test i didnt study for

Article 1

Establishes the Legislative Branch (Congress); makes laws, controls spending, declares war, and oversees the executive

Article II

Establishes the Executive Branch; enforces laws, directs foreign policy, and serves as Commander-in-Chief

Article III

Establishes the Judicial Branch; interprets laws and has the power of judicial review.

17th Amendment

Allows citizens to directly elect US senators

22nd Amendment

Limits the president to two terms in office.

Cloture

A Senate vote to end a filibuster; requires 60 votes.

Discharge petition

Used in the House to force a bill out of committee for a floor vote.

Trustee Model

Representatives vote based on their judgment and conscience.

Delegate Model

: Representatives vote based on the preferences of their constituents.

 

Politico Model

Representatives act as a mix of trustee and delegate depending on the issue.

Executive Privilege

The president’s right to withhold information from Congress or the courts.

 

Federalist 70

Hamilton argued for a single, strong, energetic executive.

Federalist 78

Hamilton argued for judicial independence and life tenure.

Stare Decisis

: The principle that courts should follow precedent. (A previous court decision used as a basis for future rulings.) 

Judicial Activism

Judges interpret the Constitution broadly to reflect modern values.

Judicial Restraint

Judges defer to elected branches unless actions clearly violate the Constitution.

 

 Bureaucracy

Complex system of departments and agencies that implement and enforce laws.

Discretionary Authority

: Bureaucrats’ ability to decide how to enforce laws.

Rule-Making Authority

Bureaucrats create regulations to carry out laws.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

 Protects the U.S. from terrorism and manages border and disaster response.

 

Department of Transportation (DOT)

Oversees transportation systems and infrastructure safety.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Enforces laws to protect the environment and reduce pollution.

Federal Election Commission (FEC)

: Regulates campaign finance and election rules.

: Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

Regulates financial markets and prevents fraud.

Iron Triangle

Relationship between Congress, bureaucracy, and interest groups influencing policy.

Congressional Oversight

Congress’s power to monitor and control bureaucratic actions.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

One person, one vote” — courts can rule on redistricting (Equal Protection, 14th Amendment).

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

Race cannot be the main factor in drawing districts (Equal Protection, 14th Amendment).

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Established judicial review; courts can declare laws unconstitutional.