires the approval of both the House and Senate but not of the president. Used to settle housekeeping and procedural matters that affect both houses. See also Simple resolution; Joint resolution (Ch. 11)
Concurring opinion
A Supreme Court opinion by one or more justices who agree with the majority’s conclusion but for different reasons. See also Opinion of the Court; Dissenting opinion (Ch. 14)
Conditions of aid
Federal rules attached to the grants that states receive. States must agree to abide by these rules in order to receive the grants. (Ch. 3)
confederation
consitutional arrangement in which sovereign nations or states, by compact, create a central gov but carefully limit its power and do not give it direct authority over individuals
Confederation or confederal system
A political system in which states or regional governments retain ultimate authority except for those powers that they expressly delegate to a central government. The United States was a confederation from 1776 to 1787 under the Articles of Confederation. See also Federalism; Unitary system (Ch. 3)
conference committee
Congressional committee that includes representatives of both houses of Congress. Their purpose is to settle differences between the Houes and Senate versions of bills that have been passed by their respective legislatures.
confirmation hearings
Meetings held by the Senate to gather information about candidates for federal office nominated by the president of the United States. Under the Constitution, the president has the right to appoint whomever he wants to various government offices, including members of the cabinet and federal judges, but each appointment must be approved by the Senate as part of the separation of powers.
Congress
The legislative branch of the United States federal government, composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Popularly elected, senators and representatives are responsible for advocating the interests of the constituents they represent. Numerous congressional committees are organized to study issues of public policy, recommend action, and, ultimately, pass laws. Congress plays an important role in the system of checks and balances; in fact, the two-house (bicameral) organization of Congress acts as an internal check, for each house must separately vote to pass a bill for it to become a law. In addition to lawmaking, Congress has a variety of functions, including appropriation of funds for executive and judicial activities; instituting taxes and regulating commerce; declaring war and raising and supporting a military; setting up federal courts and conducting impeachment proceedings; and approving presidential appointments.
Congressional Budget Office
Congressional agency of budget experts who assess the feasibility of the president’s plan and who help create Congress’ version of the federal budget.
Congressional campaign committee
A party committee in Congress that provides funds to members who are running for reelection or to would-be members running for an open seat or challenging a candidate from the opposition party. (Ch. 7)
congressional district
The geographically defined group of people on whose behalf a representative acts in the House of Representatives. Reapportioned every 10 years according to new census data. All of equal size.
Congressional Medal of Honor
The highest military decoration in the United States armed services, often called the Congressional Medal of Honor. It recognizes valor and bravery in action “above and beyond the call of duty.†There have been some 3,400 recipients of the medal, which was established by an act of Congress in 1862.
Congressional oversight
Power used by Congress to gather information useful for the formation of legislation, review the operations and budgets of executive departments and independent regulatory agencies, conduct investigations through committee hearings, and bring to the public’s attention the need for public policy.
Congressional Record
A published account of the votes, speeches, and debates of the United States Congress.
Congressional Review
The process by which Congress can nullify an executive branch regulation by a resolution jointly passed in both houses within sixty days of announcement of the regulation and accepted by the president.
Congressionalist
One who believes that Article II’s provision that the president should ensure “faithful execution of the laws” should be read as an injunction against substituting presidential authority for legislative intent.
Connecticut Compromise
Offered at the Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia, it was adopted by the delegates and created a bicameral legislature, where one house is represented by population, and the other house is represented by the states.
conscientious objector
A person who refuses to render military service on the grounds of moral principle or religious belief. A CO must demonstrate a sincere, active, and long-standing objection in order to receive an exemption from armed service. The United States and some European governments officially recognize CO status; approved COs are usually required to perform social service or noncombat military service in place of armed duty. (See also draft, draft dodger, and Selective Service System.)
