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Unit 2 test 2

Terms in this set (40)

Bicameral
A legislature consisting of two parts, or houses
appellate jurisdiction
The authority of a court to review decisions made by lower courts
original jurisdiction
the authority to hear cases for the first time
stare decisis
let the decision stand
Filibuster
A procedural practice in the Senate whereby a senator refuses to relinquish the floor and thereby delays proceedings and prevents a vote on a controversial issue
Earmarks
Special spending projects that are set aside on behalf of individual members of Congress for their constituents
packing
concentrating partisan voters in a single district in order to maximize the number of representatives that can be elected by the opposition in other districts
Cracking
spreading voters of one type over many districts where they will comprise minorities that are unable to influence elections
Cloture
A procedure used in the Senate to limit debate on a bill
Entitlements
A claim for government funds that cannot be abridged without violating the rights of the claimant; for example, social security benefits or payments on a contract
Quorum
The minimum number of members who must be present for business to be conducted in Congress
unanimous consent
an agreement by every senator to the terms of debate on a given piece of legislation
Federalist 70
energy in the executive is a leading character in the definition of good government
Federalist 78
Judiciary branch isn't too powerful because it doesn't have the power of the purse or sword; can't tax, enforce laws, or bring the nation to war
Bully Pulpit
the president's use of his prestige and visibility to guide or enthuse the American public
Marbury v. Madison
This case establishes the Supreme Court's power of Judicial Review
Baker v. Carr
One man, one vote
Shaw v. Reno
No racial gerrymandering
20th Amendment
Commencement of Terms; Sessions of Congress; Death or Disqualification of President-Elect
25th Amendment
Presidential succession
22nd Amendment
Limits the president to two terms or 10 years
judicial activism
An interpretation of the U.S. constitution holding that the spirit of the times and the needs of the nation can legitimately influence judicial decisions
judicial restraint
A judicial philosophy in which judges play minimal policy making roles, leaving that duty strictly to the legislatures
trustee role
the concept that legislators should vote on the basis of their consciences and the broad interests of the nation, not simply on the views of their constituents
delegate role
A concept of legislative work as simply voting the desires of one's constituents, regardless of one's own personal views
partisan role
Devoted to or biased in support of a party, group, or cause
Politico Role
Role played by elected representatives who act as trustees or as delegates, depending on the issue
Article III
Judicial Branch
policy agenda
The issues that attract the serious attention of public officials and other people actively involved in politics at the time
Formal Presidential Powers
Veto power, command armed forces, pardoning power, appointment powers, make treaties, convene Congress
Informal Presidential Powers
National figure-head, crisis manager (rally effect), agenda-setter (bully pulpit), diplomat-in-chief (executive agreements)
Signing statements
A written comment by the president when he signs legislation, usually commenting on why the bill was signed, but in some cases states the law is unconstitutional or confusing
Congressional Override
The power of Congress to pass legislation over a president's veto
Good Behavior Clause
Judges have standard of behavior; can't be impeached for their court decisions
executive privilege
The power to keep executive communications confidential, especially if they relate to national security
white house staff
Personnel who run the White House and advise the President. Includes the Chief of Staff and Press Secretary
safe seat
an office that is extremely likely to be won by a particular candidate or political party
marginal seat
A seat in a congressional district that has relatively similar numbers of Democratic and Republican voters
executive order
A rule issued by the president that has the force of law
Riders
Unrelated amendments added to a bill
THIS SET IS OFTEN IN FOLDERS WITH...