Amendments
Powers not expressly given to federal government by the Constitution are reserved to states or the people. Also known as "reserved powers amendment" or "states' rights amendment"
10th amendment
A nation's basic law, creates political institutions, assigns or divides power in government and often provides certain guarantees to citizens. Can be written or unwritten.
Constitution
Constitutional system for electing president and vice president. Each state has electors = to number of senators + representatives (DC also has 3 because of 23rd Amendment).
Electoral College
Established national supremacy; established implied powers; use of elastic clause; state unable to tax fed. Institution; John Marshall; "the power to tax involves the power to destroy."
McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)
A group who opposed the ratification of the Constitution in 1787. They opposed a strong central government (tyranny) and supported states' rights. "I smell a rat!"
Anti-Federalists
Abolished slavery. First of three "Reconstruction Amendments" passed after Civil War (1865-70)
13th amendment
Set up the 1st independent American government (1783-88). Nonbinding "league of friendship" among sovereign states with weak central government to help with common defense & cooperation (like the European Union). Replaced by our current constitution in 1788.
Articles of Confederation
The drawing of district boundaries by the state legislature to benefit a party, group, or incumbents. Major types are political & racial.
gerrymandering
Commerce clause of Constitution does not give Congress the power to regulate guns near state-operated schools
United States v. Lopez (1995)
Grants ($) given to the states by the federal government for a general purpose (like education or road-building). Unlike categorical grants, states have discretion to decide how to spend the money. Example = Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) (States develop and implement welfare programs using federal money).
Block Grants
States cannot deny any person the right to vote because of race. Third of three "Reconstruction Amendments" passed after Civil War. First Voting Rights Amendment (with 19, 24 & 26)
15th amendment
Written in 1788 by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay to support ratification of the Constitution. Fed 10 (factions) & Fed 51 (separation of powers, checks & balances)
federalist papers
Some states allow citizens to come up with their own ideas for laws to put on an election ballot. If the proposition passes it becomes a law. Requires many voter signatures to get on the ballot. Most direct form of democracy (citizen law-making)
Initiative
The Court ruled state could not require Amish parents to send their children to public school beyond the 8th grade because it would violate long-held religious beliefs.
Wisconsin v. Yoder (1972)
A major principle of the American system of government. Helps maintain separation of powers so that no one branch gets too powerful. Explained in Federalist 51. Examples: President vetos laws; Senate confirms appointments & treaties; Congress impeaches president & judges...
Checks and Balances
Power of Congress to tax income
16th amendment
Argues that unity in the executive branch is a main ingredient for both energy and safety. Energy arises from the proceedings of a single person, characterized by, "decision, activity, secrecy, and dispatch," while safety arises from the unitary executive's unconcealed accountability to the people.
federalist #70
The process by which individuals acquire (absorb) a sense of political identity (beliefs & behaviors). Key agents of this include family, media, peers.
Process can be informal (family) or formal (APGOPO)
Political Socialization
Political Spending by corporations, associations, and labor unions is a form of protected speech under the 1st Amendment
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)
The right of congresspeople to send job-related mail to their constituents without paying postage. Incumbency advantage.
Franking Privilege
Limits the president to two terms. Limits the president to two terms.
22nd amendment
MLK argues that he and his fellow demonstrations have a duty to fight for justice. It is up to the oppressed to take charge and demand equality.
Letter from Birmingham Jail
A type of poll that attempts to influence opinions secretly using a poll (would you vote for McCain if you knew that he had a black, illegitimate child?)
push poll
NO racial gerrymandering; race cannot be the sole or predominant factor in redrawing legislative boundaries; majority-minority districts.
Shaw v. Reno (1993)
Practice of congressmen of securing ("appropriating") federal money ("pork") for projects that will benefit their constituents. Major incumbent advantage & source of budget increases
Earmarking