Consent of the governed
A derivative of the doctrine of natural rights; a philosophy, later adopted by Jefferson when he drafted the Declaration of Independence, that puts the authority of the government in the peoples’ hands.
conservatism
a belief that limited government ensures order, competitive markets, and personal opportunity
conservative
A political ideology that tends to favor defense spending and school prayer and to disapporve of social programs, abortion, affirmative action, and a large, active govt. Generally affiliated with the Republican party.
Conservative coalition
An alliance between Republicans and conservative Democrats. (Ch. 11)
Constituent
Person living in the district of an elected official.
Constitution
Provides the basic framework of government. It is the supreme law of the land.
Constitutional amendments
Additions and changes to the original Constitution. The first ten amendments make up the Bill of Rights; there are currently twenty-seven amendments.
Constitutional Convention
A meeting of delegates in 1787 to revise the Articles of Confederation, which produced a totally new constitution still in use today. (Ch. 2) Also, As yet untried methody by which the Constitution may be amended. To call a constitutional convention, two-thirds of all state legislatures must petition the federal government.
Constitutional court
A federal court exercising the judicial powers found in Article III of the Constitution and whose judges are given constitutional protection: they may not be fired (they serve during “good behavior”), nor may their salaries be reduced while they are in office. The most important constitutional courts are the Supreme Court, the ninety-four district courts, and the courts of appeals (one in each of eleven regions plus one in the District of Columbia). See also District courts; Courts of appeals; Federal-question cases (Ch. 14)
constitutional democracy
gov that enforces recognized limits on those who govern and allows the voice of the people to be heard through free, fair, and relatively frequent elections
constitutional government
Form of government in which government power is vested in the people and is defined and limited by law.
constitutionalism
set of arrangements, including checks and balances, federalism, separation of powers, rule of law, due process, and a bill of rights, that requires leaders to listen, think, bargain, and explain before they act or make laws. We then hold them politically and legally accountable for how they exercise their powers.
Consumer Price Index (CPI)
A primary measure of inflation determined by the increase in the cost of products compared to a base year.
Consumer Product Safety Commission?
an independent agency of the U.S. federal government created in 1972 through the Consumer Safety Act to protect “against unreasonable risks of injuries associated with consumer products”. The CSPC has the authority to regulate the sale and manufacture of most consumer products, with the exception of those regulated by other agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATFE).
containment, policy of
A United States foreign policy doctrine adopted by the Harry S. Truman administration in 1947, operating on the principle that communist governments will eventually fall apart as long as they are prevented from expanding their influence.
‡ The policy of containment was used to justify American involvement in the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
contempt of Congress
The deliberate obstruction of the workings of the federal legislative branch. For example, a witness under subpoena who refuses to testify before Congress can be cited for contempt of Congress.
contempt of court
The deliberate obstruction of a court’s proceedings by refusing to obey a court order or by interfering with court procedures. Contempt of court can be punished by fine, imprisonment, or both.
Content Regulation
Governmental attempts to regulate the electronic media
Continuing resolution
Emergency spending legislation that prevents the shutdown of any department simply because its budget has not been enacted.
Convention bump
An increase reflected in presidential preference polls immediately following a party’s nominating convention.
cooperative federalism
Preeminent form of US federalism. (Marble cake analogy) National and state governments share many powers.
Cost
Any burden, monetary or nonmonetary, that some people must bear, or think that they must bear, if a policy is adopted. See also Benefit (Ch. 15)
Cost overruns
Actual costs that are several times greater than estimated costs. These occur frequently among private contractors producing new weapons for the Pentagon. (Ch. 20)
Council of Economic Advisors
White House staff agency created to give the president advice regarding economic and fiscal policy.
Council on Environmental Quality?
The United States Council On Environmental Quality (CEQ) is a division of the White House that coordinates federal environmental efforts and works closely with agencies and other White House offices in the development of environmental policies and initiatives. Congress established the CEQ within the Executive Office of the President as part of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA). Additional responsibilities were provided by the Environmental Quality Improvement Act of 1970.
