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255 AP Government Vocabulary Flashcards

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7922791425Affirmative actionLBJ's executive order-designed to correct the effects of past discrimination; requirement by law that positive steps be taken to increase the number of minorities in business, schools, colleges, and labor0
7922791426Agenda settingThe process of forming the list of matters that policymakers intend to address1
7922791427AmendmentA revision/change to a bill, law, or constitution2
7922791428Amicus curiae briefFriend of the court; interest groups may be invited to file legal briefs supporting/rejection arguments of the case3
7922791429Anti-FederalistsOpposed the adoption of the U.S. Constitution b/c it gave too much power to the national govt at the expense of the state govts and it lacked a bill of rights4
7922791430Appellate jurisdictionOn appeal from lower courts-Supreme Court is mostly an appellate court5
7922791431ApportionmentDistribution of representatives among the states based on the population of each state6
7922791432AppropriationsMoney granted by Congress or to a state legislature for a specific purpose7
7922791433Articles of Confederation1st Constitution of the U.S. 1781-1788 (weaknesses-no executive, no judicial, no power to tax, no power to regulate trade)8
7922791434At-largeAll the voters of a state/country elect their representative (senate elections are at large on the federal level)9
7922791435Bicameral2 chambers; Congress has the Senate and the House of Representatives10
7922791436Billa proposal for a law11
7922791437Bills of attainderProhibits a person being found guilty of a crime w/o a trial12
7922791438Bill of RightsThe first 10 amendments to the Constitution-guarantees liberties to the people-written in 1789-ratified in 179113
7922791439Blanket primaryRegistered voters may vote for candidates from either party on the same primary ballot14
7922791440Block grantMoney given to states for general programs within a broad category15
7922791441BriefLegal document submitted to the court setting forth the facts of a case and supporting a particular position16
7922791442Brief ordersThe returning of a case to a lower court b/c a smiliar case was recently decided17
7922791443Brown v. BOE of Topeka, KAOverturned Plessy v. Ferguson: ended legal segregation, said school regulation is unconstitutional18
7922791444BureaucracyA systematic way of organizing a complex &large adminstrative structure w/ responsibility for carrying out day-to-day tasks of the organization, departments, &agencies of the govt19
7922791445Bureaucratic theoryThe hierarchical structure and standarized procedures of govt allow bureaucrats to hold the real power over public policy; proposed by Max Weber20
7922791446CabinetGovt depts headed by presidential appointees to help establish public policy &operate a specific policy are of govt activity21
7922791447CaseworkAssistance given to constituents by congressional members, answering questions/doing favors22
7922791448Categorical grantFederal grants for specific purposes define by law23
7922791449CaucusLocally held meeting in a state to select delegates who, in turn, will nominate candidates to political offices24
7922791450Caucus (congressional)An association of congressional members who advocate a political ideology/regional/ethnic/economic interest25
7922791451CertificateA lower court asks the Supreme Court abt a rule of law/procedure26
7922791452Checks and balancesEach branch of govt is subject to restraints by the other two branches27
7922791453Civil libertiesConstitutional freedoms guaranteed to all citizens28
7922791454Civil rightsPositive acts of govt designed to prevent discrimination &provide equality before the law29
7922791455Closed primaryOnly registered party members may vote in the primary (independents, greens, etc...not allowed)30
7922791456Cloture rulePrevents filibustering (16 signatures) and ends debate in the Senate, by a 3/5s vote of the Senate31
7922791457Coattail effectWeaker/lesser-known candidates from (bottom of the ticket) the president's party profit from the president's popularity-people vote straight ticket because they like the top of the ticket.32
7922791458Commerce and Slave Trade CompromiseResolved differences btwn northern and southern states; Congress could not tax exports nor ban the slave trade for 20 yrs.33
7922791459Comparable worthWomen should be paid salaries equal to men for equivalent job responsibilities &skills34
7922791460Concurrent jurisdictionThe authority to hear cases is shared by federal &state courts35
7922791461Concurrent powersPowers shared by the federal and state govts (tax, to define crimes and punishments)36
7922791462Concurring opinionJustice/justices who agree w/ the majority's opinion but not with the reason behind the decision37
