Government Monster Vocabulary

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary terms and concepts essential for understanding government structure, constitutional principles, landmark Supreme Court cases, and amendments.

Amicus curiae

A 'friend of the court' brief submitted by individuals or groups not directly involved in a case to provide additional information or arguments.

Block grants

Federal grants given to states with broad discretion on how the funds are spent.

Bully pulpit

The president’s ability to use the office to influence public opinion and set the policy agenda.

Casework

Assistance provided by members of Congress to help constituents deal with government agencies.

Categorical grants

Federal grants given to states for specific purposes with strict guidelines and conditions.

Caucus

A meeting of political party members to choose candidates, plan strategy, or select leaders.

Closed primary

An election in which only registered party members may vote in their party’s primary.

Cooperative federalism

A system in which federal and state governments share responsibilities and work together on policy.

Critical elections

Elections that result in a long-term shift in party alignment and voter loyalties.

Dealignment

A decline in party identification, resulting in more independent voters.

Demographics

Statistical characteristics of a population such as age, race, gender, income, and education.

Devolution

The transfer of power from the national government to state and local governments.

Divided government

When the presidency and Congress are controlled by different political parties.

Entitlements

Government benefits that individuals are legally entitled to if they meet eligibility requirements.

Executive order

A directive issued by the president that has the force of law.

Expressed powers

Powers explicitly stated in the Constitution.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between national and state governments.

Filibuster

A Senate tactic used to delay or block legislation by extending debate.

Fiscal federalism

The use of federal spending and grants to influence state and local governments.

Fiscal policy

Government decisions about taxation and spending to influence the economy.

Franking privilege

The ability of members of Congress to send mail to constituents free of charge.

Gender gap

Differences in political opinions and voting behavior between men and women.

General election

An election in which voters choose among candidates from different political parties.

Gerrymandering

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

Grassroots lobbying

Efforts to influence policy by mobilizing the public to contact government officials.

Horse race journalism

Media coverage that focuses on who is winning or losing rather than policy issues.

Implied powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but inferred from expressed powers.

Incumbent

The current officeholder seeking reelection.

Independent expenditures

Political spending by individuals or groups that is not coordinated with a candidate’s campaign.

Inherent powers

Powers claimed by the president based on the authority of the office, especially in foreign affairs.

Interest groups

Organizations that seek to influence public policy without running candidates for office.

Issue network (iron triangle)

A relationship among interest groups, congressional committees, and bureaucratic agencies.

Judicial activism

A judicial philosophy in which courts interpret the Constitution broadly and may overturn laws.

Judicial review

The power of courts to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional.

Lame duck period

The time after an election but before newly elected officials take office.

Litigation

The process of resolving disputes through the court system.

Lobbying

Efforts by individuals or groups to influence government decision-making.

Logrolling

An agreement among legislators to support each other’s proposals.

Mandatory spending

Government spending required by law, such as Social Security and Medicare.

Midterm elections

Elections held halfway through a president’s term.

Monetary policy

Actions by the Federal Reserve to regulate the money supply and interest rates.

Motion for cloture

A Senate procedure used to end a filibuster with a three-fifths vote.

Open primary

An election in which voters may participate regardless of party affiliation.

Original intent

Interpreting the Constitution based on the framers’ original meaning.

Oversight

Congressional monitoring of executive branch agencies and policies.

PAC

A political action committee that raises and spends money to support candidates.

Party polarization

The growing ideological divide between political parties.

Pluralism

A theory that political power is distributed among many competing interest groups.

Pocket veto

A presidential veto that occurs when Congress adjourns before a bill is signed.

Policy agenda

A list of issues that government officials consider important.

Political culture

Shared beliefs and values that shape political behavior in a society.

Political efficacy

The belief that one’s political participation can make a difference.

Political party

An organization that seeks to gain power by electing its members to office.

Political socialization

The process by which individuals develop political beliefs and values.

Pork barrel spending

Government spending on local projects to benefit a legislator’s constituents.

Realignment

A major shift in party coalitions and voter loyalties.

Redistricting

Redrawing congressional district boundaries after a census.

Selective incorporation

Applying the Bill of Rights to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.

Single-member districts

Electoral districts that elect one representative.

Stare decisis

The legal principle of following precedent in court decisions.

Suffrage

The right to vote.

Super PAC

A political committee that can raise unlimited funds but cannot coordinate with candidates.

Uncontrollable spending

Government spending that cannot easily be reduced due to legal obligations.

Unfunded mandate

A federal requirement imposed on states without providing funding.

White House staff

Advisors and assistants who help the president manage executive responsibilities.

Writ of certiorari

An order by the Supreme Court agreeing to hear a case.

Amendment process

The formal procedure for changing the Constitution outlined in Article V.

1st Amendment

Protects freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

2nd Amendment

Protects the right to keep and bear arms.

3rd Amendment

Prohibits the forced quartering of soldiers in private homes.

4th Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

5th Amendment

Protects due process, against self-incrimination, and double jeopardy.

6th Amendment

Guarantees rights of the accused, including a fair and speedy trial.

7th Amendment

Guarantees the right to a jury trial in civil cases.

8th Amendment

Prohibits excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.

9th Amendment

States that rights not listed in the Constitution are retained by the people.

10th Amendment

Reserves powers not given to the federal government to the states or the people.

11th Amendment

Limits lawsuits against states in federal courts.

12th Amendment

Changed the procedure for electing the president and vice president.

13th Amendment

Abolished slavery.

14th Amendment

Guarantees citizenship, due process, and equal protection under the law.

15th Amendment

Prohibits denying the vote based on race.

16th Amendment

Allows Congress to levy an income tax.

17th Amendment

Established direct election of U.S. senators.

18th Amendment

Prohibited the manufacture and sale of alcohol.

19th Amendment

Granted women the right to vote.

20th Amendment

Set new dates for presidential and congressional terms.

21st Amendment

Repealed Prohibition.

22nd Amendment

Limited presidents to two terms.

23rd Amendment

Gave Washington, D.C. electoral votes.

24th Amendment

Prohibited poll taxes.

25th Amendment

Established procedures for presidential succession and disability.

26th Amendment

Lowered the voting age to 18.

27th Amendment

Prevents immediate congressional pay raises.

Article I

Establishes the legislative branch.

Article II

Establishes the executive branch.

Article III

Establishes the judicial branch.

Article IV

Addresses relations among the states.

Article V

Outlines the amendment process.

Article VI

Establishes the supremacy of federal law.