final exam

Direct Democracy

A system where citizens vote directly on laws and policies.

Representative Democracy

A system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Republic

A form of government that fits representative democracy, focusing on elected leaders.

Public Goods

Items that are available for everyone to use, such as parks and national defense.

Role of Government in Public Goods

Governments provide public goods because businesses cannot profit from them.

Political Culture

Shared beliefs and values about the role of government within a society.

Individualism

A cultural value that emphasizes personal freedom and self-reliance.

Egalitarianism

A cultural value that emphasizes equality and equal treatment.

Constitution

A set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state is governed.

Framers' Intentions

To create a system of government that avoided monarchy and limited direct democracy.

Dual Federalism

A political system where state and federal governments operate independently.

Cooperative Federalism

A political system where state and federal governments work together.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

A clause requiring states to recognize and honor the laws and rulings of other states.

Selective Incorporation

The process by which certain rights in the Bill of Rights are applied to the states through the 14th Amendment.

Civil Liberties

Individual rights protected by law from unjust governmental interference.

Fourth Amendment Protections

Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Exclusionary Rule

A rule that prohibits the use of illegally obtained evidence in a court of law.

Public Discrimination

Discrimination enacted by government policies, such as segregation laws.

Private Discrimination

Discrimination by individuals or private entities, such as businesses rejecting customers.

Equal Rights Amendment

A proposed amendment to ensure equal rights, which has not been ratified.

Equal Pay Act

A law requiring equal pay for equal work, which has yet to fully eliminate the wage gap.

Presidential Approval Ratings

Measures of public support for the president over time.

Honeymoon Period

The initial phase of a presidency where approval ratings are typically high.

Libel

Written statements that damage a person's reputation.

Slander

Spoken statements that damage a person's reputation.

Hard News

News reporting focused on serious topics and current events.

Soft News

Entertainment-focused reporting that may include less serious topics.

Right of Association

The freedom to join groups and organizations.

Interest Group Motivation

Reasons citizens join interest groups, including self-interest and civic interest.

Types of Interest Groups

Economic, ideological, and citizens' groups among others.

Public Goods vs. Selective Benefits

Public goods are for everyone; selective benefits reward only members.

Political Party Functions

Organize politics, mobilize voters, and establish platforms outlining goals.

Electoral College

A group that formally elects the president of the United States.

Voter Turnout

The percentage of eligible voters who participate in an election.

Bicameralism

A legislative structure with two chambers, such as the U.S. Congress.

Filibuster

A procedural tactic in the Senate to delay a vote.

Requirements for Presidency

Must be at least 35 years old, a natural-born citizen, and a resident for 14 years.

Presidential Pardon Power

The president's authority to forgive or lessen punishments for crimes.

Veto Power

The president's authority to reject legislation passed by Congress.

Pocket Veto

A veto taking effect when the president does not sign a bill and Congress adjourns.

Imperial Presidency

The growing power of the presidency over time, especially during crises.

Federal Bureaucracy Growth

Expansion to manage increasing responsibilities since U.S. history changed.

President's Cabinet

Advisory group to the president consisting of heads of executive departments.

Executive Office

A group of officials that help the president with more administrative tasks.

Federal Register

A government publication detailing rules and regulations for public transparency.

Plaintiffs

Individuals or entities bringing a case to court.

Defendants

Individuals or entities accused in a court case.

Jurisdiction

The authority under which courts hear cases.

Original Jurisdiction

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

Federal District Courts

Courts that were established to hear federal legal cases.

Amicus Curiae Briefs

Legal opinions submitted by non-parties to inform the court.

Judge Selection Process

Judges are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate.

Countermajoritarian Difficulty

The challenge posed when unelected judges invalidate majority decisions.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to assess whether a law is constitutional.

Majority Opinions

Official statements by the court outlining the ruling and reasoning.

Dissenting Opinions

Statements by judges who disagree with the majority ruling.

Concurring Opinions

Opinions agreeing with the majority but for different reasons.

Judicial Activism

A judicial philosophy advocating for broad interpretation of laws.

Judicial Restraint

A judicial philosophy promoting limited interpretation of laws.

Fiscal Policy

The government's use of spending and taxation to influence the economy.

Monetary Policy

Central bank actions to control the money supply and interest rates.