U.S. Government and Politics Practice Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering U.S. government structures, constitutional powers, amendments, and political processes based on the provided quiz questions.

U.S. Civil Service System

A system established to hire government workers based on merit rather than patronage.

Senate Treaty Power

A power held by the Senate, but not the House, to ratify treaties negotiated by the President.

Presidential Action

The stage of the legislative process occurring after both houses of Congress pass a bill, where it is sent to the President for approval or veto.

Government Corporation

An agency type, such as Amtrak, designed to operate like a business and generate revenue by charging for services.

Implied Power

Powers not explicitly listed in the Constitution but exercised by Congress, such as the creation of the Air Force.

Revenue Bills

Legislative actions that are constitutionally required to originate in the House of Representatives.

Article I, Section 8

The specific part of the U.S. Constitution from which Congress derives its power to levy taxes.

Vice President's Constitutional Role

The only clearly defined constitutional role of the Vice President is serving as the President of the Senate.

Fourteenth Amendment

The amendment that granted citizenship to formerly enslaved people and guaranteed equal protection under the law.

Mapp v. Ohio

The court case that emphasized the exclusionary rule, stating that evidence obtained illegally cannot be used in court.

First Amendment

Protects fundamental freedoms including speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition.

Establishment Clause

The clause that prevents the government from creating or establishing a national religion.

Older adults (65+)

The demographic group that tends to have the highest and most consistent rate of voter turnout in elections.

Third-Party Ballot Access Challenges

The legal hurdles and costly state-by-state signature requirements that third parties must meet to appear on election ballots.

Grassroots Lobbying

The practice of seeking to influence officials by mobilizing the public and encouraging constituent action to contact lawmakers.

Single-member Districts

A structural barrier to third-party success in U.S. national elections where only the candidate with the most votes wins.