U.S. Government and Politics: Key Terms and Concepts

Bill

A draft of a proposed law presented for approval to a legislative body

Caucus

A meeting of local members of a political party especially to select delegates to a convention or register preferences for candidates running for office

Concurrent powers

Powers that are shared by the federal and state government, but exercised separately and simultaneously (Ex - the to tax, the right to establish and maintain courts)

Delegated powers

Powers given or issued to the federal government by the state government (Ex - to collect taxes and regulate commerce)

Denied powers

Powers denied to all governments, both state and federal, and kept by the people (Ex - to deny due process of law to individuals or to grant titles of nobility)

Elastic clause

Grants Congress the right to make all laws necessary and proper in order to carry out the federal government's duties (Ex - the power of the Congress to create the Bank of the United States)

Electoral College

A body of electors chosen to elect the President and Vice President of the United States in December, following the popular election in November

Enumerated Powers

Powers directly stated or listed in the Constitution as belonging to the Federal government

Filibuster

The use of obstructionist tactics, especially prolonged speechmaking, for the purpose of delaying legislative action (Ex - stalling on the floor of Congress to effectively kill a bill or action on an issue)

Gerrymandering

The dividing of a voting area (redistricting) as to give one political party a majority in as many districts as possible or for the purpose of weakening the voting strength of a particular group or area (ethnic, racial, urban, etc.)

Impeachment

The process of bringing formal charges against a public official for misconduct. The House of Representatives has the power to impeach federal officials (including the President, Vice President and federal judges), and the trial is conducted by the Senate

Implied Powers

Based on the necessary and proper or elastic clause; powers required by the federal government to carry out its duties as stated in the U.S. Constitution. These powers are not listed but are understood without being expressed. (Ex - the power of the federal government to collect taxes implies the power to establish the IRS or Internal Revenue Service)

Inherent powers

These are powers that belong to the federal government by virtue of being the national government (Ex - providing for national defense through the establishment and maintenance of the military)

Line Item Veto

Law established in 1997 that provides the President with the power to reject parts of appropriations bills, without rejecting entire bills

Lobbying

Practice by private citizens or organizations of attempting to influence the decisions or actions of legislators or other public officials by legal means

Logrolling

Mutual aid or assistance amongst politicians, as by reciprocal voting for each other's bill in Congress (Votes are exchanged among members of Congress to gain approval of one's "pet" legislation)

Loose constructionist

Interpretation or reading of the U.S. Constitution that allows for broad use of the elastic clause or implied powers of the government. Loose constructionists argue that the Constitution needs to respond to changing times and unique situations in America. This was the position held by Alexander Hamilton and other Federalists

Party whip

A member of the legislative body, such as the U.S. Congress, charged by his or her political party with enforcing party discipline and policy as well as ensuring attendance

Pocket veto

An automatic veto that occurs if the President does not sign a bill passed by Congress during the last 10 days of its session

Pork-barrel Legislation

Special appropriations bill (proposals that designate public funds for special purposes) voted on by Congressmen to bring Federal money to favored programs in their districts

Precedent

Rule or decision that serves as guide for future actions and decisions, particularly in cases of law

President Pro Tempore

The Senate leader from the majority party who serves as presiding officer of the Senate anytime the Vice President is absent

Quorum

The minimum number of officials or delegates (usually a majority) who must be present to officially transact business

Reserved powers

Powers that belong to the individual states or the people (as per the 10th amendment)

Strict constructionist

Interpretation stating that the U.S. Constitution limits government powers to those explicitly stated or written out in 'in black and white'. A strict constructionist argues that the Constitution, as written, should solely determine judicial and other governmental actions. This was the position of Thomas Jefferson and other anti-federalists

Supremacy clause

States that the laws passed by the Congress, and the treaties of the United States have superior authority over laws of state and local governments

Veto

To reject (as in the President using his power to veto bills sent to him by Congress)