Unit 1
Under this type of federalism, the national and state governments remain supreme within their own spheres, often called "layer cake" federalism.
Dual Federalism
This process involves redrawing congressional districts to favor one party over another.
Gerrymandering
This permanent committee is where most of the actual work on a bill happens, including markups and hearings.
Standing Committee
This clause of the 14th Amendment has been used by the Court to apply the Bill of Rights to the states (Selective Incorporation).
Due Process Clause
This 1787 document replaced the Articles of Confederation after Shays' Rebellion proved the central government was too weak.
The U.S. Constitution
This democratic theory suggests that groups (like NGOs or labor unions) compete for influence, ensuring no single group dominates.
Pluralist Democracy (Pluralism)
This formal power allows the President to reject a bill, but it can be overridden by a two-thirds vote in both houses.
Veto
This is the three-way relationship between a bureaucratic agency, a congressional committee, and an interest group.
Iron Triangle
This 1963 case guaranteed the right to an attorney for the poor, even in non-capital state cases.
Gideon v. Wainwright
Which Federalist Paper advocates for a single, energetic executive?
Federalist No. 70
These are powers, such as taxing and law enforcement, that are shared by both the federal and state governments.
Concurrent Powers
Presidential memorandums that carry the weight of a law but do not require Congressional approval
Executive Orders
In the Senate, this move requires 60 votes to end a filibuster and proceed to a vote on a bill.
Cloture
In Wisconsin v. Yoder, the Court ruled that this First Amendment clause protected the right of Amish parents to pull their children from school.
Free Exercise
James Madison argued in this essay that a large republic is the best way to control the "mischiefs of faction."
Federalist No. 10
This specific type of federal grant gives states broad discretion in how to spend the money, favored by proponents of devolution.
Block Grants
This powerful House committee sets the time limits and amendment rules for floor debate on a bill.
Rules Committee
These agencies, like the FCC or the SEC, are designed to be insulated from politics and create rules to protect the public.
Independent Regulatory Commissions
In Baker v. Carr, the Court ruled that redistricting challenges are "justiciable," leading to this famous three-word principle.
One Person, One Vote
Brutus No. 1 argued that this clause in Article I gave the federal government too much power over the states.
Necessary and Proper
This Supreme Court case limited Congress’s use of the Commerce Clause, ruling that carrying a gun in a school zone is not an economic activity.
U.S. v. Lopez
This term refers to the bureaucracy's power to decide how to implement a law because the law itself is vague.
This term describes a representative who ignores constituent opinion and uses their own best judgment when voting.
Trustee
This doctrine allows the government to stop a publication in advance, but was ruled unconstitutional in New York Times Co. v. United States.
Prior Restraint
In Fed No. 78, Hamilton argues that because the Judicial Branch is the weakest, it is essential that it is also ____.
Independent