Amendments
what is the second amendment
the right for civilians to bare arms
Critical election
a dramatic shift in the electorate, where the majority party is often replaced by the minority party
Courts of appeal
court with appellate jurisdiction that hears appeals from the decisions of lower courts
Supreme court
the highest federal court of the United States
Congress
it is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the states
Twenty-second Amendment
two term limit on the president
Rational-choice theory
assumes that individuals always make prudent and logical decisions that provide them with the greatest benefit or satisfaction and that are in their highest self-interest
Appellate jurisdiction
power of a higher court to review decisions and change outcomes of decisions of lower courts
Marbury v. Madison
the landmark Supreme Court case in which the Court formed the basis for the exercise of judicial review in the United States under Article III of the Constitution.
Bicameral legislature
the body of government that consists of two legislative houses or chambers
6th Amendment
gaurentees a speedy fair trial and that the person accused is aloowed an attorney
Winner-take-all system
systems that award seats to the highest vote getters without ensuring fair representation for minority groups.
Amicus curiae briefs
a person or group who is not a party to a lawsuit, but has a strong interest in the matter, will petition the court for permission to submit a brief in the action with the intent of influencing the court's decision.
Judicial review
What is the doctrine under which legislative and executive actions are subject to review by the judiciary.
Joint committees
this was created in order to reconcile any differences between the two houses versions of a bill
Tenth Amendment
any power that is not given to the federal government is given to the people or the states.
Campaign strategy
the science or art of political command as applied to the overall planning and conduct of political campaigns.
Precedent
an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances.
Judicial restraint
the theory of judicial interpretation that encourages judges to limit the exercise of their own power.
War Powers Resolution
it is a federal law intended to check the president's power to commit the United States to an armed conflict without the consent of the U.S. Congress.
Sixteenth Amendment
allows the Congress to levy an income tax without apportioning it to the states or basing it on the United States Census.
Super PACs
type of independent political action committee which may raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, and individuals but is not permitted to contribute to or coordinate directly with parties or candidates.
Original jurisdiction
power to hear a case for the first time, as opposed to appellate jurisdiction
Judicial activism
it is when judges substitute their own political opinions for the applicable law, or when judges act like a legislature,rather than like a traditional court.
Bill
it is a proposed legislation under consideration by the legislature and does not become law until it is passed by the legislature and, in most cases, approved by the executive