Key Legal and Government Terms

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key legal and governmental terms, designed for effective review and exam preparation.

amicus curiae

A legal term meaning 'friend of the court,' used for a brief filed by someone interested in but not a party to a case.

appellate court

A court that reviews cases already decided by a lower or trial court and may change the decision.

appellate jurisdiction

The power of a court to hear a case on appeal from a lower court.

associate justice

A member of the Supreme Court who is not the chief justice.

brief

A written legal argument presented to a court.

chief justice

The highest-ranking justice on the Supreme Court.

circuit courts

The appeals courts of the federal court system that review decisions of the lower district courts.

civil law

Non-criminal law defining private rights and remedies.

common law

Law developed by judges through case decisions based largely on precedent.

concurring opinion

An opinion written by a justice who agrees with the Court’s majority opinion but offers different reasons.

dissenting opinion

An opinion written by a justice who disagrees with the majority opinion of the Court.

district courts

The trial courts of the federal court system where cases are tried and evidence is presented.

docket

The list of cases pending on a court’s calendar.

dual court system

The division of courts into separate federal and state systems.

judicial activism

A judicial philosophy where justices are likely to overturn decisions to broaden individual rights.

judicial review

The power of courts to review actions by the other branches of government and rule on their constitutionality.

majority opinion

The opinion of the Court with which more than half of the justices agree.

Marbury v. Madison

The 1803 Supreme Court case that established judicial review.

oral argument

Words spoken before the Supreme Court explaining legal reasons behind a case.

original jurisdiction

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

precedent

Principles or guidelines established by courts in earlier cases.

Rule of Four

Supreme Court custom where a case will be heard if four justices agree to do so.

senatorial courtesy

An unwritten custom where the president consults state senators before nominating candidates for federal vacancies.

solicitor general

The lawyer who represents the federal government before the Supreme Court.

stare decisis

The principle whereby courts rely on past decisions and precedents.

trial court

The level of court in which a case starts or is first tried.

writ of certiorari

An order of the Supreme Court to review records from a lower court.

amendatory veto

A veto allowing a governor to return a bill with a request for specific amendments.

charter

A document detailing local government responsibilities.

commission system

An elected commission that serves as the governing body within a county.

consecutive term limits

Caps specifying the duration a member can serve in the state legislature.

council-administrator system

An elected council that appoints an administrator for county operations.

delegate legislator

A legislator who acts in the best interest of their constituents.

Dillon’s Rule

A legal principle affirming state sovereignty over local governments.

expressed powers

Powers specifically granted to Congress and the president by the Constitution.

formal powers

Powers a governor may exercise as outlined in state constitutions.

home rule

A principle allowing local governments independence from state government.

implied powers

Powers inferred as necessary to achieve national government objectives.

individualistic political culture

A culture prioritizing government as a tool for individual goals.

lifetime ban

A rule preventing members from serving multiple terms in the state legislature.

line-item veto

A governor's ability to strike out portions of a bill.

mayor-council system

A government structure where council members and the mayor are elected.

moralistic political culture

A culture viewing government as a means to enhance society.

pardon

A governor’s action to absolve someone of blame for a crime.

reduction veto

Authority for a governor to reduce budgeted amounts in legislation.

term limits

Rules restricting how long members can serve in the state legislature.

traditionalistic political culture

A culture supporting the maintenance of existing social orders.

trustee

An officeholder who uses their judgment to decide what’s best.

bureaucracy

An administrative group of non-elected officials executing policies.

bureaucrats

Civil servants or political appointees in non-elected government roles.

civil servants

Individuals in non-elected government positions.

government corporation

A corporation fulfilling a public interest and overseen by authorities.

merit system

A system filling civil service positions through competitive examinations.

negotiated rulemaking

A rulemaking process involving stakeholders to reach a consensus.

patronage

Using government positions to reward political supporters.

pay schedule

A chart showing salary ranges for different government positions.

privatization

Measures incorporating private sector market forces into government functions.

public administration

The implementation of public policy and preparation of civil servants.

red tape

Procedures and rules that must be followed to accomplish tasks.

spoils system

A system rewarding political loyalty with bureaucratic appointments.

whistleblower

A person who exposes misconduct within a bureaucracy.