County
The largest territorial unit between a city and a town. (Ch. 3)
court of appeals
Courts, also called appellate courts, that are designed as part of the system of due process. Cases may be presented to these courts if a party is dissatisfied with the original court’s decision. An appeal must demonstrate that a new decision is warranted, usually in light of new evidence or a persuasive argument that the Constitution was improperly interpreted. A case may be appealed to successively higher state or federal appellate courts until it reaches the United States Supreme Court. There are twelve federal courts of appeal, each covering a group of states called a “circuit.â€
Creative federalism
Developed during President Lyndon Johnson’s administration, it was characterized by the Great Society programs, which placed a major responsibility on federally funded programs.
criminal court
Court in which criminal trials are heard
Criminal law
The body of rules defining offenses that, though they harm an individual (such as murder, rape, and robbery), are considered to be offenses against society as a whole and as a consequence warrant punishment by and in the name of society. See also Civil law (Ch. 14)
Critical Election
An election that signals a party realignment through voter polarization around new issues
Critical or realigning periods
Periods during which a sharp, lasting shift occurs in the popular coalition supporting one or both parties. The issues that separate the two parties change, and so the kinds of voters supporting each party change. (Ch. 7)
cross-cutting cleavages
divisions within society that cut across demographic categories to produce groups that are more heterogeneous or different
Crossover voting
Participation in the primary of a party with which the voter is not affiliated
cruel and unusual punishment
Punishment prohibited by the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution. Cruel and unusual punishment includes torture, deliberately degrading punishment, or punishment that is too severe for the crime committed. This concept helps guarantee due process even to convicted criminals. Many people have argued that capital punishment should be considered cruel and unusual punishment.
Cue (political)
A signal telling a congressional representative what values (e.g., liberal or conservative) are at stake in a vote–who is for, who against a proposal–and how that issue fits into his or her own set of political beliefs or party agenda. (Ch. 9)
Culture of poverty
The establishment of an income level by government that references the point at which an individual is considered to be living in poverty.
Currency Act of 1764
Forbade the colonies to issue paper money. The colonists saw the British government increasing its control over the colonies against the colonists’ will.
dark horse
An unexpected winner. In politics, a dark horse is a candidate for office considered unlikely to receive his or her party’s nomination, but who might be nominated if party leaders cannot agree on a better candidate
de facto discrimination
Racial discrimination that results from practice (such as housing patterns or other social factors) rather than the law
de facto segregation
(di FAK-toh, day FAK-toh) Racial segregation, especially in public schools, that happens “by fact†rather than by legal requirement. For example, often the concentration of African-Americans in certain neighborhoods produces neighborhood schools that are predominantly black, or segregated in fact (de facto), although not by law (de jure).
de jure discrimination
Racial segregation that is a direct result of law or official policy
dealignment
Voters act increasingly independent of a party affiliation. Split-ticket voting may be a consequence.
decentralists
people who favor state or local action rather than national action
Declaration of Independence
Blueprint for the American Revolution containing three parts. The first part - an introduction including ideas such as natural rights as related to life, liberty, and property, the consent of the governed, and the concept of limited government. The second part - a list of grievances against the King of England and the third part - a declaration of independence.
Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions (1848)
Drafted at the Seneca Falls Convention and taken from The History of Woman Suffrage, Vol. 1, by E.C. Stanton, S. B. Anthony, and M. J. Gage, the document that outlines the case for the right to vote for women, as well as other rights denied to women at that time.
Deep background
Information gathered for news stories that must be completely unsourced
defendant
The party that is being sued in court. (Compare plaintiff.)
