Requirements imposed by the national government upon the states. Some are unfunded mandates, i.e., they are imposed by the national government, but lack funding
What is Mandates
100
Redrawing of congressional district boundaries by the party in power of the state legislature.
What is Redistricting
100
Gives Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states, with foreign nations, and among Indian tribes. Granted through Article 1, section 8 of the Constitution.
What is Commerce clause
100
Supreme Court guideline that excludes the use of illegally obtained evidence in a criminal trial.
What is Exclusionary rule
100
Redrawing district lines to favor one party at the expense of the other.
What is Gerrymandering
200
System in which both federal government and state governments cooperate in solving problems.
What is Cooperative federalism
200
An officeholder who is seeking reelection.
What is Incumbent
200
House committee that handles tax bills.
What is Ways and Means Committee
200
The Supreme Court will hear a case if four Justices agree to do so.
What is Rule of four
200
Government in which one party controls the presidency while another party controls the Congress.
What is Divided government
300
Money granted by the federal government to the states for a broad purpose (e.g., transportation) rather than for a narrow purpose (e.g., school lunch program).
What is Block grant
300
The tendency of the media to report on an election campaign as if it were a horse race, i.e., who is ahead, who is behind, who is gaining ground.
What is Horse race coverage
300
The permanent congressional committees that handle legislation.
What is Standing committees
300
Power of the courts to review the constitutionality of laws or government actions.
What is Judicial review
300
1786 revolt by Massachusetts farmers seeking relief from debt and foreclosure that was a factor in the calling of the Constitutional Convention.
What is Shays Rebellion
400
A directive from the federal government to the states that is does not provide money.
What is Unfunded Mandate
400
An interest group that raises funds and donates to election campaigns.
What is Political Action Committee (PAC
400
The traffic cop of the House that sets the legislative calendar and issues rules for debate on a bill.
What is Rules Committee
400
Provision of the First Amendment that prohibits Congress from establishing an official state religion. This is the basis for separation of church and state.
What is Establishment clause
400
An informal association of federal agency, congressional committee, and interest group that is said to have heavy influence over policy making.
What is Iron triangle
500
Powers held by the states through the 10th Amendment. Any power not granted to the US government is reserved for the states.
What is Reserved powers
500
System in which the people elect one representative per district. With a winner-take-all rule, this system strengthens the two major parties and weakens minor parties
What is Single member district system
500
States that Congress can exercise those powers that are necessary and proper for carrying out the enumerated powers, e.g., establishment of the first Bank of the United States.
What is Elastic clause
500
When a court stops expression before it is made, e.g., prohibiting a demonstration by a radical group because the assembly is likely to become violent. Presumed to be unconstitutional.
What is Prior restraint
500
Federal benefit payments to which recipients have a legal right, e.g., Social Security.