Political Science Final

Formal Powers of the President

Powers written directly into the Constitution, such as vetoing laws and appointing officials.

Informal Powers of the President

Powers not listed in the Constitution, developed over time, including issuing Executive Orders and using media influence.

Executive Order

A directive by the president that has the force of law without needing Congress’s approval.

Presidential Succession

The order of officials who may succeed the president if they can no longer serve.

25th Amendment

Sets procedures for presidential succession and clarifies what happens if the president can't serve.

Electoral College

A body of electors chosen by citizens to elect the president, balancing power between big and small states.

Vice President’s Duties

Includes succeeding the president, presiding over the Senate, and representing the U.S. at events.

Judicial Restraint

The principle where judges avoid making new policy and stick to the Constitution and existing laws.

Judicial Activism

When judges take bold actions to expand rights or change policies, especially when lawmakers fail to act.

Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear and decide a specific case.

Majority Opinion

The official decision of the Court supported by more than half of the justices.

Dissenting Opinion

Written by a justice who disagrees with the majority, explaining their reasons.

Civil Liberties

Basic freedoms that limit government power over individuals, such as free speech and privacy.

Habeas Corpus

The right to be brought before a judge and know the reason for detention, protecting against unlawful imprisonment.

Civil Rights

Protections that guarantee equal treatment and prevent discrimination, such as voting rights.

De Jure Segregation

Legal separation enforced by laws, such as Jim Crow laws.

De Facto Segregation

Separation based on housing patterns or social habits, not law.

Redlining

Discriminatory practice where banks deny loans to minority neighborhoods, affecting homeownership.

Thurgood Marshall

First African American Supreme Court Justice, known for arguing Brown v. Board of Education.

Sandra Day O’Connor

First woman Supreme Court Justice, noted for her moderate and swing votes.

Voting Rights Act of 1965

Legislation that outlawed discriminatory voting practices and protected minority voting rights.

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)

Court case that allowed 'separate but equal' racial segregation under law.

Brown v. Board of Education (1954)

Overturned Plessy v. Ferguson; ruled that segregated schools are inherently unequal.

Burwell v. Hobby Lobby (2014)

Allowed corporations to deny contraception coverage based on owners' religious beliefs.

Tinker v. Des Moines (1969)

Protected students' right to free speech in schools as long as it did not disrupt learning.

Barron v. Johnson (2025)

Supreme Court blocked an attempt to deport Venezuelan migrants without due process, reinforcing civil liberties.

Federalist 78

Written by Alexander Hamilton, explaining the judicial branch's role and the necessity of judicial review.

Core Idea of the American Legal System

Protecting innocent individuals from government injustice, even if it results in guilty persons being freed.