US Government & Policy Lecture Notes

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards that review legislative, executive, judicial, bureaucratic, and economic concepts from the lecture notes.

Constituency

The residents of a legislator’s state or district.

Service Strategy

A legislator’s effort to meet constituents’ needs and concerns.

Party Caucus

Closed meeting of party members in Congress to plan strategy and settle policy differences.

Standing Committee

Permanent congressional committee with responsibility for specific policy areas.

Incumbent

A current officeholder seeking reelection.

Oversight

Congressional monitoring of the bureaucracy’s performance.

Bully Pulpit

The president’s platform for shaping the national agenda.

PAC (Political Action Committee)

Interest-group committee that usually donates to incumbents over challengers.

Redistricting Advantage

Benefit House incumbents gain because state legislatures draw district lines.

Where Most Bills Die

In committee, before reaching the chamber floor.

Speaker of the House

Most powerful House member, elected by the chamber (typically from majority party).

Seniority System

Tradition giving longer-serving members preference for committee leadership; not absolute.

House Bill Scheduling

Controlled by majority-party leadership and Rules Committee.

Bill Becomes Law Without President’s Signature

Occurs if Congress overrides a veto.

Article II

Constitutional article that establishes the presidency.

Presidents Impeached

Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump.

Executive Office of the President (EOP)

Includes WHO, OMB, NSC, NEC, and other advisory units.

War Powers Act Purpose

Limit the president’s ability to commit troops without congressional approval.

Honeymoon Period

Early months when a new president is most successful at passing proposals.

Presidential Power After Honeymoon

Generally weakens as time in office continues.

Jimmy Carter’s Vice-Presidency Change

Assigned substantive duties to the vice president, expanding the role.

War Powers Act Requirements

Notify Congress within 48 hours; combat must end in 60–90 days unless Congress authorizes extension.

Post-WWII Military Actions

Often initiated by presidents without formal declarations of war by Congress.

Legal Precedent

Past judicial ruling used to guide current decisions.

Senior Executive Service (SES)

Top career officials who manage federal programs beneath presidential appointees.

Policy Implementation

Execution of decisions made by Congress, the president, and the courts.

Neutral Competence

Bureaucratic ideal of skilled, politically impartial employees.

Judicial Review

Court power to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.

Majority Opinion

Statement reflecting the view and legal reasoning of most justices in a case.

Plurality Opinion

Statement reflecting the winning outcome when no single legal rationale gains a majority.

Concurring Opinion

Justice agrees with the decision but offers different reasoning.

Dissenting Opinion

Justice explains why they disagree with the court’s majority.

Government Corporation

Government-owned business (e.g., USPS, Amtrak) providing market-like services.

Independent Agency

Executive unit with narrow responsibilities; leaders appointed by president, confirmed by Senate (e.g., CIA, EPA).

Cabinet Department

Major executive organization overseeing a broad policy area, led by a secretary (e.g., Defense).

Presidential Commission

Temporary advisory body created to investigate or recommend on specific issues.

19th-Century Bureaucratic Reorganization

Driven largely by rapid economic growth after the 1800s.

U.S. District Courts

Lowest level of federal courts; 94 trial courts.

Federal Courts of Appeals

13 intermediate appellate courts reviewing district-court decisions.

Federal Judge Selection

Nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate; no age or citizenship requirements.

Federal Judge Tenure

Serve for life, contingent on good behavior.

Clarence Thomas’s Appointment

Nominated by President George H. W. Bush.

Importance of Case Facts

Provide the basis for courts to determine legal outcomes.

Plurality Opinion Meaning

Justices agree on result but not on the legal reasoning behind it.

Congressional Budget Passage

Must be approved by both chambers and signed or vetoed by the president.

First Step in Budget Process

House and Senate budget committees review the president’s proposed budget.

Judicial Review & First Amendment

Courts can strike down laws that violate free-speech protections.

Merit System

Hiring based on qualifications to ensure competent, nonpartisan civil service.

Amtrak

Example of a government corporation.

“Good Behavior” for Judges

Term ends only for crimes or serious ethical violations.

Laissez-Faire Capitalism

Economic system where private firms act freely with minimal government interference.

Invisible Hand

Adam Smith’s idea that market competition guides resources without central planning.

Adam Smith Did NOT Argue

That government should run large sections of the economy.

Government’s Economic Roles

Regulation, redistribution, and stabilization of the economy.

Economic Efficiency

Maximum output produced from given inputs.

Market Regulation Purpose

Correct market failures and improve efficiency.

Externality

Cost or benefit not reflected in market price (e.g., pollution, herd immunity).

FDA

Federal agency that oversees drug and food safety as part of consumer protection.

Progressive Era Reforms

Focused on breaking monopolies and establishing agencies like the FDA.

Rachel Carson

Author of “Silent Spring,” which spurred modern environmental policy.

Silent Spring Impact

Triggered public demand for environmental regulation.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Sets pollution limits and enforces environmental regulations.

EPA Founding President

Established by Republican President Richard Nixon.

National Labor Relations Act (1935)

Guaranteed workers’ rights to form unions and bargain collectively.

Fiscal Policy

Government taxing and spending to influence the economy.

Keynesian Theory

Government spending can stabilize economic demand during downturns.

Supply-Side Theory

Tax cuts spur investment and economic growth.

Progressive Income Tax

Tax rate that rises as an individual’s income rises.

Tax-Income Balance Goal

Higher taxes on higher earners, lighter burden on lower earners.

GI Bill

1944 law providing veterans with education, housing, and loan benefits.

GI Bill Effects

Expanded higher education and home ownership among veterans.

U.S. Poverty Count

About 28.7 million people live in poverty.

2020 Poverty Line

Approximately $28,000 annual income for a family of four.

Public Assistance

Means-tested aid funded by the federal government for low-income individuals.

Entitlement Program

Benefits guaranteed by law once eligibility criteria are met.

Social Security

Federal retirement income program; example of entitlement.

Medicare vs. Medicaid

Health insurance for seniors (Medicare) versus low-income individuals (Medicaid).

Social Insurance vs. Public Assistance

Broader eligibility and contributions (insurance) versus strict income limits (assistance).

Means Test

Assessment to determine if income qualifies for aid.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Refundable tax credit for low-income workers.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Provides food benefits; criticized for cost and nutritional value.