U.S. Government and Politics Review

These flashcards cover key concepts and definitions from the U.S. Government and Politics lecture notes.

What are the four types of committees in Congress and their purposes?

Standing Committees handle specific policy areas; Select Committees are temporary for specific issues; Joint Committees include members from both Houses for administrative issues; Conference Committees reconcile differences in bills.

What is Mark-Up of a Bill?

The process where committee members debate, amend, and rewrite proposed legislation before sending it to the floor for a vote.

What is a filibuster?

A Senate tactic used to delay or block a vote on a bill by extending debate.

What is cloture?

A vote to end a filibuster, requiring 60 votes in the Senate.

What is pork-barrel spending?

Funding for local projects designed to benefit a legislator’s district and help them win re-election.

How can Congress override a presidential veto?

With a 2/3 vote in both the House and Senate.

How many members are there in Congress?

There are 535 members in Congress: 435 in the House of Representatives and 100 in the Senate.

What affects a president's power?

Public approval, popularity, partisan control of Congress, and national crises.

What were the president's powers during the Founding Era?

Limited powers mainly focused on executing laws and foreign diplomacy.

What is Hamilton's view on war powers in Federalist #69?

The president's war powers are limited; only Congress can declare war.

What does Whig Theory state about presidential powers?

The president is limited to powers explicitly stated in the Constitution.

What is Stewardship Theory?

The president can do anything not specifically forbidden by the Constitution to serve the public good.

What are the formal requirements to be president?

At least 35 years old, a natural-born citizen of the U.S., and a resident for 14 years.

What are the five roles of the president?

Chief Executive, Chief Legislator, Commander in Chief, Chief Diplomat, Head of State.

What is the Plumb Book?

A book published every four years listing all federal jobs that are political appointments.

How often is the census conducted?

Every 10 years.

What is the honeymoon period?

The early months of a president’s term characterized by high approval ratings and support.

How does impeachment work?

The House votes to impeach with a simple majority, and the Senate holds a trial needing a 2/3 vote for removal.

What does the War Powers Act do?

Limits the president's ability to deploy troops without Congressional approval.

What did the Supreme Court rule in Citizens United v. FEC?

Corporations and unions can spend unlimited money on political campaigns as free speech.

What is original jurisdiction?

A court's authority to hear a case first, rather than on appeal.

What is a writ of certiorari?

An order from the Supreme Court agreeing to review a case from a lower court.

How many cases does the Supreme Court hear each year?

Roughly 70–80 cases out of 7,000–8,000 petitions filed.

What are the types of opinions a court can give?

Majority Opinion, Concurring Opinion, Dissenting Opinion, Per Curiam Opinion.

What are the three levels of federal courts?

District Courts, Courts of Appeals, and the Supreme Court.

What does Stare Decisis mean?

Latin for 'let the decision stand', referring to following previous court rulings.

What is an Amicus Curiae brief?

A statement submitted by someone not directly involved in a case but with interest in the outcome.

Who is considered the second most powerful official to the president?

The Speaker of the House.

Who holds the administrative state accountable?

The President, Congress, and the Courts.

What does Federalist #78 argue?

It argues for judicial independence and lifetime appointments for judges.

What did Marbury v. Madison establish?

Established judicial review.

What did McCulloch v. Maryland expand?

Expanded federal power through implied powers.

What was the outcome of U.S. v. Nixon?

Limited executive privilege.

What case involves campaign finance and Super PACs?

Citizens United v. FEC.