Review of Congress, The Presidency, and Federal Judiciary

Flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture on Congress, the Presidency, and the Federal Judiciary.

CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY

Congress is created by Article 1 and has enumerated powers.

BICAMERALISM

The division of Congress into two chambers: the House and the Senate.

KEY POWERS OF CONGRESS

Include the ability to tax, declare war, regulate commerce, and make laws.

GERRYMANDERING

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a specific political party.

CHIEF EXECUTIVE

The president's role in enforcing laws and running the federal government.

ELECTORAL COLLEGE

System used to elect the president where electors vote based on House and Senate representation.

PRESIDENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

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

EXECUTIVE ORDERS

Directives from the president that have the force of law within his presidential powers.

FEDERAL BUREAUCRACY

A large hierarchical organization of appointed officials that implement laws and policies.

CIVIL LAW

Disputes between private parties, with a goal of money damages.

CRIMINAL LAW

Cases involving the government prosecuting an individual, with a goal of punishment.

HABEAS CORPUS

Legal principle allowing courts to review the legality of detention.

JUDICIAL REVIEW

The power of courts to declare laws or actions unconstitutional, established by Marbury vs. Madison.

SUPREMACY CLAUSE

Establishes the Constitution and federal laws as the highest law of the land.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN JUDICIAL ACTIVISM AND JUDICIAL RESTRAINT

Judicial activism involves the court actively changing policy, while restraint limits power and defers to elected branches.

RULE OF FOUR

The rule that requires four justices to agree to hear a case in the Supreme Court.