Key Terms from U.S. Government and Politics

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terms related to U.S. Government and Politics, useful for exams and review.

Congress

The bicameral legislative body of the United States, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

House of Representatives

The lower chamber of Congress, made up of representatives from each state based on population.

Senate

The upper chamber of Congress, consisting of two senators from each state.

Census

The official count of the population, conducted every ten years to determine representation in Congress.

Redistricting

The process of drawing new electoral district boundaries, usually after a census.

Bills of attainder

Legislative acts that impose punishment on individuals or groups without a trial.

Ex post facto laws

Laws that criminalize actions retroactively, making them illegal after they have been committed.

Filibuster

A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block legislation by prolonging debate.

Cloture

A procedure used in the Senate to end a filibuster and bring a debate to a close.

Pork barrels

Government spending for localized projects secured primarily to bring money to a representative's district.

Earmarks

Funds set aside by Congress for specific projects requested by members of Congress.

Standing committee

A permanent committee in Congress that evaluates legislation within a specific subject area.

Joint committee

A committee made up of members from both the House and the Senate.

Select committee

A temporary committee established for a specific purpose.

Pocket veto

The President's indirect veto of a bill by not signing it within ten days while Congress is adjourned.

Line-item veto

The power of the president to reject specific provisions of a bill without vetoing the entire bill.

Impeachment

The process by which a legislative body formally charges a government official with misconduct.

Judicial activism

The judicial philosophy that the courts should interpret the Constitution and laws in light of ongoing changes in society.

Judicial restraint

The judicial philosophy that courts should respect the precedent established by previous decisions.

Federal Reserve Board

The governing body of the Federal Reserve System, responsible for overseeing monetary policy and regulating banks.

Civil law

The body of law concerning the rights of private citizens, distinct from criminal law.

Criminal law

The body of law that relates to crime and the punishment of those who violate laws.

Public opinion

The collective attitudes and beliefs of individuals on a particular issue or set of issues.

Political action committees (PACs)

Organizations that raise and spend money to influence political outcomes, particularly elections.