Hamilton believed in an interpretation of the Constitution called.txt

Loose Construction

Loose Construction

An interpretation of the Constitution that allows for broad and flexible interpretation of the necessary and proper clause, also known as the Elastic Clause, enabling an expansion of the national government

Elastic Clause

A clause in the Constitution that allows the national government to do whatever is necessary and proper for the smooth governing of the nation according to Hamilton

McCulloch v Maryland Supreme Court Case

A 1819 Supreme Court case in which Chief Justice John Marshall argued that Congress could create a national bank under the Necessary and Proper Clause, establishing the doctrine of implied powers and asserting the supremacy of national laws over conflicting state laws

Implied Powers

Powers inferred from delegated powers, allowing Congress vast discretionary power to fulfill its Constitutional responsibilities, as established by the McCulloch ruling

Enumerated Powers

Powers specifically assigned to the jurisdiction of the national government, also known as delegated or inherent powers, explicitly stated or listed in the Constitution

Expulsion

The most severe form of discipline in Congress, requiring a two-thirds vote to remove a member

Censure

A formal reprimand of a member of Congress, happening very rarely

Habeas Corpus

The legal principle that a person has the right to be brought before a judge and informed of the charges against them

Post Facto Laws

Laws that make an act illegal after it has already been performed, which Congress is forbidden to create

Regressive tax

A tax that takes a larger percentage of income from low-income individuals than from high-income individuals

Budget authority

The amount certain agencies will be allowed to spend

Discretionary spending

Spending that can change, as opposed to mandatory spending for entitlements

Mandatory spending

Spending for entitlements to which working contributors are entitled, like social security for the elderly

Balanced Budget Act of 1997

Legislation that led to paying down the deficit and achieving a surplus

Elastic Clause

The 'necessary and proper clause' in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution

Speaker of the House

To preside over the entire House and lead the majority party

U.S Congress members

535, including 100 Senators and 435 House of Representatives members

Vice President in the Senate

To preside over the Senate and cast tie-breaking votes

Senators in the U.S Senate

100, with two from each state

Pro tempore

Translates to 'of the time' in Latin, signifying the temporary nature of the position of president pro tempore in the Senate

President's Principal Source of Political Influence

The authority to execute public policies

Congressional Record

The official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress

Pardons

The action of forgiving or being forgiven for an error or offense; the President's power to grant reprieves or pardons for offenses against the United States, except in cases of impeachment

President's Power to Negotiate Treaties

With the advice and consent of the Senate

Executive Orders

Official orders issued by the President to federal agencies, which carry the force of law if not overturned by the courts

Signing Statements

Statements issued by the President when signing a bill into law, indicating how the administration intends to interpret or enforce the law

Impeachment

The process by which a legislative body levels charges against a government official, such as the President

Foreign Policy

A government's strategy in dealing with other nations, including setting goals, identifying actions, and making decisions

Treaties

Formal agreements between two or more countries, negotiated by the President and requiring approval by two-thirds of the Senate

Oval Office

The President's work space located in the White House

Appointments

The power of the President to nominate and appoint members of the Cabinet, federal judges, and other officials, subject to confirmation by the Senate

Removal of the President

On impeachment and conviction of specific offenses

Term Limit for President

Two terms of four years each

22nd Amendment

An amendment to the Constitution that limits the President to two terms

Executive Office of the President

The personnel that help the President discharge his powers and duties

Vice President's Original Selection

Person with the second most Electoral College votes

12th Amendment and Vice President's Role

Allowed the Vice President to serve as President of the Senate

25th Amendment and Presidential Inability

The Vice President's role in the event of presidential inability

Vice President's Unique Role in 25th Amendment Section Four

The ability to declare the President unable to serve

First Lady's Role

To refurbish and redecorate The White House

Hillary Clinton's Focus as First Lady

Healthcare reform

Bureaucracy's Main Purpose

To implement laws enacted by Congress

First Lady's Role

The role of the First Lady is not inscribed in the Constitution but involves advocating for their husbands, addressing specific issues, and having staff support

Bureaucracy

Not in the Constitution, it implements laws, exercises administrative discretion, and is created by Congress

Patronage

Jobs awarded based on political loyalty, exemplified by the spoils system

Pendleton Civil Service Act of 1833

Made some government jobs off-limits to patronage, protecting civil service workers

Civil Service Exam

Required for most federal jobs today, emphasizing merit-based hiring

Hatch Act of 1939

Prevents civil servants from influencing elections or working on political campaigns

Privatization

Transferring functions from the government to the private sector

Deregulation

Aims to reduce government regulations and slow government growth

Devolution

Transferring functions from the Federal Government to the states

Independent Executive Agencies

Report directly to the President and have focused tasks

Department of Homeland Security

Created in 2002 after 9/11 to enhance national security

Iron Triangle

Relationship between Congress, interest groups, and the bureaucracy

Revolving Door

Former government employees becoming lobbyists for their agencies

Regulatory Agencies

Emerged in the late 1800s to control industrialization's benefits and costs

Government Corporations

Like AMTRAK, reinvest profits to perpetuate the corporation.