7922791463Conference committeeA temporary committee to work out a compromise version of a bill that has passed the House of Representaives &Senate in diff. forms38
7922791464Congressional districtingState legislatures draw congressional districts for Congressional elections39
7922791465Connecticut CompromiseLegislative branch-2 houses-one based on population, one based on equal representation40
7922791466ConservativeA person whose pol. views favor more local, limited govt, less govt regulations, conformity to social norms &values; rough on criminals41
7922791467Constituency serviceCasework, assistance to constituents by congressional members42
7922791468Constituentpeople within a district or state-government official represents them.43
7922791469ConstitutionThe document setting forth the laws &principles of the govt; a plan of govt44
7922791470Constitutional courtsFederal courts created by Congress under Article III of the Constitution, including the district courts, courts of appeals, &specialized courts such as the U.S. Court of International Trade45
7922791471Constitutional lawLaws relating to the interpretation of the Constitution46
7922791472Cooperative federalismCooperation among federal, state, &local govts; "marble cake" federalism47
7922791473Courts of appealsFederal courts that review decisions of federal district courts, regulatory commissions, &other fed. courts48
7922791474Critical electionSharp changes in the existing patterns of party loyalty due to changing social and economic conditions49
7922791475Dealigning electionParty loyality becomes less important to voters, &they vote for the other party candidate/independent50
7922791476DealignmentWhen a significant # of voters choose to no longer support a particular pol. party51
7922791477Declaration of IndependenceDrafted in 1776 by T. Jefferson declaring America's separation from Great Britain (3 parts-New theory of government, reasons for separation, formal declaration of war and independence)52
7922791478DeficitGovt spending exceeds revenue53
7922791479Delegated powersPowers specifically granted to the national govt by the Constitution54
7922791480DemocracyA system whereby the people rule either directly/by elected representation55
7922791481Deviating electionMinority party is able to win the support of majority party members, independents, &new voters56
7922791482DevolutionAn effort to shirft responsibility of domestic programs to the states in order to decrease the size &activites of the fed. govt; some states have attempted to shift responsibilities further to local govts57
7922791483Direct democracyCitizens meet and make decisions abt public policy issues58
7922791484Direct primaryElection within the party to choose their favorite candidate for a particular office59
7922791485Discretionary spendingSpending set by the govt through appropriations bills, including operation expenses &salaries of govt employees (defense, environment, education, space exploration)60
7922791486DiscriminationUnfair treatment of a person based on race/group membership61
7922791487Dissenting opinionJustice/justices who disagree with the majority opinion62
7922791488District courtsLowest level of fed. courts, where fed. cases begin &trials are held (bank robbery, environmental violations, tax evasion)63
7922791489Divided govtOne party controls the executive, &the other party controls on /both houses of Congress64
7922791490Double jeopardyBeing tried twice for the same offense (if you appealing, it is not double jeopardy because you are asking to be retried)65
7922791491Dual federalismFed. &state govts each ahve defined responsibilities w/n their own sphere of influence; "layer cake" federalism66
7922791492Elastic clauseThe necessary &proper clause/Art. I, Sec. 8, Clause 18/imlied powers clause- that allows Congress to pass laws to carry out its powers67
7922791493Electoral collegeNumber each state gets is based on the number of representatives and the number of senators that state has. Need 270 to win election68
7922791494ElectoratePeople qualified to vote69
7922791495Elite theoryA small group of people identified by wealth/ pol. power, who rule in their self-interest70
7922791496Eminent domainAllows the govt to take property for public use but also requires the govt to provide just compensation for that property71
7922791497Entitlement programMadatory payments made by the federal government to people meeting eligibility requirements, such as Social Security, vets, welfare, medicare72
7922791498Environmental impact statementRequired studies &reports of likely environmental impacts, filed w. the Environmental Protection Agency prior to the beginning of a project73
7922791499Equal Protection ClauseConstitutional guarantee that everyone be treated equally-14th amendment74
