Untitled Flashcards Set

Approval rating

A measure used to gauge public support of the president.

Persuasion

The primary power of the president as argued by Neustadt.

Electoral College

A body that formally elects the President and Vice President of the United States.

Veto

The presidential power to reject legislation passed by Congress.

Goes public

The strategy by which a president addresses the public to gain support for policies.

Judicial review

The ability of courts to assess whether a law is in compliance with the constitution.

PAC (Political Action Committee)

An organization that raises money to elect candidates and influence legislation.

Super PAC

A type of independent political action committee which may raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, and individuals.

Political realignment

A significant and long-lasting change in the political landscape, including party dominance.

Polarization

The process by which political parties become more ideologically distinct and cohesive.

Original jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear a case for the first time.

Precedent

A legal principle established in a previous case that is either binding or persuasive in subsequent cases.

Collective action problem

A situation in which individuals in a group might not contribute to a common goal while still benefiting from it.

Interest groups

Organizations that seek to influence public policy and government decisions.

Unitary executive theory

The theory that the President has the power to control the entire executive branch.

Administrative state

The body of government agencies and departments responsible for carrying out laws and regulations.

Judicial activism

A judicial philosophy that argues judges should interpret the constitution and laws broadly to promote social change.

Social movements

Collective efforts by groups of people or organizations to promote or resist social change.

Congressional behavior

Actions and decisions made by members of Congress, often influenced by political conditions.

Civic participation

The engagement of individuals in the political process, including voting and activism.

Selective incentives

Benefits offered to encourage participation in a group or organization.