Deficit spending
The government’s meeting budgetary expenses by borrowing more money than it can pay back.
delegate
an official who is expected to represent the views of his or her constituents even when personally holding different views; one interpretation of the role of the legislator
Delegate model
The view that an elected representative should represent the opinions of his or her constituents. (Ch. 12)
delegated powers
Constitutional powers granted solely to the federal government.
democracy
gov by the people, either directly or indirectly, with free and frequent elections
Democrat
A member of the Democratic party.
democratic consensus
widespread agreement on fundamental principles of democratic governance and the values that undergird them
Democratic Party
Political party that evolved from the original Democratic-Republican Party. It is one of the two major political parties.
Democratic-Republicans
Led by Thomas Jefferson, they were characterized as the party of the “common man.” They believed in a more limited role of the central government.
Demographics
Characteristics of a population, including age, sex, and race. Demographics are often used to determine changes in the make-up of a population.
department
usually the largest organization in government; also the highest rank in federal hierarchy
Department of Agriculture
A department of the federal executive branch that provides services for farmers, including agricultural research, soil conservation, and efforts to regulate and stabilize the farming economy.
Department of Commerce
A department of the federal executive branch whose responsibilities include management of the census and the United States Patent Office. Through a variety of bureaus and agencies, such as the Industry and Trade Administration and the Office of Minority Business Enterprise, the Department of Commerce works to promote American business interests at home and abroad.
Department of Defense
A department of the federal executive branch entrusted with formulating military policies and maintaining American military forces. Its top official is the civilian secretary of defense. It is headquartered in the Pentagon.
Department of Education
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for providing federal aid to educational institutions and financial aid to students, keeping national educational records, and conducting some educational research.
Department of Energy
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for developing policies for effective use of the nation’s energy resources. The Department of Energy is involved in energy conservation, regulating oil pipelines, and encouraging research on new sources of energy
Department of Health and Human Services
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the Social Security Administration, the Public Health Service, and other programs designed to promote public welfare. It was originally called the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, until the separate Department of Education was created in 1979.
Department of Housing and Urban Development
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for home finance, promoting civil rights in housing, urban renewal, and the development of new communities.
Department of Justice
A department of the federal executive branch, headed by the attorney general, which administers the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), prosecutes violations of federal law, and is responsible for enforcing all civil rights legislation.
Department of Labor
A department of the federal executive branch concerned with improving working conditions and employment opportunities for laborers. Its programs include job training (especially for the poor), appraising manpower resources and needs, and regulating occupational safety.
Department of State
A department of the federal executive branch primarily responsible for making and conducting foreign policy. It is commonly called the State Department and is headed by the secretary of state. Its activities include negotiating treaties, coordinating correspondence and information programs with foreign governments, and administering economic aid to developing nations.
Department of the Interior
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the National Park Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and a variety of programs designed to preserve natural resources in the United States and its territories and possessions in the Pacific Ocean.
Department of the Treasury
A department of the federal executive branch; it includes the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The Department of the Treasury has general responsibility for setting federal fiscal policy by collecting taxes and customs duties, administering the public debt, keeping all government accounts, minting currency, and licensing ships engaged in international and interstate commerce. The Department of the Treasury administers the Secret Service.
Department of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
Department of Veterans Affairs
The second-largest cabinet department, the VA coordinates the distribution of benefits for veterans of the American armed forces and their dependents. The benefits include compensation for disabilities, the management of veterans’ hospitals, and various insurance programs.
Departments
Major administrative units with responsibility for a broad area of governmental operations. Departmental status usually indicates a permanent national interest in that particular governmental function, such as defense, commerce, or agriculture.
Descriptive representation
A correspondence between the demographic characteristics of representatives and those of their constituents. (Ch. 11)
Détente
A foreign policy started by Richard Nixon and supported by Ronald Reagan that resulted in an improvement of relations with the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Devolution
Political theory of returning power to the states.
devolution revolution
the effort to slow the growth of the federal government by returning many functions to the states
Dillon’s rule
A legal principle that holds that the terms of city charters are to be interpreted narrowly. Under this rule (named after a lawyer who wrote a book on the subject in 1911) a municipal corporation can exercise only those powers expressly given it or those powers necessarily implied by, or essential to the accomplishment of, these stated powers. (Ch. 3)
direct democracy
All enfranchised citizens vote on all matters of government.