7922791500Establishment ClauseProhibits the establishment of a national religion-1st amendment75
7922791501Exclusionary ruleRule that evidence acquired as a result of an illegal act by police cannot be used agains the person form whom it was seized76
7922791502Executive agreementAgreement w/ another head of state not requiring approval form teh Senate77
7922791503Executive orderThe president directs an agency to carry out policies/existing laws (informal power)78
7922791504Executive privilegeThe right of the president to withhold info from Congress/ refuse to testify; limited by U.S. v. Nixon79
7922791505Ex post facto lawLaws applied to acts committed before passage of the laws are unconstitutional80
7922791506ExtraditionStates may return fugitives to a state from which they fled to avoid criminal prosecution at the request of the state's gov81
7922791507Federal budgetAmount of money the federal govt expects to receive &authorizes govt to spend for a fiscal (12 mo.) year82
7922791508FederalismPowers that are shared and divided among federal and sub-divisional government (state/local)83
7922791509Federalist PapersWritten by Hamilton, Jay, & Madison to support ratification of the U.S. Constituiton84
7922791510FederalistsSupported a strong central govt &expanded legislative powers85
7922791511Federal systemPower is divided between the states &the fed. govt86
7922791512FilibusterA lengthy speech designed to delay or kill the vote on a bill; used only in the Senate87
7922791513Fiscal federalismNational govt's use of fiscal policy to influence states through the granting/withholding of appropriations88
7922791514Fiscal policyThe policies of taxation &spending that comprise the nation's economic policy89
7922791515Fiscal yearA 12-month pd, October through Septmeber, for planning the federal budget90
7922791516Floor leadersDirect party strategy &decisions in the House of Representatives &Senate91
7922791517Franking privilegePrivilege that allows member sof Congress to mail letters &other materials to constituents postage-free92
7922791518Free Exercise ClauseCongress may not make laws restricting/ prohibiting a person's relgious practices-1st amendment93
7922791519Freedom of expressionFreedom of speech/right to petition the govt for redress as 1st amendment right94
7922791520Front-loadingChoosing an early date to hold the primary election95
7922791521Full Faith &Credit ClauseStates are required to recognize the laws &legal documents of other states-Article 4 for Federalism!96
7922791522GatekeepersMedia executives, news editors, &prominent reporters who decide what news to present &how it will be presented97
7922791523General electionVoters choose officeholder form among all the candidates nominated by pol. parties/running as independents98
7922791524GerrymanderingDrawing of congressional districts to favor one pol. party/group over another99
7922791525Get-out-the-voteA compaign near the end of an election to get voters out to the polls100
7922791526GovernmentThe formal &informal institutions, people, &processes used to create &conduct pulbic policy101
7922791527Grants-in-aidPrograms, money, &resources provided by the fed. govt to state &local govts to be used for specific projects &programs102
7922791528GrassrootsAvg voter at the local level103
7922791529GridlockWhen opposing parites &interests often block each other's proposals, creating a pol. stalemate/inaction btwn the esecutive &legislative branches of govt104
7922791530Hatch ActProhibits govt employees from engaging in pol. activities whle on duty/running for office/seeking poli. funding while off duty; if in sensitive positions, may not be involved w/ pol. activities on/off duty105
7922791531HyperpluarlismDemocracy seen as a system of many groups pulling govt in many directinos at the same time, causing gridlock ineffectiveness106
7922791532IdeologyA consistent set of beliefs by groups/individuals107
7922791533ImpeachmentBringing charges of wrongdoing against a govt official by the House of Representatives108
7922791534Implied powersNot expressed, but may be considerered through the use of the Necessary and Proper (elastic) Clause109
7922791535ImpoundmentRefusal of the president to spend money Congress has appropriated110
7922791536IncorporationApplication of portions of the Bill of Rights to the states under Amend. XIV111
7922791537Incorporation doctrineThe Supreme Court ruling that most guarantees in teh Bill of Rights are applicatable to the states through Amend. XIV112
7922791538IncrementalismSmall changes in policy over long periods of time; usually in reference to budget-making--that th ebest indicator of this year's budget is last year's budget plus a small increase113
7922791539Incumbency effectTendency of those alrady holding office to win reelection due to advgs b/c they already hold the office114
7922791540IncumbentThe person currently holding office115
