Political Terms and Concepts

Permanent campaign

The idea that modern politicians are always campaigning, even after being elected.

Vanishing margin

Refers to the trend of increasingly close election results over time.

National convention

A formal gathering of a political party where delegates officially nominate their presidential and vice presidential candidates.

Electoral votes vs. winner-take-all

In presidential elections, most states use a winner-take-all system.

Invisible primary

The early, unofficial phase of the presidential election where candidates build name recognition.

Super PACs

Political Action Committees that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money.

Wedge issues

Controversial political issues used to divide voters within the opposing party.

House of Representatives term

Members serve 2-year terms, requiring frequent reelection.

Senate term

Senators serve 6-year terms, allowing focus on long-term policy decisions.

Strategic politician hypothesis

The idea that politicians carefully choose which office to run for.

Advice and consent

A constitutional power of the Senate to approve or reject presidential appointments.

Raising revenue originates in the House

All tax and spending bills must begin in the House.

Bicameral institution

Congress has two chambers: House and Senate.

Minimum age requirements

House: 25 years old, Senate: 30 years old.

Standing committee

Permanent congressional committees that specialize in specific policy areas.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

A landmark Supreme Court case that established judicial review.

Judicial review

The power of courts to interpret the Constitution and strike down laws.

Civil suit

A legal case between individuals or organizations usually involving disputes over rights.

Appeals

The process of asking a higher court to review a lower court's decision.

Grand jury

A group of citizens that reviews evidence presented by prosecutors.

Dissenting opinion

Written by justices who disagree with the majority decision.

Article III

Part of the Constitution that establishes the judicial branch.

Precedent

The principle that courts follow previous rulings when deciding similar cases.

Blue slip

A Senate tradition where home-state senators approve or reject judicial nominees.

Senate Judiciary Committee

Responsible for holding hearings on judicial nominees.

Commander in chief

The president leads the military and makes key defense decisions.

Presidential directives

Formal instructions issued by the president.

Pardon

The president's power to forgive federal crimes.

Vice president eligibility (12th Amendment)

The vice president must meet the same qualifications as the president.

Cabinet

A group of top advisors who lead executive departments.

Watergate

A political scandal involving a break-in at Democratic headquarters.

Great Society

Programs under President Lyndon B. Johnson aimed at reducing poverty.

New Deal

Programs under Franklin D. Roosevelt to combat the Great Depression.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Federal agency that protects human health and the environment.

Department of Homeland Security

Created after 9/11 to prevent terrorist attacks.

Department of the Interior

Manages public lands and natural resources.

Senior Executive Service

Top-level federal managers who oversee major government programs.

Office of Personnel Management

Handles hiring federal employees and managing benefits.

Pendleton Act (1883)

Reformed the civil service by creating merit-based hiring.

World Bank

International organization that provides loans and financial assistance.

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)

Trade agreement that reduced tariffs between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

California Facts

Democrats outnumber Republicans, reflecting California's strong Democratic political leaning.

House delegation

52 members representing districts across California.

Kamala Harris

Former California senator, now Vice President of the U.S.

Women in delegation

Roughly one-third, showing increasing gender diversity.

Foreign-born population (~27%)

Highlights California's diversity and immigration impact.

Federal aid (~30%)

Significant portion of state/local budgets comes from federal funding.

Top immigrant group

Mexico is the largest source of immigrants to California.