Presidential Powers
This role designates the president as the supreme leader of the nation’s armed forces.
What is Commander-in-Chief?
This 1962 Supreme Court case prohibited official prayer in public schools.
What is Engel v. Vitale?
This approach to judging involves proactive decisions that can shape social policy.
What is judicial activism?
This interpretation method focuses on the original intent and meaning of the Constitution.
What is originalism?
This recruitment system prioritizes qualifications, competence, and performance.
What is the merit system?
This authority allows the president to absolve individuals of federal criminal liability.
What is the pardon power?
In Engel v. Vitale, this constitutional provision was cited to forbid state-imposed religion.
What is the Establishment Clause?
This philosophy emphasizes adhering closely to precedent and refraining from creating new policies.
What is judicial restraint?
This philosophy regards the Constitution as a living document that must adapt to contemporary society.
What is the living Constitution approach?
This archaic method distributed government positions based on political loyalty rather than skill.
What is patronage (or spoils system)?
This concept describes the president leveraging their visibility to sway public opinion.
What is the bully pulpit?
This 1972 case involved Amish families resisting compulsory high school education.
What is Wisconsin v. Yoder?
While the president nominates federal judges, this legislative body confirms their appointments.
What is the Senate?
Judges who emphasize following past rulings rely on this principle.
What is stare decisis?
A career government employee, often permanent and nonpartisan, is called this.
What is a civil servant?
A legally binding directive issued by the president that shapes government policy.
What is an executive order?
In Wisconsin v. Yoder, the Court emphasized this protection of religious practice.
What is the Free Exercise Clause?
This term describes a deep ideological divide that can hinder compromise.
What is polarization?
This approach advocates minimal judicial interference, overturning laws only when clearly unconstitutional.
What is judicial restraint?
This type of official is personally selected by the president and often serves a political role.
What is a political appointee?
Even though the president can issue executive orders, this branch can nullify them if unconstitutional.
What is the Judicial Branch?
The prayer in Engel v. Vitale was authored by officials from this northeastern state.
What is New York?
When members of multiple parties collaborate to confirm judicial appointments, this occurs.
What is bipartisanship?
Those who interpret the Constitution strictly often adhere to this narrow reading.
What is strict constructionism?
The administrative agencies that implement and enforce federal law are part of this branch.
What is the Executive Branch?