7922791541Inherent powersPowers that exist for the national govt b/c the govt is sovereign116
7922791542InitiativeAllows voters to petition to propose legislation &then submit it for a vote by qualified voters117
7922791543Interest groupA group of private citizens whose goal is to influence &shape public policy118
7922791544Interstate compactsAgreements btwn states to work together on common issues119
7922791545Iron triangleAlliance- agencies, interest groups, &congressional committees/subcommittees (also known as sub-governments)120
7922791546Issue networkIndividuals in WA--located w/n interest groups, congressional staff, think tanks, universities, &the media--who regulary discuss &advocate public policies121
7922791547Joint committeeCommittee made up of members of both house of Congress-housekeeping issues decided122
7922791548Judicial activismThe Court should play an active role in determining national policies123
7922791549Judicial restraintHolds that the Court should avoid taking the initiative on social &pol. questions, operation strictly w/n the limits of the Constitution124
7922791550Judicial reviewAuthority given the courts to review constitutionality of acts by the executive/state/legislature; est. in Marbury v. Madison125
7922791551JurisdicitonThe authority of the courts to hear &decide issues in certain cases126
7922791552Legislative courtsCourts created by Congress for a specialized purpose w/ a narrow range of authority127
7922791553Legislative vetoTo reject the actions of the president/executive agency by a vote of one/both house of Congress w/o the consent of th epresident; ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in Immigration &Naturalization Service v. Chadha128
7922791554Lemon testLemon v. Kurtzman to measure the constituionality of state laws in regard to establishment clause (3 pronged test)129
7922791555LiberalA person whose views favor more govt involvemnt in business, social welfare, minority rights, &increased govt spending130
7922791556Limited govtBasic prinicple of U.S. govt that each person has rights that govt cannot take away131
7922791557Line item vetoThe president can reject a par tof a bill while approving the rest; declared unconstitutional132
7922791558LobbyingAttempting to influence policymakers though a variety of methods133
7922791559LobbyistUses pol. persuasion to influence legislation &benefit his/her org.134
7922791560LogrollingThe exchange of pol. favors for support of a bill135
7922791561Loose constructionistbroad interpretation of the Constitution136
7922791562Maintaining electionsTraditional majorty power maintains power based on voters' party loyalty137
7922791563Majority leaderThe elected leader of the party with the most seat in the House of Representatives/Senate138
7922791564Majority-minority districtsDrawing district boundaries to give a minority group a majority139
7922791565Majority opinionThe majority of justices agree on the decision &the reasons for th edecision140
7922791566MandatesRequirements imposed by the national govt on state &local govts to comply w/ fed. rules ®ulation141
7922791567Mandatory spendingRequired govt spending by permanent laws142
7922791568Marbury v. MadisonJudicial review!143
7922791569MarkupRewrite of a bill after hearings have been held on it (happens in sub-committee)144
7922791570Mass mediaAll forms of communication that reach a large portion of the public145
7922791571McCulloch v. MarylandSupreme Court decision upholding the supremacy of the national government over the states/implied powers clause also strenthened-national bank established because this supported power to tax146
7922791572Media eventA speech or photo opporutnity staged to give a politician's view on an issue147
7922791573Miranda v. ArizonaRight to be told what you are being held for.148
7922791574ModeratePerson whose views are between conservative and liberal and may include some of both ideologies149
7922791575Monetary policycontrolling the money supply-Federal Reserve (independent agency)150
7922791576Motor voter lawregister to vote when you update your license (1993)151
7922791577National chairmanAppointed by the DNC or the RNC as head of the party152
7922791578National debtAmount of money owed by the government153
7922791579Natural rightsBasic rights that are guaranteed to all persons; basic rights that a government cannot deny-Locke-life, liberty, property154
7922791580Necessary and Proper ClauseGives Congress the powers to pass all laws necessary to carry out their constitutional duties; "elastic" clause (Art. I, Sec 8, clause 18)155
7922791581New Deal coalitionAlliance of southern conservatives, religious, and ethnic minorities who supported the Democratic Party for 40 years156
7922791582North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)Created to allow the free movement of goods between Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. by lessening and eliminating tariffs157