Direct Incitement
Holds that advocacy of illegal action is protected by 1st Amendment unless imminent lawless action is intended and likely to occur.
direct primary
An election in which voters choose candidates to run on a party’s ticket in a subsequent election for public office.
Direct tax
Money paid directly to the government in the form of income taxes.
discharge petition
petition that, if signed by a majority of the members of the House, will pry a bill from committee and bring it to the floor for consideration
Discount rates
Interest levels established by the Federal Reserve that affect the ability of the consumer to borrow money. Raising and lowering rates is used as a tool to combat inflation.
Discretionary authority
The extent to which appointed bureaucrats can choose courses of action and make policies that are not spelled out in advance by laws. (Ch. 13)
Discretionary Spending
Those appropriation items in the budget that are not mandatory. In the federal budget, discretionary spending consists of measures in the 13 appropriation bills that must be passed by Congress by October 1 in such categories as transportation, agriculture, and education.
Disengagement
A view that U.S. involvement in Vietnam had led to a military defeat and political disaster and that further similar involvements should be avoided. Also known as “new isolationism.” See also Isolationism; Containment (Ch. 20)
Dissenting opinion
Judicial written opinion that is contrary to the ruling of the full court.
Distributive policy
Results in the government giving benefits directly to people, groups, farmers, and businesses. Typical policies include subsidies, research and development funds for corporations, and direct government aid for highway construction and education.
district attorney
An official responsible for representing the government in court cases and for prosecuting criminals.
District courts
The lowest federal courts where federal cases begin. They are the only federal courts where trials are held. There are a total of ninety-four district courts in the United States and its territories. See also Courts of appeals; Constitutional court; Federal-question cases (Ch. 14)
Diversity cases
Cases involving citizens of different states over which the federal courts have jurisdiction as described in the Constitution. See also Federal-question cases (Ch. 14)
Divided Government
The political condition in which different political parties control the White House and Congress
Division of labor
Skilled workers each have a specialized function, resulting in increased productivity.
Division vote
A congressional voting procedure in which members stand and are counted. See also Voice vote; Teller vote; Roll-call vote (Ch. 11)
Does the bill of rights apply to the states?
Yes, thanks to the 14th ammendment and other court decisions ( in 1925 with Gitlow v. New York ).
Does the presiden’t cabinet deal more with foreign or domestic issues?
Domestic.
Does the president have “line item veto” power?
No. The Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s ruling finding the line item veto to be unconstitutional, as the constitution lays out how the president may veto a bill, but is silent as to amending it. This leaves open the question if the constitution can be amended to allow for such a procedure.
dollar diplomacy
The use of diplomatic influence, economic pressure, and military power to protect a nation’s economic and business interests abroad. The term was first used to describe the exploitative nature of United States involvement in Latin America.
Domino theory
An influential theory first articulated by President Eisenhower holding that if an important nation were to fall into communist hands, other neighboring countries would follow suit. Eisenhower used the metaphor of a row of dominoes falling in sequence to illustrate his point. (Ch. 20)
donkey
A symbol of the Democratic party, introduced in a series of political cartoons by Thomas Nast during the congressional elections of 1874. (Compare elephant.)
double jeopardy
The act of trying an individual a second time after he has been acquitted on the same charges. Prohibited by the Constitution.
Double-tracking
A procedure to keep the Senate going during a filibuster in which the disputed bill is shelved temporarily so that the Senate can get on with other business. See also Filibuster; Cloture rule (Ch. 11)
draft
A system for selecting young men for compulsory military service, administered in the United States by the Selective Service System. At present the United States relies on a volunteer military and does not have a draft, though young men are required by law to register with the Selective Service. (See also conscientious objector and draft dodger.)
draft dodger
Someone who illegally evades the draft, as opposed to a conscientious objector, who is granted official, legal exemption from military duty. In active protest against United States involvement in the Vietnam War, many Americans publicly burned draft registration cards, risking imprisonment; others fled to other countries, such as Canada.
