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Bicameral
Referring to a legislative body composed of two chambers, such as the U.S. Congress, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Enumerated Powers
Specific powers granted to Congress by the Constitution, primarily detailed in Article I, Section 8.
Implied Powers
Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but necessary to carry out the enumerated powers, derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause.
Necessary and Proper Clause
Also known as the Elastic Clause, it grants Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out the enumerated powers.
Filibuster
A tactic used in the Senate to prolong debate and delay or prevent a vote on legislation.
Cloture
A procedure used to end a filibuster, requiring 60 votes in the Senate to limit further debate.
Veto
The power of the president to reject legislation passed by Congress.
Pocket Veto
The president's ability to indirectly veto a bill by taking no action on it for ten days while Congress is adjourned.
Judicial Review
The power of the courts to review the constitutionality of legislative acts and executive actions.
Checks and Balances
A system that ensures no branch of government becomes too powerful by giving each branch the ability to limit the powers of the others.
Gerrymandering
The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party.
Redistricting
The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries, typically occurring every ten years after the census.
Judicial Activism
A judicial philosophy that advocates for judges to interpret the law broadly and actively consider societal changes.
Judicial Restraint
A judicial philosophy that promotes limited judicial intervention and emphasizes a strict interpretation of the Constitution.
Life Tenure
The practice of granting justices lifetime appointments, intended to insulate them from political pressures.
Bully Pulpit
The position of the president as a platform to advocate for specific policies and influence public opinion.
Iron Triangle
The relationship between bureaucratic agencies, congressional committees, and interest groups which influences policy-making.
Executive Orders
Presidential directives that manage the operations of the federal government without requiring congressional approval.
Majority Party
The political party that holds the most seats in either the House of Representatives or the Senate, controlling the legislative agenda.
Minority Party
The political party that holds fewer seats in either the House of Representatives or the Senate, acting as opposition.
Political Accountability
The obligation of elected officials to be answerable to the constituents for their actions and decisions.
Supreme Court
The highest federal court in the United States, which has the ultimate authority in interpreting the Constitution.
Federalist No. 70
An essay written by Alexander Hamilton advocating for a strong and energetic presidency for effective governance.
22nd Amendment
An amendment to the U.S. Constitution that limits presidents to two terms in office.
Social Media's Impact on Communication
The effect of platforms like Twitter and Facebook in enabling presidents to communicate directly and rapidly with the public.
State of the Union Address
An annual address by the president to Congress, outlining the administration's agenda and priorities.
