APGov/Politics All Unit Vocabulary

Adversarial press

Media that opposes the government, exposing scandals and wrongdoings

Advice and Consent Power

Constitutional power of the Senate to advise on presidential appointments and to consent or reject those appointments

Amendment process

The method of changing the Constitution, requiring proposal and ratification.

Amicus curiae briefs

"Friend of the court" documents submitted by interest groups to influence rulings.

Ambassadors

represents US in foreign countries, appointed by President, approved by Senate

Article I (Branch of Government)

Established Legislative Branch

Article II (Branch of Government)

Established Executive Branch

Article III (Branch of Government)

Established Judicail Branch

Article IV

Established State Relations

Article V

Established Amendment Process

Article VI

Established Supramacy Clause

Article VII

Established Ratification

Articles of Confederation (3 weaknesses)

weak national government with no power to tax, no executive

branch, and limited authority over states.

Attack ads

Political ads that criticize an opponent to influence voters against

Baker v Carr (1961)

Citizens in Tennessee challenged unequal legislative districts that had not been redrawn despite population changes, arguing it violated the Equal Protection Clause

Baker v Carr (1961) (Holding)

Court ruled that redistricting issues are justiciable, meaning courts can decide them, leading to the principle of “one person, one vote.

Bill of Rights (Significance)

First ten amendments of US Constitution protecting individual liberties.

Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002

limited soft money and regulated campaign advertising

Block grants

Federal funds given to states with broad spending discretion.

Brutus #1 (Main Point)

A strong national government threatens individual liberties

Brutus #15 (Main Point)

Judicial power to broad, unchecked, supreme court supremacy, elastic interpretation

Budget deficit

Government spending exceeds revenue.

Bully pulpit

President's use of media to sway public opinion.

Categorical grants

Federal funds for specific state projects.

Caucuses

Meetings where political parties choose candidates.

Census

Population count every ten years for representation.

Checks and balances (principle of government)

Branches have a check on each other to ensure power is balanced

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)

A nonprofit corporation wanted to air a political film critical of Hillary Clinton before an election, violating campaign finance law. The Court ruled that independent political spending by corporations and unions is protected under the First Amendment

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) (Holding)

Court ruled that independent political expenditures are protected free speech, leading to increased influence of outside groups in elections

Closed primaries

Only registered party members can vote.

Coattail effect

Popular candidates boost down-ballot races.

Commerce Clause

Congress regulates interstate trade.

Concurrent powers

Shared powers between federal and state governments.

Congressional appropriation

Allocating government funds.

Congressional Hearings

Investigations or discussions by Congress.

Conservative

Prefers traditional values and limited government.

Constituency

Voters an elected official represents.

Contemporary political issues

Current governmental and policy debates

Critical elections

Elections causing major party shifts.

Dark money

Political spending by undisclosed donors

Declaration of Independence (3 Parts of)

preamble, a list of grievances against King George III, and the declaration of independence from Great Britain

Declaration of Independence (Significance)

Established the United States as an independent nation and justified separation based on natural rights.

Delegate

A person representing others in government

Delegated Powers

Powers granted to the federal government.

Democratic predictor qualities (sterotypes)

Younger, urban, diverse, liberal.

Demographics

Statistical data about populations.

Department of Homeland Security

Handles national security and emergency response.

Department of Justice

Enforces federal laws.

Department of State

Handles foreign affairs.

Department of Transportation

Oversees national infrastructure.

Department of Treasury

Manages national finances.

Department of Veteran Affairs

Provides services to military veterans.

Divided Government

Different parties control different branches.

Election cycle

Regular schedule of elections.

Electorate

Eligible voters in an election.

Entitlements

Government benefits for eligible citizens.

Enumerated powers

Specific powers listed in the Constitution.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Regulates environmental policies.

Executive Agreement

International agreement made by the president.

Executive Order

Directives issued by the president.

Factors of Socialization

Influences on political beliefs (family, media, school).

Federal Rerserve

central bank of the United States

Federalist #10 (MAIN POINT)

A large republic helps control factions and prevents any one group from dominating

Federalist #51 (MAIN POINT)

Separation of powers and checks and balances prevent tyranny.

Federalist #70 (MAIN POINT)

A strong executive is necessary for effective leadership.

Federalist #78 (MAIN POINT)

The judiciary has the power of judicial review and judges should have lifetime tenure

Fifteenth Amendment

Suffrage African Americans

Fiscal federalism

use of federal funding to influence state and local government policies

Fiscal Policy

Government use of spending and taxation to influence the economy

Free Market

Economy with minimal government intervention.

Free rider problem

People benefit without contributing.

Globalization (Role on Government Policy)

International influence on domestic policies.

Grandfather clause

Voting restriction against African Americans.

Grassroots lobbying

Direct public influence on legislation.

Hard money

Direct political donations with limits.

Horserace journalism

Focus on election polling rather than policy.

Incumbency advantage

Benefits of holding office in re-election.

Independent candidate

A candidate not affiliated with a political party.

Independent expenditures

Unlimited spending by outside groups.

Individual Liberty

Personal freedoms protected by the Constitution.

Initiative

Process where citizens propose laws or amendments.

Interest groups

Organizations influencing public policy

Invisible primary

Early candidate fundraising and media attention.

Iowa Caucuses

First major event in presidential primaries.

iron triangles (PLEASE Label all sides/responsibilities)

bureaucracy, interest groups, congressional committees

Issue ads

Political ads focused on issues rather than candidates

judicial activism

When judges interpret the Constitution to reflect current conditions and values.

judicial restraint

Judges limit their power, sticking closely to precedent and the Constitution.

Judicial Review (principle of government)

Supreme Court's power to declare laws unconstitutional.

keynesian economics

ernment spending boosts the economy during downturns.

Lame Duck President

A president nearing the end of their term with reduced influence.

Layer Cake” federalism

Clear division of responsibilities between national and state governments.

Liberatarianism

Political philosophy emphasizing individual freedom and limited government.

Libereral

in government action to promote social and economic equality.

Limited government (principle of government)

idea that government power is restricted by the Constitution and laws

Linkage institutions

channels connecting people to government (e.g., media, elections).

Literacy test

Used historically to prevent minorities from voting.

Lobbying

groups influence lawmakers through persuasion and donations.