Dred Scott v. Sanford?
In 1857, the Supreme Court ruled that even free Africans could not sue in a federal court, since they were not citizens of the United States and that slaves brought into free territory remained slaves because they were a form of property.
Drug Enforcement Administration
An agency in the United States Department of Justice that enforces federal laws and regulations dealing with narcotics and other dangerous drugs. It cooperates with the FBI and with local law enforcement agencies.
dual federalism
Form of US federalism during nation’s early history. Federal and state governments remain separate and independent (layer cake analogy)
Dual primary
Where presidential candidates are selected and a separate slate of delegates is also voted on. New Hampshire uses this type of primary.
Dual sovereignty
A variation of double jeopardy. A person accused of a crime can be tried once in a state court and once in a federal court.
Dualist Theory
The theory that there has always been an underlying binary party nature to US politics
due process
Established legal procedures for the arrest and trial of an accused criminal
due process of law
The principle that an individual cannot be deprived of life, liberty, or property without appropriate legal procedures and safeguards. The Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution guarantee that any person accused of a crime must be informed of the charges, be provided with legal counsel, be given a speedy and public trial, enjoy equal protection of the laws, and not be subjected to cruel and unusual punishment, unreasonable searches and seizures, double jeopardy, or self-incrimination.
E pluribus unum
(EE PLOOR-uh-buhs YOOH-nuhm, OOH-nuhm) A motto of the United States; Latin for “Out of many, one.†It refers to the Union formed by the separate states. E pluribus unum was adopted as a national motto in 1776 and is now found on the Great Seal of the United States and on United States currency.
Earmarks
Pet projects added to appropriation bills by congressman, called “wasteful spending” and “pork barrel legislation” by critics.
Earned Income Tax Credit
A provision of a 1975 tax law that entitles working families with children to receive money from the government if their total income falls below a certain level. (Ch. 17)
Eastern Establishment
The elite universities and financial institutions of major cities in the northeastern United States. These institutions, by virtue of their long-standing economic and social dominance, are often believed to exert an influence out of proportion to their size. In American politics, the Eastern Establishment often takes a liberal Republican stand. (See also Ivy League, Madison Avenue, power elite, and Wall Street.)
Economic planning
An economic philosophy that assumes that the government should plan, in varying ways, some part of the country’s economic activity. For instance, in times of high inflation, it suggests that the government regulate the maximum prices that can be charged and wages that can be paid, at least in the larger industries. Another form of planning, called industrial policy, would have the government planning or subsidizing investments in industries that need to recover or in new industries that could replace them. (Ch. 16)
elastic clause
The section of the Constitution that allows Congress to pass laws “necessary and proper” to the performance of its duties. Allows Congress to stretch its pwers beyond those that are specifically granted to it.
Elector
Member of the electoral college chosen by methods determined in each state
Electoral College
(i-LEK-tuhr-uhl) The presidential electors who meet after the citizens vote for president and cast ballots for the president and vice president. Each state is granted the same number of electors as it has senators (see United States Senate) and representatives combined. These electors, rather than the public, actually elect the president and the vice president. The Founding Fathers assumed that electors would exercise discretion and not necessarily be bound by the popular vote, but the rise of political parties undermined this assumption. Electors are now pledged in advance to vote for the candidate of their party, and nearly always do so. Thus, the vote of the Electoral College is largely a formality.
‡ There have been several attempts to abolish the Electoral College. In the 2000 presidential election, the candidate with the plurality of popular votes lost the electoral vote, a situation that also occurred in the 1876 and 1888 elections.
