As based off of Erik Richard's Key terms set, verbatim.
Now with (most) spelling errors fixed!
http://erronline.net/ap/
Terms : Hide Images
| 366767798 | DEMOCRACY | A political system of selected policymakers that will act according to the majority while maintaining minority rights; usually includes elections and citizen protections. | |
| 366767799 | GOVERNMENT | System made up of the institutions and processes by which policy is made for a society. | |
| 366767800 | INDIVIDUALISM | Belief that citizens should run their lives without government interference. | |
| 366767801 | LINKAGE INSTITUTIONS | Channels through which citizens voice their opinions in the policymaking system (i.e., elections, parties, interest groups, media) | |
| 366767802 | POLICY AGENDA | A set of issues actively addressed by the government officials; often established by the media. | |
| 366767803 | POLICYMAKERS | Government bodies that create public policy (Legislative, Executive, Judicial) | |
| 366767804 | POLITICS | The process by which we select our government leaders and how they pursue policy; "who gets what, when, and where." | |
| 366767805 | ANTI-FEDERALISTS | Opponents of the U.S. Constitution as it was being drafted; wanted more liberties and a weaker federal government. | |
| 366767806 | BILL OF ATTAINDER | A law that intends to punish one type of person; banned by the Constitution. | |
| 366767807 | CONNECTICUT (OR GREAT) COMPROMISE | Agreement at the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral congress; House membership based on population, Senate has two from each state. | |
| 366767808 | EX POST FACTO | Type of law that punishes a person for a crime when it was legal when they did it; banned by the Constitution | |
| 366767809 | FACTIONS | Groups arising mainly from the unequal distribution of property or wealth; attacked by James Madison in Federalist no. 10. | |
| 366767810 | FEDERALIST PAPERS | A collection of 85 articles written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay to defend the Constitution's contents | |
| 366767811 | FEDERALISTS | Supporters of the U.S. Constitution at the time its was being drafted; wanted limited rights and a strong federal government. | |
| 366767812 | NATURAL RIGHTS | Fundamental rights belonging to all human beings (life, liberty, property); according to Locke, government must protect these rights. | |
| 366767813 | NEW JERSEY (OR SMALL STATE) PLAN | