Better Know a Document
In justifying the separation of powers and system of checks and balances, Madison argues in Federalist #51, "that _____ must be made to counteract ______."
What is Ambition?
This case incorporated the Second Amendment to the states using the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
What is McDonald v. Chicago?
This phenomenon explains why those running for reelection often win due to factors such as name/face recognition, the franking privilege, and casework.
What is incumbent advantage?
Alexander Hamilton argues that courts must exercise this power to declare legislative acts void if they conflict with the Constitution.
What is judicial review?
This doctrine applies protections found in the Bill of Rights to the actions of state governments through the Fourteenth Amendment.
What is selective incorporation?
This clause of the United States Constitution was central to debates over implied powers and later used to justify the creation of a national bank.
What is the Necessary and Proper Clause?
In this case, the Court held that, "political speech is indispensable to a democracy, which is no less true because the speech comes from a corporation."
What is Citizens United v. FEC?
This model of voting behavior suggests individuals vote based on long-term party loyalty rather than for specific issues or candidates.
What is party-line (or partisan) voting?
This concept and/or phenomenon refers to the informal relationships between congressional committees, executive agencies, and interest groups.
What is an iron triangle?
This clause protects individuals from being tried twice for the same offense.
What is the Double Jeopardy Clause of the 5th Amendment?
Brutus No. 1 argues that a large republic will undermine this key democratic principle.
What is popular sovereignty (or the ability of citizens to meaningfully participate in government)?
This type of jurisdiction allows the Supreme Court to hear a case first, rather than on appeal, in limited categories such as disputes between states.
What is original jurisdiction?
This concept describes the media’s ability to shape which issues the public considers most important.
What is agenda setting?
This unwritten rule of procedure in the Senate allows a single senator to block unanimous consent and, essentially, force a filibuster.
What is placing a "hold" on a bill, confirmation vote, or some other Senate action?
Clarence Gideon argued, and the Court agreed, that not being provided a lawyer in his state criminal trial was a violation of this Amendment to the Constitution?
What is the 6th Amendment?
This principle found in the Declaration of Independence (but not originally) is used to justify revolution when government becomes destructive of natural rights.
What is the social contract?
Although William Marbury was entitled to his commission, the Court ruled it could not grant his request for this type of legal order compelling its delivery because the ability for the Supreme Court to do so is not found in the Constitution.
What is a writ of mandamus?
This crime is the only one explicitly defined in the Constitution, requiring either two witnesses to the same act or a confession in open court.
What is treason?
This presidential directive has the force of law but does not require congressional approval, though it can be challenged in court.
What is an executive order?
Charles Schenck argued that military conscription (the draft) was a violation of this Amendment to the Constitution.
What is the 13th Amendment's prohibition of involuntary servitude?
Federalist #78 describes this part of government, "to have neither FORCE nor WILL..." and "beyond comparison the weakest of the three departments of power;"
What is the judicial branch (or judiciary)?
In this case, the Court held that there were no "political questions" to be answered...and that legislative apportionment was a justiciable issue.
What is Baker v Carr?
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spent the last four days testifying in front of seven separate congressional committees defending Trump's budget and his position on, among other things, vaccines. The power of the legislative branch to require political appointees, like RFK Jr., to appear before them, answer questions, and explain what their department is doing is an example of this Congressional check on the executive bureaucracy.
What is legislative oversight?
May 1st marks 60 days since President Trump officially notified Congress that military operations had been targeting Iran. This date is significant because Congress would need to vote to allow military action to continue under the provisions of this law.
What is the War Powers Act?
In this case, the Court held that the right to "marital privacy" can be inferred from these five Amendments to the Constitution.
What is the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 9th, and 14th?