Identification Terms

Federalist

Strong central government (stability, investment, defence), ratification of the Constitution, and established foundational policies

De Jure Rights

"By law", things that are legally recognized, provides a framework for addressing authority, rights, and responsibility issues

De Facto Rights

“By fact”, situations that exist in reality, regardless of legal recognition, helps to explain the grey zones of law

Mill's Dead Doctrines

Harm principle, debate and truth, vigorous contestation; Mill's understanding of liberty and the 3 arguments that support his concept of negative freedom (truth requires debate, understanding requires dissent, progress requires dissent)

Necessary and Proper Clause

Grants Congress the authority to make laws deemed necessary and proper for executing its powers, allows the federal government to adapt to changing circumstances

Gerrymandering

Political manipulation of electoral district boundaries to get an advantage, significantly impacts political representation and power dynamics

Manifest Destiny

Doctrine that justified the 'inevitable' expansion of the United States across America; led to profound social, political, and economic changes

Capitalism (according to Adam Smith)

Individuals are free to pursue their own interests, champion of the poor (increased productivity, lower prices)

Producer Cartels

Formal agreement among producers to control supply and manipulate prices led to higher prices and reduced market competition

Unanimous consent agreement

Tool used in legislative bodies allowing for the expedited decision-making process when no member objects to a proposal, allows for quick decision-making making

Presidents cottails

The ability of a presidential candidate to bring out supporters who then vote for his party's candidates heavily influences the distribution of seats in Congress and shapes legislation

Executive Order

Direct orders issued by the President to manage the operations of the federal government and implement laws, allows the President to implement policies unilaterally

Executive Agreement

International agreement made by the President without the need for Senate approval, allows the President to engage in international relations swiftly and flexibly

Spoils System

Political practice where a winning party rewards its supporters with government jobs, shaped American government by linking government jobs to party loyalty

Jacksonian Democracy

Emphasized greater rights for the common man, opposed aristocracy, and promoted the expansion of suffrage; influenced the development of new political parties

Bleeding Kansas

A series of violent civil confrontations in the Kansas Territory, highlighted the deep divisions over slavery and served as a precursor to the Civil War

"Square Deal"

Domestic program initiated by President Theodore Roosevelt aimed at ensuring fairness and equality for all Americans, conservation of natural resources, control of corporations, and consumer protection; significant domestic programs

Supremacy Clause

Established that federal law takes precedence over state laws when there is a conflict; a significant structural provision in the Constitution

Party-centered

Political parties hold most of the initiative and influence

Candidate-centered

Individual candidates have more control over their campaigns and messaging

Free-Rider Problem

An economic concept that occurs when individuals benefit from resources, goods, or services without paying for them; implications for discussions around individual responsibility, collective actions, and distributive justice

Agency Loss

Inefficiencies and conflicts that arise when an agent's actions do not align with the best interests of the principal, leads to gaps between optimal outcomes and actual results

Majority Leader

The head of the majority party in either the House of Representatives or the Senate; the role involves setting the legislative agenda, guiding party strategy, and serving as the chief representative of their party's chamber

Affective Polarization

The emotional divide between political groups; can lead to a mental division of society into political in-groups and out-groups

Standing committees

Permanent legislative panels in the U.S. Congress that play a crucial role in the legislative process; review, amend, and report, on bills and issues

Filibuster

A procedure in which one or more members of a legislative body prolong debate on proposed legislation to delay or prevent a decision; a tool for minority parties to delay or block legislation

Red Tape

Excessive or redundant regulation or bureaucratic procedures that create financial or time compliance costs; can lead to delays in processes, increase costs, and hinder growth

Ideological Polarization

The extent to which the electorate has divergent beliefs on ideological issues; potential impact on the functioning of democratic societies

Stare Decisis

The doctrine that courts will adhere to precedent in making decisions; crucial for the stability and predictability of the legal system

District Courts

General trial courts of the United States federal judiciary; primary courts for federal cases

Judicial Review

The power of the judiciary to examine and invalidate legislative and executive actions that are inconsistent with the Constitution; checks and balances, upholds the rule of law