CLEP American Government

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.