SCOTUS Cases
Established the power of Judicial Review
What is?
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
-States the principles on which the American government is based
- Gave reasoning behind a separation from Britain
- Established that all people are created equal
What is?
The Declaration of Independence
This is a triple decker (still worth 100 points)
- Makes laws, consists of Congress (House and Senate)
- Enforces laws, consists of the President such
- Interprets laws, consists of the Supreme Court and other federal courts
What is?
Three branches of government
Legislative, Judicial, Executive
Must be introduced, reviewed by a committee, debated and voted on by both chambers of Congress, and signed by the President. It can be vetoes and overridden with a 2/3 vote.
What is?
How a Bill becomes a law
A system of government in which power is divided between a central (national) government and regional (state or local) government. The U.S. Constitution outlines this balance of power.
What is?
Federalism
Protected student's right to free speech in schools, these students used armbands.
What is?
Tinker v Des Moines (1969)
- Argued that a free republic cannot govern over a country as large as the United States
- States that the government officers would control the people and abuse their power
What is?
Brutus No. 1
This one is a double whammy! (200pts)
1. Lower chamber of the Congress with 435 members based on the state population. Reps serve 2- year terms. Responsible for initiating revenue bills and can impeach federal officials
2. The upper chamber of Congress with 100 members. Senators serve 6- year terms. Approve treaties, confirms presidential appointments, and conducts impeachment trials
1. House of Representatives
2. The Senate
Legislation that gives tangible benefits (like funding for a project) to constituents in several districts in hopes of winning their votes in return.
What is?
Pork Barrel Legislation
A process used in the U.S to elect the President. Voters cast ballots for electors, who then vote for the President. It can lead to a candidate winning the presidency without winning the popular vote.
What is?
Electoral College
Established the federal government's power over the states. The case ruled that Congress could create a national bank and that states could not tax the federal government.
What is?
McCulloch v Maryland
-Argued the establishment of a representative democracy is effective against partisanship and factionalism.
- Shows why founding fathers rejected direct democracy and factionalism
What is?
Federalist No. 10
The complex structure of offices, tastes, and rules used by large institutions to coordinate work. In this case, government agencies.
What is?
Bureaucracy
The electoral edge afforded to those already in office due to name recognition, established networks, franking privilege, and fundraising advantages
What is?
Incumbency Advantage???
A legislative practice in which members of Congress agree to support each other's bills in exchange for mutual benefits. Often used to secure votes for controversial or unrelated measures
What is?
Logrolling
Detailed how Tennessee's reapportionment efforts ignored significant economic growth and population shifts within the state.
What is?
Baker v Carr (1901)
This document was faulty because
1. Could not collect taxes
2. Could not regulate trade
3. Could not enforce laws
4. Needed approval from 9-13 states to pass laws
5. Amending the document had to have unanimous approval
6. No executive branch
What is?
The Articles of Confederation
Permanents committees in each chamber of Congress that handle bills in specific policy areas. Most legislative work happens here.
What is?
Standing Committee
1. - this rule- Allows amendments to be made to a bill during debate
2. -this rule- prohibits amendments.
What is?
Open vs. closed rule
The rule set by the House rules Committee significantly impacts how a bill is shaped.
Constitution reserves powers not specifically granted to the federal government, or prohibited to the states, to the states or the people. It has been used in states rights arguments.
GIVE AN EXAMPLE CASE muahahhaa!!
What is?
The 10th Amendment
Second Amendment's right to keep and bear arms applies to state and local governments through the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause. Specifically, the Court held that this right is "fundamental" and therefore applies to the states, meaning state and local governments cannot infringe upon it.
What is?
McDonald v Chicago
- Addresses means by which appropriate checks and balances can be created in government
- Advocates a separation of powers within the national government
What is?
Federalist No. 51
A mutually beneficial relationship between congressional committees, bureaucratic agencies, and interest groups. These networks influence policy and protect their interests.
What is?
The IRON TRIANGLE (dun dun dun)
A special legislative procedure used in the Senate to expedite the passage of budget- related bills with a simple majority vote (51), bypassing the filibuster. It is often used for fiscal policies like tax reform. The reconciliation Process limits debate and prohibits filibusters, making it a key tool for passing contentious legislation
What is?
Reconciliation Process
1. Controlled by the Federal Reserve, regulates $$$ supply and interest rates to control inflation and unemployment
2. Handled by Congress and the President, involves government spending and taxation decisions.
What is?
Monetary Policy v. Fiscal Policy