Vocab list 5

Writ of Certiorari

A formal request for the Supreme Court to review a case. Example: A defendant appeals a lower court's ruling by filing a ___________.

Writ of Mandamus

A court order directing a government official to perform a duty required by law. Example: A judge issues a __________ to compel a government agency to fulfill its legal obligations.

Appellant Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear appeals from lower courts. Example: The appellate court has _______ to review decisions made by the trial court.

Original Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to hear a case for the first time, not on appeal. Example: The Supreme Court has _________ in cases involving ambassadors and other public ministers.

Judicial Activism

A philosophy where judges interpret the Constitution and laws broadly to address societal issues. Example: _________ may lead to rulings that expand civil rights.

Judicial Restraint

A philosophy where judges limit their power by avoiding decisions that conflict with legislative intent or established law. Example: A judge practicing _________ may decline to rule in a politically sensitive case.

Progressive Tax

A tax system where the rate increases as the taxable amount (income) increases. Example: In a __________, higher incomes are taxed at higher rates.

Regressive Tax

A tax system where the rate decreases as the taxable amount increases, often burdening lower-income individuals more. Example: Sales taxes can be ________ because they take a larger percentage of income from low earners.

Proportional Tax

A tax system where the tax rate is the same regardless of income level. Example: A flat income tax system is an example of a __________.

Discretionary Spending

Government spending that is optional and decided through the annual budgeting process. Example: Funding for parks and recreation is typically considered __________.

Mandatory Spending

Government spending that is required by law and not subject to annual budgeting. Example: Social Security and Medicare are examples of __________.

Controllable Spending

Government spending that can be altered or adjusted by lawmakers through the budget process. Example: Funding for education can be adjusted in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Uncontrollable Spending

Government spending that is difficult to change or limit because it is based on existing laws or entitlements. Example: Payments for entitlement programs like Medicaid are typically ___________.

Franking Privilege

The ability of members of Congress to send mail to their constituents without paying postage. Example: Congressmen use ________ to inform constituents about their activities.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular political party or group. Example: Drawing district lines to include more voters from one party is an example of _________.