Government HN Final Exam Pt 1

The Constitution

The supreme law of the United States outlining the national framework of government.

Expressed Powers

Powers specifically granted to Congress or the President in the Constitution.

Implied Powers

Powers not written in the Constitution but necessary to carry out expressed powers (via the Necessary and Proper Clause).

Concurrent Powers

Powers shared by both federal and state governments (e.g., taxing, building roads).

Inherent Powers

Powers that naturally belong to any sovereign government (e.g., immigration control).

Federalism

The division of power between national and state governments.

Public Policy

Government actions or decisions intended to solve problems or address issues.

Bureaucracy

A system of managing government through departments run by appointed officials.

Articles of Confederation

The first U.S. government framework, replaced due to its weakness.

Social Contract

The idea that people consent to government authority in exchange for protection of rights.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that political power belongs to the people.

Separation of Powers

Dividing government into branches to prevent abuse of power.

Limited Government

Government is restricted by law to protect individual rights.

Federalist Papers

Essays written to promote ratification of the Constitution.

Supreme Court Jurisdiction

The Supreme Court's authority to hear cases.

Circuit/Appeals Court

Federal courts that review decisions from district courts.

District Court

The lowest level of federal courts; trials are held here.

Due Process

Legal requirement that the government must respect all legal rights.

Congress

The legislative branch of the U.S. government (House + Senate).

Congressional Committees

Sub-groups in Congress that handle specific duties.

Speaker of the House

Leader of the House of Representatives.

Interest Groups

Organizations that seek to influence public policy.

Political Parties

Groups that seek to gain power by winning elections.

Campaign Finance Reform

Efforts to regulate money in political campaigns.

Electoral College

The system that elects the U.S. President based on state votes.

Presidency

The office and powers of the President of the United States.

Presidential Succession

The order in which officials replace the President if needed.

Governor of VA

The chief executive of the state of Virginia.

Virginia General Assembly

Virginia's state legislature (Senate + House of Delegates).

Board of Supervisors

Elected officials who govern counties in Virginia.

County Executive

The appointed official who manages county operations.

Bill of Rights Amendments

The first ten amendments to the Constitution protecting individual freedoms.

Reconstruction Era Amendments

13th (abolished slavery), 14th (citizenship & equal protection), 15th (voting rights).

Progressive Era Amendments

Reforms including 16th (income tax), 17th (direct election of Senators), 18th (Prohibition), 19th (women's suffrage).

23rd Amendment

Gave Washington D.C. electoral votes.

26th Amendment

Lowered the voting age to 18.

16th Amendment

Authorized federal income tax.

Communism and Command Economy

Government controls all economic activity and property.

Mixed Market Economy

Combines free-market and government regulation.

Socialism

Government owns major industries; seeks economic equality.

Free Market

Economy based on supply, demand, and minimal government interference.

Federal Reserve System

Central bank of the U.S., regulates the money supply.

Civil Disobedience

Peacefully refusing to obey unjust laws.

Equal Protection Clause

Part of the 14th Amendment; guarantees equality under the law.

Plaintiff

The person who brings a lawsuit to court.

Defendant

The person being accused or sued in court.

War Powers Resolution

Limits the President's ability to commit troops without Congress.

Impeachment

Process of charging and potentially removing a government official.

Political Action Committee (PAC)

Group that raises money to support candidates/issues.

Original Jurisdiction

A court's authority to hear a case first.

Concurrent Jurisdiction

When more than one court can hear a case.

Appellate Jurisdiction

Authority of a court to review decisions made by lower courts.

Two Party System

A political system dominated by two major parties (Democrats and Republicans).