Studied by 2 people
Looks like no one added any tags here yet for you.
Checks and Balances
A system that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful by distributing authority among Congress, the presidency, and the courts.
Judicial Review
The power of courts to invalidate laws and executive actions that are deemed unconstitutional.
Marbury v. Madison
A landmark Supreme Court case (1803) that established the principle of judicial review.
Article III
The section of the U.S. Constitution that establishes the judicial branch and defines its jurisdiction.
Supremacy Clause
A clause in the Constitution declaring that federal law takes precedence over state laws.
Life Tenure
The provision that federal judges hold their positions for life, providing judicial independence.
Federalist No. 78
An essay by Alexander Hamilton advocating for judicial independence and life tenure for judges.
Stare Decisis
The legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent.
Judicial Activism
The philosophy that courts should play an active role in shaping policy and addressing social issues.
Judicial Restraint
The philosophy that courts should defer to the decisions made by legislatures and avoid making policy.
Bureaucracy
The administrative system governing any large institution, often viewed as the fourth branch of government.
Discretionary Authority
The ability of bureaucratic agencies to make decisions and enforce laws within the scope of their delegated powers.
Power of the Purse
The constitutional power of Congress to control federal spending and influence agency priorities.
Legal Precedents
Previous court decisions that serve as a framework for deciding future cases.
Miranda v. Arizona
A landmark case that required law enforcement to inform suspects of their rights upon arrest.
Roe v. Wade
A landmark Supreme Court case that legalized abortion based on the right to privacy.
Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health
A Supreme Court case that overturned Roe v. Wade and restricted abortion rights.
Civil Liberties
Basic rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, often involving protection from government infringement.
Civil Rights
The rights of individuals to receive equal treatment under the law, often associated with efforts to end discrimination.
Ideology and SCOTUS
The influence of justices' ideologies on Supreme Court decisions and precedents.
Congressional Oversight
The power of Congress to monitor and influence the actions of the executive branch.
Appointment Process
The procedure through which the president nominates and the Senate confirms justices and agency heads.
Judiciary Act of 1789
A law that established the federal judiciary and defined the jurisdiction of the courts.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
A federal agency responsible for regulating environmental laws and protections.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
A federal agency responsible for protecting the U.S. from threats and managing immigration.
Department of Education (DOE)
A federal agency that oversees education policies and federal student aid.
Federal Elections Commission (FEC)
A regulatory agency responsible for enforcing federal campaign finance laws.
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
The federal agency that regulates the securities industry and protects investors.
Committee Hearings
Sessions held by Congress to investigate executive agencies and ensure compliance with laws.
Executive Orders
Directives issued by the president to manage the operations of the federal government.
Public Communication
The method through which the president informs and persuades the public and Congress about policy goals.
Constitutional Amendments
Changes to the Constitution that can overturn or alter Supreme Court decisions.
Compliance Monitoring
The process of ensuring that government agencies adhere to laws and regulations.
Unconstitutional Actions
Actions taken by government entities that violate the Constitution or its amendments.
Appointment Influence
The effect of presidential appointments on the ideological balance of the Supreme Court.
Congressional Acts
Laws passed by Congress that can limit the Supreme Court's jurisdiction or affect its rulings.
Judicial Independence
The concept that the judiciary should remain independent from the other branches of government.
Separation of Powers
The principle of dividing government powers into distinct branches to prevent abuse.
Supreme Court Decisions
Rulings made by the highest court in the U.S. that set legal precedents.
Legislative Encroachments
Attempts by the legislative branch to undermine the independence of the judiciary.
