Key Concepts in U.S. Government and Politics

A collection of vocabulary flashcards outlining key terms and concepts from U.S. Government and Politics lecture notes.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government responsible for making laws, composed of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Electoral College

A body of electors established by the U.S. Constitution for the indirect election of the president and vice president.

Commerce Clause

A clause in the Constitution that gives Congress the power to regulate trade between the states and with foreign nations.

Necessary & Proper Clause

Also called the 'Elastic Clause', it allows Congress to make laws required to carry out its other powers.

Supremacy Clause

The constitutional provision that establishes that federal law takes precedence over state law.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

Dual Sovereignty

The concept that both federal and state governments have their own separate areas of authority.

Reserved Powers

Powers that are not granted to the federal government by the Constitution, and are reserved for the states.

Concurrent Powers

Powers that are shared by both the federal and state governments.

Hard Money

Direct donations to a candidate’s campaign, regulated by law.

Soft Money

Money donated to political parties or outside groups, not directly to a candidate, usually less regulated.

Primaries and Caucuses

Forms of selecting candidates within major political parties before a national convention.

Oversight

The process by which Congress monitors executive branch activities, including hearings and investigations.

Constitutional Powers of the President

Powers explicitly granted to the President, such as being Commander-in-Chief and making treaties.

Inherent Powers

Powers that are not explicitly listed in the Constitution but are needed for the President to fulfill their duties.

Differences between House and Senate

The House has more rules and limited debate, while the Senate has fewer rules and unlimited debate.

Criminal Law

The body of law that deals with conduct considered harmful to society.

Civil Law

The area of law that deals with private disputes between individuals or organizations.

Public Law

Laws that govern the relationship between individuals and the government.

Federalist 78

An essay written by Alexander Hamilton discussing the necessity of an independent judiciary.