U.S. & Nevada Politics Flashcards

United States Constitution

• The supreme law of the U.S.; establishes the national framework of government.

Mayflower Compact

• 1620 agreement for self-government signed by the Pilgrims.

Articles of Confederation

• America's first constitution.
• Created a weak national government.

Bill of Rights

• First 10 amendments to the Constitution.
• Protects individual liberties.

Shays Rebellion

• A farmer uprising that exposed weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Federalism

• A system where power is shared between national and state governments.

Federalist Papers

• Essays promoting ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

James Madison

• Primary author of the Constitution.
• Key contributor to the Federalist Papers.

Alexander Hamilton

• Federalist leader.
• Major author of the Federalist Papers.

John Jay

• Contributed to the Federalist Papers.
• Was the first Chief Justice.

Bicameral Legislature

• A two-chamber legislature, such as the U.S. Congress.

Congress

• The legislative branch of the U.S. government.
• Consisting of the House and Senate.

Delegate

• Representative who votes according to constituents' preferences.

Trustee

• Representative who uses personal judgment to make decisions.

Gerrymandering

• Drawing legislative districts for political advantage.

Filibuster

• Senate tactic to delay or block legislation by extended debate.

Cloture

• A vote to end a filibuster in the Senate.

Veto

• President's rejection of a bill passed by Congress.

Override

• Congress passing a bill despite a presidential veto with a 2/3 vote.

Nevada Enabling Act

• Allowed Nevada to form a state constitution and join the Union.

Dillon's Rule

• Local governments only have powers expressly granted by the state.

Home Rule

• Allows local governments to govern themselves with greater independence.

Judicial Review

• Power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional (Marbury v. Madison).

Brown v. Board of Education

• Supreme Court case that ended school segregation.

Interest Group

• Organization seeking to influence public policy.

Iron Triangle

• The relationship between Congress, government agencies, and interest groups.

Spoils System

• Political appointments based on loyalty rather than merit.

Pendleton Act

• Established merit-based hiring for federal jobs.

GDP

• Gross Domestic Product.
• The total value of goods and services produced.

Mass Media

• Communication channels that reach a large audience.

Agenda Setting

• Media's role in highlighting important issues.

Executive Privilege

• President's right to keep certain communications confidential.

Amendments

• Changes or additions to the Constitution.

Constitutional Convention

• 1787 meeting where the U.S. Constitution was written.

George Washington

• 1st President and presiding officer at the Constitutional Convention.

Marbury v. Madison

• Case that established judicial review.

Amicus Curiae Brief

• Legal document from a non-party offering information in a case.