7922791583Off-year electionAn election taking place in a year when no presidential elections are occurring; midterm election-common for sitting president's party to lose seats in Congress158
7922791584Open primaryregistered voters can vote in either primary-do not have to register with any party.159
7922791585Opinion leadersThose individuals held in great respect becasue of their position, expertise, or peronsality, who may informally and unintentionally influence others160
7922791586Orignial jurisdictionCourt hears and decides a case for the first time161
7922791587OversightCongress monitors policies of the executive branch (money, hearings, investigations)-checks and balances162
7922791588PardonA convicted person is exempt form the penalities of a crime163
7922791589Plessy v. FergusonThe Supreme Court case that upheld separate-but-equal segregation in 1896164
7922791590Pluralist theoryinterest groups compete in the political arena with each promoting its own policy preferences through organized efforts-everyone gets a piece of the pie-a marketplace of ideas, compromise happens-positive view165
7922791591Policy adoptionThe approval of a policy by legislation166
7922791592Policy evalutionDetermines if a policy is achieving its goals167
7922791593Policy formulationThe crafting of a policy to resolve public problems168
7922791594Policy implementationCarrying out a policy through government agencies and courts169
7922791595Political action committeeExtention of an interest group that contributes money to political campaigns-financial arm of the interest group170
7922791596Political agendaIssues that merit action, as determined by the public or those in power171
7922791597Political cultureA set of basic values and beliefs about one's country or government that is shared by most citizens and that influences political opinions and behaviors172
7922791598Political efficacyBelief that a person can influence politics and public policymaking-vote makes a difference173
7922791599Politcal ideologyA consistent set of beliefs about politics and public policy taht sets the framework for evaluation government and public policy174
7922791600Political partyVoluntary association of people who seek to control the government through common principles, based on peaceful and legal actions such as the winning of elections175
7922791601Political socializationComplex process by which people get their sense of political identity, beliefs, and values (family, school, media, religion, national events-all help to socialize)176
7922791602PoliticsMethod of maintaining, managing, and gaining control of government (who gets what, when, and how)177
7922791603Popular sovereigntypeople are the source of all govermental power178
7922791604Pork barrel legislationLegislation giving benefits to constituents through sometimes unnecessary of unwise projects within a state or district, to enhance a memeber's chance of reelection179
7922791605PrecedentsStandards or guides based on prior decisions that serve as a rule for settling similar disputes180
7922791606Presidential preference primariesVoters select delegates to the presidential nominating convention181
7922791607President pro temporeServes as president of the Senate in the absence of the VP; chosen by the majority party182
7922791608Primary electionNominating election held to choose party candidates who will run in the general election183
7922791609Prior restraintCensorship of information before it is published or broadcast (unconstitutional in most cases)184
7922791610Privileges and immunitiesStates are prohibited from unreasonably discriminating against residents of other states (article 4)185
7922791611Procedual due processMethod of government action, or how th elaw is carried out according to the established rules and procedures186
7922791612Public opinionA colleciton of shared attitudes of citizens about government, politics, and the making of public policy187
7922791613Public policyThe exercise of government power in doing those htings necessary to maintain legitmate authority and ocntrol over society188
7922791614Pure speechVerbal communication of ideas and opinions189
7922791615RadicalIdeological view that favors rapid funamental change in teh existing social, economic, or political order190
7922791616RatificationMethod of enacting a constitution or amendment into law191
7922791617ReactionaryIdeological view that favors a return to a previous state of affairs192
7922791618RealignmentA shift of voting patterns to form new coaltions of party support193
7922791619ReapportionamentRedistribution of the congressional seats among the states after the census determines changes in population distribution194
