Key Concepts from Government and Politics Lecture

A collection of flashcards covering key vocabulary and definitions from the lecture on government, Congress, and the federal budget.

Cabinet Departments

Major administrative units of the federal government, each headed by a Secretary.

Department of Homeland Security

The most recently created Cabinet department, established in 2002.

Civil Service System

A merit-based hiring system for government employees to ensure competence and limit patronage.

Hatch Act (1939)

Limits political activities of federal employees to ensure nonpartisan government jobs.

Administrative Procedures Act (APA)

Governs how federal agencies develop and issue regulations, ensuring transparency and public input.

Appointment Power

The President's authority to nominate top officials, subject to Senate confirmation.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Grants Congress the power to make all laws necessary for executing its powers.

Statutory Interpretation

The process by which courts interpret and apply legislation.

Advice and Consent

The Senate's constitutional power to confirm or reject presidential appointments to top positions.

Distributive Policy

Benefits specific groups without major cost to others.

Bicameralism

The division of Congress into two chambers, ensuring checks within the legislature.

Mandatory Spending

Automatically spent based on existing laws, such as Social Security and Medicare.

Discretionary Spending

Decided through annual appropriations, such as education and defense.

Fiscal Year

The year used for accounting purposes, starting on October 1 and ending September 30.

Congressional Budget Office (CBO)

Provides nonpartisan analysis of budget proposals and the cost of legislation.

Speaker of the House

Leads the House, controls floor debate, and influences committee assignments.