Political Parties
Foundational Documents
Court Cases
Branches of Government
Public Policies
100

The boost that candidates may get in an election because of the popularity of candidates of the same party on the ballot, especially the president.

What is the coattail effect?

100

The first plan for the U.S. government, giving most power to the states, but it didn't work well because the national government was too weak.

What is the Articles of Confederation?

100

Declared that school segregation was unconstitutional and overruled Plessy v. Ferguson.

What is Brown v. Board of Education (1954)?

100

A veto taking place when Congress adjourns within 10 days of submitting a bill to the president who neither signed nor vetoed it.

What is a pocket veto?

100

The alliance among legislators, bureaucrats, and interest groups to make or preserve policies that benefit their respective interests.

What is an iron triangle?

200

Effect where third parties impact elections by drawing votes away from candidates from major parties.

What is the spoiler effect?

200

Argued that a strong central government might take away people's freedoms and the power of the states which led to the creation of the Bill of Rights. 

What is Brutus No. 1?

200

Established that the government could not prevent the publication of classified information, even if it posed a threat to national security, without a strong justification.

What is New York Times Co. v. U.S. (1971)?

200

A procedure for ending a debate/filibuster and taking a vote. Needs three fifths vote.

What is a cloture?

200

For a group, the problem of people not joining because they can benefit from the group's activities without joining.

What is the free rider problem?

300

The practice of voters choosing candidates from the same political party, regardless of the specific candidates or issues at hand.

What is party line voting?

300

This figure wrote Federalist No. 10 which was part of the Federalist Papers for arguing the ratification of the Constitution.

Who is James Madison?

300

Stated that the 2nd Amendment (right to keep and bear arms) applies to individuals and is implemented at the state level through the due process clause.

What is McDonald v. Chicago (2010)?

300

A presidential document that reveals what the president thinks of a new law and how it ought to be enforced.

What is a signing statement?

300

A system of public employment in which selection and promotion depend on demonstrated professionalism, specialization, and neutrality rather than political patronage.

What is a merit system?

400

Law that limits the amount that donors can contribute and states that all money has to be reported to the FEC.

What is the campaign finance law? (FECA)

400

Document that argues an independent judiciary is essential for preserving liberty but is inherently weak. Lifetime terms give judges some authority and this independence allows them to interpret the Constitution honestly.

What is Federalist 78?

400

Upheld speech that creates a "clear and present danger" isn't protected. Part of limited free speech, specifically during wartime.

What is Schenk v. U.S. (1919)?

400

The inability of the government to act because rival parties control different parts of the government according to their ideologies

What is a gridlock?

400

The political channels through which people's concerns become political issues on the policy agenda.

What are linkage institutions?

500

The organization governing the United States Republican/Democratic party on a day-to-day basis and is responsible for developing and promoting their political platform.

What is the RNC/DNC?
500

Highlighted that the US needs one strong figure to lead and make decisions quickly and  explained why having one executive is good for leadership and accountability.

What is Federalist No. 70?

500

Questioned if a state could tax the federal government and if a national bank is constitutional.

What is McCulloch v. Maryland (1819)?

500

A committee that resolves disagreements between the House and Senate versions of a bill when the bill has been passed by both chambers.

What is a conference committee?

500

A collection of individuals, groups, and other actors who share a common interest in a specific policy issue and collaborate to influence government policy.

What is an issue network?

M
e
n
u