Poli sci Enduring debate terms after mid term 1

Judicial Review

The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional.

Judicial Independence

Judges must be free from political pressure to make fair decisions.

Lifetime Tenure (Good Behavior)

Federal judges serve as long as they maintain good behavior, protecting their independence.

Power of the Purse

Congress controls government spending.

Power of the Sword

The executive branch enforces laws.

Judiciary as the Weakest Branch

Courts have neither control over money nor direct enforcement power.

Constitutional Supremacy

The Constitution is the highest law, and laws that conflict with it cannot be enforced.

Limited Constitution

A Constitution that places restrictions on government power.

Bureaucracy

An organization that operates through established rules, procedures, and a hierarchy of authority.

Public Bureaucracy

A government organization responsible for providing public services and following political decisions.

Private Bureaucracy

A business organization primarily focused on efficiency, customers, and making profits.

Red Tape

Complicated rules and procedures that can slow down government operations.

Political Accountability

Government agencies must answer to elected officials and ultimately the public.

Profit Incentive

Private businesses are motivated to improve services because doing so can increase profits.

Government Monopoly

When the government is the only provider of a particular service, leaving citizens with limited alternatives.

Efficiency

Achieving goals while using as few resources as reasonably possible.

Public vs. Private Management

Government managers face political and legal restrictions, while private managers generally have more flexibility.

Privatization

Transferring government services or responsibilities to private businesses.

Deep State

The idea that unelected government officials secretly work together to control government decisions or undermine elected leaders.

Bureaucratic Resistance

Actions by government officials that question, challenge, or slow down decisions made by political leaders.

Career Bureaucrats

Government employees who serve across different presidential administrations and provide expertise and continuity.

Political Appointees

Officials selected by the president or other political leaders to help carry out their administration's policies.

Whistleblower

A person who reports suspected government misconduct or violations of the law through authorized channels.

Administrative State

Government agencies and officials responsible for implementing and enforcing laws and regulations.

Bureaucratic Constraints

Legal rules, procedures, and institutional restrictions that limit what government officials and presidents can do.

Formal Authority

Power officially granted to government officials through laws, regulations, or established procedures.

Practical Power

The actual ability of government officials to influence decisions or outcomes.

Congressional Oversight

Congress's responsibility to monitor executive agencies and hold the president accountable.

Separation of Powers

The division of government authority among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches to prevent abuses of power.

Hatch Act

A federal law restricting certain partisan political activities by government employees.