7922791620RecallSpecial election initiated by petition to allow citizens to remove an official from office before his or her term expires195
7922791621ReferendumProcedure whereby the state submits legislation to its voters for approval, allowing citizens to vote directly on issues196
7922791622Representative democracyCitizens choose officals (representatives) who make decisions about public policy197
7922791623Reserved powersPowers belonging specifically to the states and the people because they were not delegated to teh national government nor denied to the states198
7922791624Revenue sharingGiving money back to the state and local government with no strings attached199
7922791625RiderAn addition of amendment added to a bill that often has no realtion to the bill but that may not pass onits own merits (senate only)200
7922791626Rule of fourRequirement that a case can only be heard by the Supreme Court if four justices vote to hear the case201
7922791627Rules committeeDetermines the rules of debate for bills in the House of Representatives-also known as the calender committee202
7922791628Runoff primaryWhen no candidate receives a majority of votes, an election held betweent eh two candidates who received the most votes in the primary203
7922791629SamplingUsing a represenative cross-seciton of the general population chosen at random in the polling process204
7922791630Sampling errorsPercentage of possible erros in teh polling process205
7922791631Select committeeCommittee selected for a specific purpose-investigation-hearing206
7922791632Self-incriminationAccusing oneself or giving evidence that may prove oneself guilty207
7922791633Senatorial courtesyThe practice of allowing senators form teh president's party who represent the state where a judicial district is located, to apporve or diapprove potential nominees for the lower federal courts ONLY208
7922791634Seniortiy systemSystem in which the chairmanship of a committee is given tot eh member with the longest continuous service209
7922791635Separation of powersPractice by which power is separated among three branches of government; each branch has its own powers and duties and is independent of and equal to the other branches210
7922791636Single-member districtsOnly one representative is chosen from each district211
7922791637Social contract theoryA voluntary agreement between the government and the governed212
7922791638Social insurance programsPrograms to help the elderly, ill, and unemployed if the claimant has paid into them213
7922791639Social welfare policyGovernment program to enhance quality of life214
7922791640Soft moneyMoney distributed form a national political party organization that wasn ot regulated by law; restricted by the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act of 2002215
7922791641Sound biteA brief statement on TV or radio216
7922791642Speaker of the HouseLeading officer in the House of Representatives, chosen by the majority party217
7922791643Speech plusVerbal and symbolic speech used together218
7922791644Split-ticket votingVoting for candidates form more than one party in the same election219
7922791645Standing committeePermanent committees in the House/Senate-every represetative and every senator is appointed to 2 or 3.220
7922791646Stare decisisLet the decision stand; decisions are based on precedents from previous cases221
7922791647Straight-ticket votingVoting for candidates all of the same party on the same ballot-creates the coattail effect222
7922791648Straw pollEarly form of polling that asks the same question of a large number of people223
7922791649Strict constuctionistNarrow interpretation of the Constitution224
7922791650Substantive due processthe law itself is fair or unfair-not the procedures-but the law225
7922791651SuffrageThe right to vote226
7922791652SuperdelegatesParty officials in the Democratic Party who attend the national convention without having to run in primaries or caucuses227
7922791653Super TuesdayDay when several states hold their presidential primaries (usually the second Tuesday in March)228
7922791654Supremacy CLauseNtional law supersedes all other laws passed by states (Art VI)229
7922791655Symbolic speechUsing actions and symbols rather than words to convey an idea230
7922791656Three-Fifths CompromiseAgreement that each slave counted as three-fifths of a person in determining representation in the House for representation and taxation purposes (negated by the 13th amendment)231
7922791657Traditional democratic theoryGovernment depends upon the consent of the governed232
7922791658Trial balloonTests the public reaction to policy or appointments by releasing information to the media and gaugin public reaction233
7922791659TrusteeAfter listening to constiutents, elected representatives vote based on their own opinions234
7922791660Two-party systemSeveral political parties exist, but only two major political parties compete for power and dominate elections235
