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Judicial Review
Established by Marbury v. Madison (1803); allows courts to strike down unconstitutional laws or actions.
Elastic Clause
Allows Congress to pass laws necessary to execute its enumerated powers.
Federalism
A system dividing power between national and state governments.
Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
Declared public school segregation unconstitutional.
8th Amendment
Prohibits cruel and unusual punishment.
Judicial Activism
Philosophy advocating courts should interpret the Constitution to reflect contemporary societal values.
Miranda v. Arizona (1966)
Established suspects must be informed of their rights before police questioning.
Iron Triangle
Relationship between interest groups, congressional committees, and bureaucratic agencies in policy-making.
Roe v. Wade (1973)
Legalized abortion nationally within a trimester framework.
19th Amendment
Granted women the right to vote.
Political Judicial Activism
Courts actively interpret the Constitution according to contemporary social conditions.
Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)
Established the "separate but equal" doctrine allowing segregation.
Closed Primary
A primary election where only registered party members can vote.
Federalist No. 51
Essay emphasizing checks and balances to prevent government abuses.
Supremacy Clause
Establishes that federal law overrides conflicting state laws.
Popular Sovereignty
Principle that governmental authority comes from consent of the governed.
Engel v. Vitale (1962)
Ruled public school-sponsored prayer unconstitutional under the Establishment Clause.
Griswold v. Connecticut (1965)
Established constitutional right to privacy.
Reapportionment
Redistribution of House seats among states every 10 years based on census results.
Commerce Clause
Grants Congress power to regulate interstate and international commerce.
War Powers Act (1973)
Limits presidential deployment of troops without Congressional approval.
Selective Incorporation
Process by which Bill of Rights protections are gradually applied to states via the 14th Amendment.
Tyranny of the Majority
Potential for the majority to oppress minority rights or interests.
Political Action Committees (PACs)
Organizations that raise money to support political candidates or issues.
United States v. Nixon (1974)
Limited executive privilege, affirming the President is not above the law.
Coattail Effect
Influence a popular presidential candidate has in helping party members win congressional seats.
Judicial Restraint
Belief courts should defer to decisions of elected officials, avoiding active policy-making.
Full Faith and Credit Clause
Requires states to honor judicial proceedings, records, and acts from other states.
Engel v. Vitale (1962)
Ruled school-sponsored prayer unconstitutional, violating the Establishment Clause.
Categorical Grants
Federal funding with specific guidelines on spending.
Block Grants
Federal grants provided to states allowing flexibility in spending within broad policy areas.
Symbolic Speech
Non-verbal political expression protected by the First Amendment (e.g., flag burning).
Hatch Act (1939)
Limits political activities of federal employees to prevent political bias.
Pocket Veto
Occurs when the president neither signs nor vetoes a bill within 10 days while Congress adjourns.
Amicus Curiae Briefs
Legal documents submitted by non-parties aiming to influence court decisions.
Filibuster
Senate tactic delaying a vote by extending debate; ended by cloture (requires 60 votes).
Revolving Door
Movement of personnel between government jobs and lobbying positions.
Dark Money
Anonymous political funding where donors’ identities are not disclosed.
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
Established federal supremacy and Congress' implied powers.
UC Regents v. Bakke (1978)
Struck down racial quotas but upheld affirmative action in college admissions.
Impeachment Process
House brings charges, Senate conducts a trial to decide removal from office.
Democracy
System where political power is exercised by the people directly or through elected representatives.
Political Sovereignty
The authority of government derives from the consent and power of the people.
Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)
Supreme Court ruling that upheld racial segregation under "separate but equal."
Categorical Grants
Federal grants requiring specific spending criteria.
Block Grants
Federal funds given to states with broad discretion for use.
Symbolic Speech
Protected non-verbal expression under the First Amendment (e.g., flag burning).
United States v. Nixon (1974)
Limited executive privilege, reaffirming presidential accountability to the law.
Coattail Effect
Boost congressional candidates receive from a popular presidential candidate’s success.
Revolving Door
Movement of individuals between government positions and lobbying or private industries.
Dark Money
Political contributions made anonymously without donor disclosure.
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
Confirmed federal authority over states and recognized implied powers under the Necessary and Proper Clause.
Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)
Established the legal doctrine of “separate but equal,” permitting racial segregation.
Reapportionment
Process of reallocating congressional representation based on population changes from the census.
Political Action Committees (PACs)
Organizations raising money to elect candidates or influence policy.
Griswold v. Connecticut (1965)
Established the constitutional right to privacy concerning contraceptive use.
Revolving Door
Movement of individuals between governmental positions and lobbying or industry roles.
Political spending by groups not required to disclose their funding sources.
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