Congress
What is a bicameral legislature?
A legislative assembly composed of two separate houses, such as the U.S. Congress, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
What is judicial review?
The power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional
Persons appointed by a head of state to head executive departments of government and act as official advisers.
Cabinet
supporters of the constitution during the debate over its ratification; favored a strong national government
federalists
The authors of the Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin
What is a expulsion in congress?
Members with gross misconduct may be thrown out of office
Litmus test
An examination of the political ideology of a nominated judge
The authority of Congress to block a presidential action after it has taken place. The Supreme Court has held that Congress does not have this power.
Legislative veto
Checks and balance
A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power
Which philosopher influenced the authors of the Declaration of Independence?
John Locke
What is franking privilege?
Free postage on all mail to constituents
amicus curiae
a brief submitted by a "friend of the court"
With the Senate's consent, the President names most of the top-ranking officers of the Federal Government
Appointment power
Factions
Interest groups arising from the unequal distribution of property or wealth that James Madison attacked in Federalist Paper No. 10. Today's parties or interest groups are what Madison had in mind when he warned of the instability in government caused by factions.
Why was the Declaration of Independence Necessary?
The colonists wanted to break their political bonds that connected them from Britain and to declare their independence.
What is gerrymandering?
Drawing congressional district lines in a bizarre or unusual shape to make it easy for a candidate of one party to win elections in that district.
writ of certiorari
An order by a higher court directing a lower court to send up a case for review
Commander in chief
Making Undeclared War, Wartime Powers (stronger during war time), The War Powers Resolution (1973 - limit's war-making powers)
Separation of powers
The division of a central government into two or more branches, each having its own responsibilites and authorities.
These are the rights given to men by God and that government protects.
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
What can mark-ups do?
Revise and add to legislation made by committees and subcommittees. These changes are not part of a bill unless approved by the house of which the committee is a part.
A Latin phrase meaning "let the decision stand." Most cases reaching appellate courts are settled on this principle.
Stare decisis
8 chief roles of the president
Chief of state, chief executive, chief administrator, chief diplomat, commander in chief, chief legislator,chief of party and chief citizen
Anti-federalist argument against Ratification
It gave too much power to the national government at the expense of the powers of the state governments, it did not include the bill of rights
What does it mean by "That the united colonies. . .to be free and independent states."
The colonies want to be free from all english rule and law. The colonies would rule themselves and make their own laws, declare war, trade freely, and make alliances with foreign countries.