Constitutional Clauses
First mention of equality in the Constitution, it has been the basis of the expansion of civil rights (protections against discrimination)
What is the Equal Protection Clause?
Necessary & Proper Clause, Supremacy Clause
Strengthened federal power and limited the states' ability to interfere with federal actions, such as establishing a national bank.
What is McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?
This "breakup letter," written by Thomas Jefferson, established natural rights, social contract, and the right to revolution in response to tyranny by Britain.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
An attempt to defeat a bill in the Senate by talking indefinitely, thus preventing the Senate from taking action on the bill.
What is filibuster?
What is the 10th Amendment?
Found in the First Amendment
These two clauses guarantee the freedom of religion as a civil liberty.
What are the Establishment Clause and the Free Exercise Clause?
First Amendment, Freedom of Speech
Placed limits on free speech when there is a "clear and present danger" to the public, such as by obstructing military recruitment.
What is Schenck v. U.S. (1919)?
This anti-Federalist document, written to oppose the ratification of the Constitution, addressed tyranny by large republics and overreach of federal power.
What is Brutus no. 1?
Legislation that gives tangible benefits ($$$) to constituents in several districts or states in the hopes of winning their votes in return.
What is Pork Barrel Legislation?
Power is not held by one group or one person; instead, multiple groups compete in order to influence policy. This is demonstrated by the role of political parties, interest groups, etc. within the U.S. political system.
What is Pluralist Democracy?
Found in Article I, Section 8
Congress has the right to pass all laws needed to carry out their expressed powers. Allows for implied powers.
What is the Necessary and Proper Clause (aka Elastic Clause)?
Equal Protection Clause
Decided that redistricting was a justiciable issue, not a political question, and that courts could hear lawsuits about unequal voting districts; led to "one person, one vote" doctrine.
What is Baker v. Carr (1962)?
This Federalist Paper, written by Alexander Hamilton, addresses judicial review, judicial independence, and lifetime tenure of federal judges.
What is Federalist no. 78?
Vote trading; voting to support a colleague's bill in return for a promise of future support; often takes place on specialized bills targeting money or projects to selected congressional districts.
What is Logrolling?
Coverage of elections that pit candidates, issues against one another for media attention to continue to follow coverage in hopes of knowing the winner. Connection of this function of the media to social media technology show the importance the media plays in making (or breaking) candidates.
What is Horse-Race Journalism?
Found in Article 6 (VI) of the Constitution
Establishes the hierarchy of laws within the U.S. by stating that national laws are over state laws, should there be a conflict between the two.
What is the Supremacy Clause?
Equal Protection Clause
Redistricting based on race must be held to a standard of strict scrutiny; districts can be based on race in order to comply with the Voting Rights Act, but they cannot be drawn so bizarrely that they obviously segregate the population.
What is Shaw v. Reno (1993)?
This Federalist Paper, written by James Madison in response to Brutus no. 1, says that factions are inevitable but their power can be limited by a large republic in order to prevent tyranny of the majority.
What is Federalist no. 10?
A device by which any member of the House, after a committee has had a bill for thirty days, may work to have it brought to the floor. If a majority of members agree, the bill is sent from the committee.
What is a Discharge Petition?
Passed in 2002; A major U.S. federal law regulating campaign finance. It prohibits national parties from using "soft money" (unlimited donations) and restricts corporate/union spending on political ads ("electioneering communications") within 30 days of a primary or 60 days of a general election.
What is BCRA (Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act)?
Found in Article 4 (IV), Section 1 of the Constitution
Says that each state must honor the laws, records and court decisions of every other state (i.e. drivers' licenses, marriage licenses, etc.)
What is the Full Faith and Credit Clause?
Sixth Amendment, Due Process Clause of 14th Amendment
States must provide defense attorneys to criminal defendants who cannot hire their own because the right to counsel is essential to a fair trial.
What is Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)?
This Federalist Paper, written by James Madison, addresses checks and balances and separation of powers in order to protect individual liberty.
What is Federalist no. 51?
The political condition in which different political parties control the White House and Congress.
What is Divided Government?
A period when a significant shift occurs in the coalitions of national political parties.
What is realignment?