Gov 310L Exam 1 - Shannon O'Brien

Government

The institution through which a society makes and enforces its public policies.

Ideology

A set of beliefs or philosophies that guide an individual or group's political behavior.

Liberty

The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority.

Libertarians

Individuals who advocate for minimal government intervention in both personal and economic matters.

Public goods

Goods that are non-excludable and non-rivalrous, meaning they are available to all and consumption by one does not reduce availability for others.

Redistributive tax policies

Tax policies designed to reduce economic inequality by redistributing wealth from the rich to the poor.

Republic

A form of government in which the country is considered a 'public matter' and is not the private concern of the rulers.

Separation of powers

The division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to limit any one branch from exercising the core functions of another.

Texas creed

A set of beliefs that define the political culture of Texas, emphasizing individualism, liberty, and limited government.

Elastic clause

A clause in the Constitution granting Congress the power to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out the enumerated list of powers.

Electoral college

A body of electors established by the Constitution, which formally elects the President and Vice President of the United States.

Enumerated powers

Powers explicitly granted to Congress by the Constitution.

Federalism

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.

Federalist 10

An essay by James Madison arguing for the ratification of the Constitution, emphasizing the dangers of factions.

Federalist papers

A series of essays promoting the ratification of the Constitution, written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay.

Federalists and Anti-Federalists

Federalists supported a strong central government, while Anti-Federalists favored states' rights and feared centralized power.

Formal and informal constitution

The formal constitution refers to the written document, while the informal constitution includes customs and practices that influence governance.

Full faith and credit clause

A clause in the Constitution requiring states to recognize the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state.

Great Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

National supremacy clause

A clause in the Constitution stating that federal law takes precedence over state law.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal for the structure of the United States government presented at the Constitutional Convention, advocating for equal representation for each state.

Parliamentary system

A system of government where the executive branch derives its democratic legitimacy from, and is directly accountable to, the legislature.

Pluralism

A political theory that recognizes the diversity of interests and groups in society and advocates for their representation in governance.

Popular sovereignty

The principle that the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people.

Power of the purse

The ability of one group to control the funds of another group, often referring to Congress's power to tax and spend.

Republican democracy

A form of government in which representatives are elected to create and enforce laws.

Reserved powers

Powers that are not specifically granted to the federal government or prohibited to the states by the Constitution.

Shays Rebellion

An armed uprising in 1786-1787 by American farmers protesting economic injustices and the lack of government response.

Virginia Plan

A proposal for a new constitution that called for a bicameral legislature with representation based on population.

10th amendment

The amendment that states powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states.

14th amendment

The amendment that grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States and guarantees equal protection under the law.

Coercive federalism

A form of federalism in which the federal government pressures states to change their policies by using regulations and mandates.

Commerce clause

The clause in the Constitution that gives Congress the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the states.

Competitive federalism

A system where states compete for residents and businesses by offering favorable policies.

Concurrent power

Powers that are shared by both the federal and state governments.

Denied powers

Powers that are specifically prohibited to either the federal government or the states by the Constitution.

Dred Scott v. Sandford

An 1857 Supreme Court case that ruled African Americans could not be American citizens and that Congress had no authority to regulate slavery in the territories.

Dual federalism

A system of government where the federal and state governments operate independently within their own spheres of authority.

Federal Preemption

The invalidation of a state law that conflicts with federal law.

Privileges and immunities clause

A clause in the Constitution that prohibits states from discriminating against citizens of other states.

Casework

The assistance provided by members of Congress to constituents in their dealings with the federal government.

Censure

A formal statement of disapproval of a member of Congress.

earmarks

Funds provided by Congress for specific projects or programs, often included in larger appropriations bills.

Log rolling

The practice of exchanging favors, especially in politics, by reciprocal voting for each other's proposed legislation.

Omnibus legislation

A single document that packages together several measures into one or combines diverse subjects into a single bill.

politico

A politician who is primarily concerned with gaining and maintaining power.

Pork barrel projects

Government projects that benefit a specific location or constituency, often funded by taxpayers.

Trustee

A member of Congress who makes decisions based on their own judgment rather than the preferences of their constituents.

25th amendment

An amendment to the U.S. Constitution that outlines the procedures for presidential succession and disability.

Executive privilege

The right of the president to withhold information from Congress or the courts.

Impoundment

The presidential practice of refusing to spend money appropriated by Congress.

Take care clause

A provision in the Constitution that requires the president to ensure that laws are faithfully executed.

Two presidencies thesis

The theory that the president has different powers and responsibilities in foreign policy compared to domestic policy.

Unilateral action

Actions taken by the president without the approval of Congress.

Bureaucracy

A system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.

Civil servants

Employees of the government who are hired based on merit and work in various agencies.

Hatch Act

A federal law that restricts political activities of government employees to ensure a nonpartisan government.

Oversight

The process by which Congress monitors the bureaucracy to ensure laws are implemented correctly.

Patronage/spoils system

A practice where political leaders give government jobs to their supporters as a reward for loyalty.

Privatization

The transfer of ownership of a public service or property to private individuals or organizations.

Red tape

Excessive bureaucracy or adherence to rules and formalities that can hinder action or decision-making.

State capacity

The ability of a government to effectively implement policies and provide services to its citizens.

Amicus curiae

A legal term meaning 'friend of the court,' referring to someone who is not a party to a case but offers information or expertise.

Class action suit

A lawsuit filed by a group of people with a common interest against a defendant.

Common law

Law developed by judges through decisions in individual cases, as opposed to statutes or regulations.

Court system

The hierarchical structure of courts in a jurisdiction, including trial courts, appellate courts, and supreme courts.

Defendant

An individual accused of a crime in a criminal case or being sued in a civil case.

In forma pauperis

A legal status allowing a person to proceed without the costs associated with a lawsuit due to lack of funds.

Judicial activism

A philosophy that advocates for judges to interpret the Constitution and laws in a way that promotes social change.

Judicial restraint

A philosophy that encourages judges to limit their own power and defer to the decisions of the elected branches of government.

Original jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear a case for the first time, as opposed to on appeal.

Plaintiff

The party who initiates a lawsuit in a civil case.

Standing

The legal right to initiate a lawsuit, requiring a personal stake in the outcome.