congress
describe joint committee
Committee on which both representatives and senators serve.
explain federalism
System of government in which the same territory is controlled by two levels of government. Delegation of powers between levels of government, controlled by Constitution.
define inherent powers
authority claimed by the president that is not clearly specified in the Constitution. Typically, these powers are inferred from the Constitution
define judicial review
the power of courts to declare laws unconstitutional
describe the amicus curiae
a brief submitted by a "friend of the court"
explain franking privlege
The ability of members of Congress to mail letters to their constituents free of charge by substituting their facsimile signature (frank) for postage.
describe checks and balances
A system in which the different parts of an organization (such as a government) have powers that affect and control the other parts so that no part can become too powerful.
describe the 25th amendment
legislation that specifies the conditions and order of succession to the presidency and vice presidency when the president leaves office before completion of his term
explain judicial restraint approach
the view that judges should decide cases strictly on the basis of the language of the laws and the Constitution
describe original jurisdiction
first time a case is heard, establishes facts of case/determines innocence or guilt
Rule 22 of the Senate, providing for the end of debate on a bill if three fifths of the members agree. A cloture motion is brought to the floor if sixteen senators sign a petition. The purpose is typically to terminate a filibuster and to force a vote on a bill.
Powers shared by both the Federal and state governments
explain executive order
ule or regulation issued by the president that has the effect of law. All executive orders must be published int he FEDERAL REGISTER
what is the litmus test
an examination of the political idology of a nominated judge
describe appellate jurisdiction
higher court that reviews trial court decisions, does NOT retry case, only determines it
A bill introduced by a member of Congress that gives tangible benefits, like a highway or bridge, to constituents in the hopes of winning votes in return.
define reserved powers
Powers not explicitly written down or stated in the Constitution. Generally in the United States reserved powers are delegated to the states.
explain pocket veto
a form of veto in which the president fails to sign a bill passes by both houses within ten days and Congress has adjourned during this time
describe the
writ of certiorari
an order by a higher court directing a lower court to send up a case for review
what is
writ of Mandamus
written order from a court to a governmant official , demading the performance of some public duty
A constitutional amendment ratified in 1913 requiring the popular election of U.S. senators. Senators were previously chosen by state legislatures.
describe the 3/5ths compromise
Slaves would count as 3/5ths of a person in determining state populations for senator/representative counts
explain impeachment
A constitutional procedure by which federal judges and civil officers can be removed from office before their terms expire. Charges against the President are brought by the House, then tried by the Senate with the Chief Justice in attendance.
describe marbury v madison
it was the first Supreme Court case to apply the principle of judicial review, the power of federal courts to void acts of Congress that were in conflict with the Constitution.
judicial activism vs judicial restarint
the tendency of judges to interpret the Const according to their only views, actively involved..strong belief in judicial review
legislative and exectuive branches set policy and only get involved if that policy is a flagrant violation of the const.