U.S. & Nevada Politics Flashcards

Flashcards on US and Nevada Politics

United States Constitution

The supreme law of the U.S.; establishes the national framework of government.

Mayflower Compact

1620 agreement for self-government signed by the Pilgrims.

Articles of Confederation

America's first constitution; created a weak national government.

Bill of Rights

First 10 amendments to the Constitution, protecting individual liberties.

Shays Rebellion

A farmer uprising that exposed weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Federalism

A system where power is shared between national and state governments.

Federalist Papers

Essays promoting ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

James Madison

Primary author of the Constitution and key contributor to the Federalist Papers.

Alexander Hamilton

Federalist leader and major author of the Federalist Papers.

John Jay

Contributed to the Federalist Papers and was the first Chief Justice.

Bicameral Legislature

A two-chamber legislature, such as the U.S. Congress.

Congress

The legislative branch of the U.S. government, consisting of the House and Senate.

Delegate

Representative who votes according to constituents' preferences.

Trustee

Representative who uses personal judgment to make decisions.

Gerrymandering

Drawing legislative districts for political advantage.

Filibuster

Senate tactic to delay or block legislation by extended debate.

Cloture

A vote to end a filibuster in the Senate.

Veto

President's rejection of a bill passed by Congress.

Override

Congress passing a bill despite a presidential veto with a 2/3 vote.

Nevada Enabling Act

Allowed Nevada to form a state constitution and join the Union.

Dillons Rule

Local governments only have powers expressly granted by the state.

Home Rule

Allows local governments to govern themselves with greater independence.

Judicial Review

Power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional (Marbury v. Madison).

Brown v. Board of Education

Supreme Court case that ended school segregation.

Interest Group

Organization seeking to influence public policy.

Iron Triangle

The relationship between Congress, government agencies, and interest groups.

Spoils System

Political appointments based on loyalty rather than merit.

Pendleton Act

Established merit-based hiring for federal jobs.

GDP

Gross Domestic Product; the total value of goods and services produced.

Mass Media

Communication channels that reach a large audience.

Agenda Setting

Media's role in highlighting important issues.

Executive Privilege

President's right to keep certain communications confidential.

Amendments

Changes or additions to the Constitution.

Constitutional Convention

1787 meeting where the U.S. Constitution was written.

George Washington

1st President and presiding officer at the Constitutional Convention.

Marbury v. Madison

Case that established judicial review.

Amicus Curiae Brief

Legal document from a non-party offering information in a case.