Reminders
when should you arrive for the test?
Early
How popular is Congress? What about individual members of Congress?
Congress, as an institution, often faces low approval ratings due to perceived inefficiency, gridlock, and partisanship. Individual members of Congress can have varying levels of popularity based on their actions, policies, and how well they align with their constituents' preferences.
______are directives issued by the President to manage the operations of the federal government. They have the force of law and apply directly to federal agencies and departments. They can influence the American public by setting policies or directing federal resources.
Executive orders
A Supreme Court practice where at least four justices must agree to hear a case before it is placed on the Court's docket.
Rule of Four
Do you need to bring a pen or pencil?
The practice of exchanging favors or support in politics, often involving reciprocal agreements between legislators to vote for each other's proposed laws or initiatives.
Log-rolling
______ is the process by which the United States elects its President and Vice President, where each state has a set number of electoral votes based on its representation in Congress.
The Electoral College
The act of changing the composition of a court, often by adding more judges, with the aim of influencing its decisions and policies to align with a particular ideology or agenda.
Court-packing
What is your teacher's name?
Dr. Glas
An electoral process with two stages, often involving a primary election to select candidates for a general election.
Two-stage electoral system
______are specific powers granted to the President by the U.S. Constitution, such as serving as commander-in-chief of the military and making treaties. Institutional checks include the system of checks and balances, where other branches of government (Congress and the judiciary) have the authority to oversee and limit the exercise of these powers.
Expressed Powers of the Presidency (and their institutional checks)
_____ for federal judges, as established by the U.S. Constitution, is intended to ensure judicial independence. Judges can make decisions without fear of reprisal or pressure from political or public opinion. This setup encourages impartial decision-making based on the law and Constitution, rather than being influenced by the need for reappointment or public opinion.
Life tenure
When is the test?
During class on Monday.
____________The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular party or group, often resulting in distorted and unrepresentative electoral outcomes.
Gerrymandering
_______ strategy involves the President directly addressing and appealing to the public to generate public support for their policies, influence public opinion, and ultimately pressure Congress to act in line with the President's objectives.
Going public strategy
The power of the courts to examine and potentially invalidate actions of the executive and legislative branches that are deemed unconstitutional or outside the scope of their authority.
Judicial Review
Peter Griffith
A procedure in the U.S. Senate to end a filibuster and force a vote on a bill. It requires a three-fifths majority (60 votes) to pass
Cloture
______refers to the conscious decision by law enforcement or other authorities to focus resources and attention on specific laws or groups while overlooking others.
Selective enforcement
________The authority of a court to hear a case for the first time. This is typically where a trial is held, evidence is presented, and witnesses testify.
_______: The authority of a court to review decisions made by lower courts. Appellate courts do not retry the case but assess whether legal errors were made during the original trial.
Original vs Appellate Jurisdiction