7922791661Unfunded mandatesFederal government requires the states to enforce legislation without the funding necessary236
7922791662Virginia PlanMadison's plan for a bicameral legislature, whith the executive and judiciary chosen by the legislature237
7922791663War Powers ActLimits the ability of the president to commit troops to combat-48 hours to tell Congress when and why the troops were sent, they have 60-90 to bring them home if they disagree238
7922791664WatergateBreak-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate building in 1972 that resulted in a cover-up and the subsequent resignation of Nixon239
7922791665Writ of certiorariOrder by the Supreme Court directing a lower court to send up the records of a case for review240
7922791666Writ of habeas corpusright to be told what you are being held for and shown evidence against you-used in death penalty case appeals.241
7922791667red tapecomplex rules and procedures that must be followed to get something done (agencies-bureaucracy)242
7922791668Trustee/Delegate-roles Congressman playtrustee--do what is best regardless of voter opinion; delegate--do what the voters want243
7922791669pocket vetoDIES-sits on desk-10 days go past-Congress adjourns within the 10 days.244
7922791670OMB (Office of Management and Budget)1921) to prepare estimates of how much will be spent by federal agencies, to negotiate and to make that legislative proposals of these other departments jive with the president's program.245
7922791671Speaker of the Housedecides who willbe recognized to speak- rules whether motions are relevant to the business at hand; decides which bills where the bills will go (committees)-influencial as to what bills are brought up for a vote-appoints members to special and select committees246
7922791672Whipsassistant to the floor leaders, keeps a head count of votes, rounds up members for important votes247
7922791673Congressional caucusesassociation of members created to support a political ideology or regional economic interest (black caucus, women's caucus...)248
7922791674General Accounting Office (GAO)performs routine financial audits of money spent by the executive departments and investigates agencies249
7922791675malapportionmentunfair proportional distribution of representatives to a legislative body250
7922791676majority/minority districtsthose with a majority of residents who are part of an ethnic minority251
7922791677soft moneypolitical parties solicit unlimited funds from individuals, corporations, spend on voter registration campaigns and get-out the-vote drives and "not on behalf of specific candidates"252
7922791678Civil Servicehiring government employees on the basis of merit. Also refers to government employees outside the military.253
7922791679Circuit CourtsPart of federal court system-13 federal circuit courts: one for the D.C. and 12 for the rest of the country. Also called "courts of appeal"254
7922791680Council of Economic Advisorsestablished by Employment Act of 1946- advise the President on economic policy- 3 members, appointed by President and approved by Senate,255
7922791681EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission)INDEPENDENT agency created in 1964-works to eliminate employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, disability, age or other criteria unrelated to job performance.256
7922791682EOP (Executive office of the President)name for the group of agencies, councils, and staff members which advise the president and help run the federal bureaucracy-was established by an executive order from FDR257
7922791683Grand Jury (5th amendment)ranges in size from 6 to 23, depending on the state, and functions to determine whether there is enough evidence available against a person accused of a crime to justify a trial.258
7922791684Gubernatorialpertaining to a governor259
7922791685Joint Chiefs of Staffhigh-ranking military officers who represent the Navy, Army, Air Force and Marines. They assist the civilian leaders of the Department of Defense-advise the president on security matters.260
7922791686Lame Duckperson holding office after his or her replacement has been elected to the office, but before the current term has ended.261
7922791687PAC (Political Action Committee)an independent organization established by interest groups, political candidates, and people who hold office. PACs serve to raise and contribute money to the political campaigns of individuals whose platforms agree with the aims of the PAC.262
7922791688indictmentWritten statement of criminal charges brought against a defendant263
7922791689Shield lawLaw guaranteeing news reporters the right to protect the annonymity of their sources. States have passed this--not the federal government.264

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