This document outlined the first government of the United States and failed due to its weak central authority
Articles of Confederation
presiding officer of the House of Representatives
Speaker of the House
The process by which individuals acquire their political beliefs.
political socialization
The process through which parties choose their candidates for the general election
primaries or caucuses
This case expanded federal power using the Necessary and Proper Clause
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
The system in which powers are divided between a national and state government
federalism
When Congress checks the executive branch by rejecting a presidential veto.
veto override
This ideology generally supports limited government, lower taxes, and free-market policies
conservatism
This demographic group is most likely to vote in U.S. elections
older Americans (65+)
This speech explains the need for an independent judiciary to protect the Constitution
Federalist No. 78
This compromise at the Constitutional Convention created a bicameral legislature
Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)
The power of the Senate to confirm or reject presidential appointments
advice and consent
The media’s role in deciding which issues are important for the public to pay attention to
agenda-setting
These are minor political parties that rarely win elections but can influence major party platforms
third parties
This document argues against a large central government and warns it could lead to tyranny
Brutus No. 1
The term for powers specifically granted to the federal government in the Constitution
enumerated powers
A strategy where the president bypasses Congress by issuing a formal directive
executive order
period when major, lasting shifts occur in party alignment
critical election or realignment
The effect where people vote down the ballot for the same party as a popular top-ticket candidate
coattail effect
This document lays out the structure of a limited government with separation of powers and checks and balances
Federalist No. 51
This series of essays argued for ratification of the Constitution
The Federalist Papers
This committee reconciles different versions of a bill passed by the House and Senate
conference committee
The test used to determine if speech can be limited under the First Amendment
"clear and present danger" test
Voter turnout tends to be higher in this type of election
presidential election
This case struck down gun regulations that violated the Second Amendment
McDonald v. Chicago (2010)