Electorate
Citizens eligible to vote
Electronic Media
The broadcast media, including television, radio, computerized information services, and the Internet
elephant
A symbol of the Republican party, introduced in a series of political cartoons by Thomas Nast during the congressional elections of 1874. (Compare donkey.)
Elite
An identifiable group of persons who possess a disproportionate share of some valued resource–such as money or political power. (Ch. 1)
eminent domain
The power of the government to take away property for public use as long as there is just compensation for property taken.
Engel Vs. Vitale
prohibited state sponsered reciting of prayers in school
English Bill of Rights
1689 document guaranteeing certain basic rights to English subjects. Those rights include the right to a speedy trial; protection against excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment; and the right to petition the government. This document also prevented the king from interfering with elections or from imposing taxes without consent of the Parliament.
Enlightenment Era
Period stretching from the late 17th century through the end of the 18th century. Sometimes called the Age of Reason. Science flourished during the this. As it did, many philosophers placed great faith in the powers of reason and human capability. With this increased faith came the belief that individuals were entitled to greater control over their own governments. Associated with writers Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu.
entitlement programs
social insurance programs that allocate federal funds to all people who meet the conditions of the program, they are a form of mandatory spending so it is incredibly difficult to cut funds during the budgetary process (Social Security largest and most expensive one)
Entrepreneurial politics
Policies benefiting society as a whole or some large part that impose a substantial cost on some small identifiable segment of society. See also Policy entrepreneurs (Ch. 15)
Enumerated powers
Delegated powers of Congress, including the power to collect taxes, pay debts, provide for the common defense and general welfare, regulate commerce among the states, coin money, and declare war.
Environmental impact statement
A report required by federal law that assesses the possible effect of a project on the environment if the project is subsidized in whole or part by federal funds. (Ch. 21)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Regulates air and water pollution, pesticides, radiation, solid waste, and toxic substances. It is the main environmental regulatory agency.
environmentalism
an ideology that is dominated by concern for the environment but also promotes grassroots democracy, social justice, equal opportunity, nonviolence, respect for diversity, and feminism
Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972
Title VII of the 1964 civil rights act was extended to cover federal, state and local public employers and educational institutions by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Federal Agency created to enforce the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which forbids discrimination on the basis of race, creed, national origin, religion, or sex in hiring, promotion, or firing
equal opportunity
The goal of giving all persons an equal chance to an education and employment, and to protect their civil rights, regardless of their race, religious beliefs, or gender. In the United States, various minority groups have been fighting for equal opportunity over the last 150 years. (See affirmative action, civil rights movement, equal protection of the laws, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, National Organization for Women, segregation, sexism, suffragist, and women’s movement.)
equal protection of the laws
A phrase in the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution requiring that states guarantee the same rights, privileges, and protections to all citizens. This doctrine reinforces that of due process of law and prevents states from passing or enforcing laws that arbitrarily discriminate against anyone.
Equal Rights Amendment
A twice-proposed but never ratified amendment to the Constitution that would prohibit denial or abridgement of rights on the basis of sex. First proposed in 1923, the amendment was passed by Congress in 1972 but failed ratification by the requisite number of states. It was a major rallying point of the women’s movement.
Equal Time Rule
The rule that requires broadcast stations to sell campaign air time equally to all candidates if they choose to sell to any
Equality of opportunity
A view that it is wrong to use race or sex either to discriminate against or give preferential treatment to minorities or women. See also Reverse discrimination (Ch. 19)
Establishment clause
Component of the First Amendment to the Constitution that defines the right of the citizens to practice their religions without governmental interference. It also places a restriction on government creating a “wall of separation” between church and state. Section of the Constitution that prohibits the government from designating one faith as the official religion of the US.
ethnicity
a social division based on national origin, religion, language, and often race
ethnocentrisim
belief in the superiority of one’s nation or ethnic group
ex post facto
(eks pohst FAK-toh) A descriptive term for an explanation or a law that is made up after an event and then applied to it: “The chairman’s description of his plan sounds like an ex post facto attempt to justify an impulsive action.†Ex post facto is Latin for “from after the deed.â€
exclusionary rule
Rule that prohibits the use of illegally obtained evidence at trial. The Supreme Court has created several exceptions to the exclusionary rule, notably the objective of good faith rule and the inevitable discovery rule.
