Government Structure and Judiciary Overview

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the structure of Congress, the legislative process, and the judiciary, providing definitions and explanations that are essential for understanding the U.S. government.

Standing Committees

Permanent committees in each chamber that handle legislation and conduct oversight.

Joint Committees

Committees with members from both the House and Senate, usually for fact-finding.

Ad hoc/Special/Select Committees

Temporary committees created for specific purposes, such as investigations.

Pork Barreling

Funding for local projects to benefit a representative’s district.

Gerrymandering

Drawing district lines to favor a particular party or group.

Redistricting

The process of redrawing district boundaries after the census.

Franking

The privilege allowing members of Congress to send mail for free.

Casework

Assistance provided by members of Congress to constituents with problems.

Logrolling

The practice of trading votes between legislators.

Incumbency

The state of already holding office, which provides electoral advantages.

Constituents

The individuals that members of Congress represent.

Divided Government

A situation where one party controls the presidency and another controls one or both chambers of Congress.

Speaker of the House

The most powerful member of the House, responsible for setting the agenda and leading the majority party.

Filibuster

An action in the Senate to prolong debate and delay or prevent a vote.

Cloture

A procedure for ending a filibuster requiring a 60-vote threshold.

Pocket Veto

A president's indirect veto by not signing a bill within 10 days while Congress is adjourned.

Line-Item Veto

The ability to strike specific parts of a bill; unconstitutional for presidents.

Judicial Restraint

The principle that courts should defer to elected branches and exercise minimal policymaking.

Judicial Activism

The principle that courts should protect rights and may strike down laws more readily.

Supreme Court

The highest federal court, having both original and appellate jurisdiction.

Original Jurisdiction

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

Appellate Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to review decisions made by lower courts.

Article III of the Constitution

Establishes the judicial branch, creates the Supreme Court, and outlines jurisdiction.

Stare Decisis

The legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent.

Majority Opinion

The official ruling of the court, which reflects the views of the majority of justices.

Dissenting Opinion

A statement written by justices who disagree with the majority opinion.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to evaluate laws or actions as unconstitutional.

Federalist 78

An essay arguing that the judiciary is the least dangerous branch and emphasizes the need for judicial independence.