US Government and Politics Flashcards
Bill of Rights
The first 10 amendments to the US Constitution protecting civil liberties
Checks and balances
The separation and sharing of power between the different branches of government that are designed to limit the power of government
Civil liberties
Fundamental rights and freedoms protected by law
Committee system
A system where Congress divides its work into specialised groups to review bills, hold hearings and make recommendations
Congress
The legislative branch of the US government, comprising of the Senate and House of Representatives
Cultural theory
Emphasises the role of cultural values, beliefs and traditions in shaping political behaviour and institutions
Direct democracy
A form of democracy where citizens vote on laws and policies directly, rather than through elected representatives
Factionalism
The division of a political party into smaller, competing groups that often have differing views on policies or leadership
Federalism
A system where power is shared between national and state governments
Formal powers
Powers granted to the President by the US Constitution, such as vetoing bills, commanding the military and making treaties
House of Representatives
The lower chamber of the US Congress, consisting of 435 members who serve two-year terms and represent districts based on population
Imperial presidency
A term used to describe a President who exercises considerable power relatively unconstrained by constitutional checks and balances, often in foreign policy or military actions
Imperilled presidency
A term used when a President’s power is weakened or threatened, often due to political opposition or scandal
Incumbency
The condition of currently holding a political office, often giving an advantage in elections due to name recognition, resources and experience
Independent candidates
Candidates who do not belong to a political party and run for office without party affiliation, often appealing to voters dissatisfied with the major parties
Informal powers
Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution, like executive orders, influencing public opinion and leading political parties
Iron triangles
The close, mutually beneficial relationships between bureaucratic agencies, congressional committees and interest groups that influence policy-making in a specific area
Judicial activism
When judges interpret the Constitution in a way that influences policy decisions, often expanding rights or social change
Judicial restraint
A philosophy that argues judges should limit their own power, deferring to the legislative and executive branches unless laws clearly violate the Constitution
Judicial review
The power of the Supreme Court to review the constitutionality of laws and actions by the executive and legislative branches
Loose constructionism
An approach to interpreting the Constitution that allows for broader interpretation of its provisions to address contemporary issues
National nominating conventions
Events where political parties officially nominate their presidential candidate and announce their platform
Oversight
The process by which Congress monitors the executive branch to ensure laws are implemented correctly
Party decline
The process in which political parties lose power, influence and voter loyalty, often due to internal divisions or shifting voter preferences