Executive agreement
Agreement made between the president and a leader of a foreign country that does not have to be ratified by the Senate.
executive branch
The branch of federal and state government that is broadly responsible for implementing, supporting, and enforcing the laws made by the legislative branch and interpreted by the judicial branch. At the state level, the executive includes governors and their staffs. At the federal level, the executive includes the president, the vice president, staffs of appointed advisers (including the cabinet), and a variety of departments and agencies, such as the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Postal Service (see postmaster general). The executive branch also proposes a great deal of legislation to Congress and appoints federal judges, including justices of the Supreme Court. Although the executive branch guides the nation’s domestic and foreign policies, the system of checks and balances works to limit its power.
Executive Office of the President
the cluster of presidential staff agencies that help the president carry out his responsibilities; currently the office includes the Office fo Management and Budget, the Council of Economic Advisers, and other units
Executive order
Order signed by the president that has the effect of law, even though it is not passed by Congress. An example of an executive order includes President Clinton’s order legalizing the abortion bill, RU486. All executive orders must be published in the “Federal Register”
Executive Privilege
An assertion of presidential power that reasons that the president can withhold information requested by the courts in matters relating to his office
Exit Polls
Polls conducted at selected polling places on Election Day
Export-Import Bank of the United States?
The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank, Exim Bank or Eximbank) is the official export credit agency of the United States Government. It is an independent agency of the Executive Branch of The United States Governemnt established by the Congress of the United States in 1945 that finances or insures foreign purchases of U.S. goods for customers unable or unwilling to accept credit risk. For instance, in 2004 it insured the purchase by Iraq of fogging machines for insect abatement. There are many other banks around the world called Eximbank, some analogous to the U.S. Ex-Im Bank, and some private commercial banks.
express powers
powers sepcifically granted to one of the branches of the national gov by the Constitution
Expressed power
Specific power of the president as listed in Article I of the Constitution.
extradition
Process by which governments return fugitives to the jurisdiction from which they have fled.
Faction
According to James Madison, a group of people who seek to influence public policy in ways contrary to the public good. (Ch. 2)
Fair Labor Standards Act?
Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, established a national minimum wage, guaranteed time and a half for overtime in certain jobs, and prohibited most employment of minors in “oppressive child labor”. The law originally contained a large number of special industry exemptions, many of which were designed to protect traditional pay practices in small, rural businesses. The bulk of these exemptions have been repealed. Currently, the most important issues relate to the so-called “white collar” exemptions applicable to professional, administrative and executive employees.
Fairness Doctrine
Rule in effect from 1949-1985 requiring broadcasters to cover events adequately and to present contrasting views on important public issues
fairness doctrine
Federal Communications Commission policy that required holders of raido and televiison licenses to ensure that different view points were presented about controversial issues or persons; largely repealed in 1987
Family Medical Leave Act (1993)
Act that gave unpaid emergency medical leave for employees with a guarantee that their job would not be taken away in the interim.
Fannie Mae?
Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), commonly known as Fannie Mae, created in 1938 to establish a secondary market for mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Fannie Mae buys mortgages on the secondary market, pools them and sells them as mortgage-backed securities to investors on the open market. This secondary mortgage market helps to replenish the supply of lendable money for mortgages and ensures that money continues to be available for new home purchases.
farm bloc
A group of both Democratic and Republican members of Congress from the farming states of the Middle West that pressures the federal government to adopt policies favorable to farmers.
Favorable balance of trade
Refers to a country exporting more than they import. The United States has had an unfavorable balance of trade since World War II.
