Test 4

Checks and Balances

Each branch of government has the power to check and limit each other to prevent one branch from becoming too powerful.

Incumbency

A person who already held a place in the political office; tends to have advantages due to recognition and resources.

Franking Privilege

The ability for members of Congress to send mail to constituents free of charge using their signature instead of a postage stamp.

Powers of the House of Representatives

Includes the power to initiate revenue bills, impeach federal officials, and elect the president in case of an Electoral College tie.

Powers of the Senate

Includes confirming presidential appointments, ratifying treaties, and holding impeachment trials.

Pork Barrel

Government spending for localized projects that benefit a legislator's district, often used to gain political support.

Logrolling

The practice of lawmakers exchanging favors, typically by voting for each other's proposed legislation.

CBO

Congressional Budget Office; a non-partisan office in Congress that conducts unbiased analysis of bills.

Rules Committee

Decides the rules for legislation; has a closed rule (time limit) and an open rule (no time limit).

Speaker of the House

The presiding officer of the House of Representatives.

Majority Leader

The leader of the majority party in either the House or the Senate.

Minority Leader

The leader of the minority party in either the House or the Senate.

Filibuster

A tactic used in the Senate where a senator speaks for an extended period to delay or block a vote on a bill.

Cloture

A procedure used in the Senate to end a filibuster, requiring a three-fifths majority (60 votes).

Senate Hold

A practice where a senator informs leadership of intent to block a bill or nomination, often used as a bargaining tool.

Senatorial Courtesy

A tradition where the Senate defers to the opinion of a senator from the President's party regarding judicial appointments in that senator's state.

Caucus

A meeting of members of a political party or faction to discuss strategy, select candidates, or make legislative decisions.

Standing Committee

A permanent committee that handles specific policy areas.

Joint Committee

A committee with members from both the House and Senate to address issues of common interest.

Conference Committee

A temporary committee made up of House and Senate members to reconcile differences in bills passed by both chambers.

Red Tape

Excessive bureaucracy or strict adherence to rules and regulations that cause delays and inefficiencies.

Executive Agreements

International agreements made by the President without Senate approval, often used for foreign policy matters.

Treaties

Formal agreements between countries that require Senate approval.

Executive Privilege

The President's right to withhold certain communications from Congress or courts to protect national security or confidential discussions.

Bully Pulpit

The President's ability to use public speeches and media influence to shape public opinion and push policy agendas.

25th Amendment

Establishes the order of presidential succession and procedures for replacing the President or Vice President.

Iron Triangles

An arrangement where interest groups, Congress, and agencies work together to implement laws.

Hatch Act

A law that restricts federal employees from engaging in partisan political activities.

Pendleton Civil Service Act

A law that established the merit-based system for hiring and promoting government employees.

SEC

A federal agency that regulates the stock market and protects investors.

Judicial Restraint

A philosophy in which judges interpret the Constitution narrowly, deferring to elected officials.

Judicial Activism

A philosophy where judges take an active role in policymaking and interpret the Constitution broadly.

Judiciary Act of 1789

A federal law that established the structure of the U.S. federal court system.

Court Packing

A political strategy to change the composition of a court by increasing the number of judges.

District Courts

The lowest level of courts, handling trials and evidence presentation.

Supreme Court

The highest court, making final rulings on constitutional matters.

Original Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear a case first, before any appellate review.

Appellate Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to review and revise a lower court's decision.