Flashcards AP Government: Supreme Court, Federalism & Executive Powers

Legitimacy Crisis

A situation where public trust and confidence in the Supreme Court drop significantly, threatening its authority.

Writ of Certiorari

A formal order from the Supreme Court directing a lower court to send up the records of a case for review.

Rule of Four

At least four of the nine justices must agree to hear a case for the Court to grant cert.

Gettysburg Address

Abraham Lincoln's 1863 speech redefining the Union's purpose, connecting equality and democratic government.

Federal Funding

Money distributed by the national government to state and local governments for public services.

Funding Program Types

The two main ways the federal government directs state policy: Mandates and Grants.

Grants

Financial aid provided by the federal government to states, with varying levels of conditions.

Mandates

Federal rules requiring states to meet national standards, sometimes without providing funding.

Categorical Grants

Federal money given to states for a specific purpose, often with strict conditions.

Block Grants

Large sums of federal money given to states for broad policy areas, allowing wide discretion.

Rulemaking

The process by which bureaucratic agencies create regulations that have the force of law.

Bureaucratic Discretionary Authority

The authority of agencies to exercise discretion in implementing laws and regulations.

Presidential Appointment Process

The process for filling top executive and judicial roles, involving nomination and Senate confirmation.

Powers of a President During Crisis

Expansion of executive authority during wars or national emergencies, testing checks and balances.

Commander in Chief

The role of the President as the leader of the armed forces, especially during crises.

Executive Orders

Directives issued by the President to manage the operations of the federal government.

Congressional Authorizations

Legislative approvals that allow the President to act in specific situations, often during crises.

Habeas Corpus

A legal principle that protects against unlawful detention, which can be suspended in crises.

National Emergencies

Situations that allow for the expansion of executive powers beyond normal limits.

Checks and Balances

The system that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful.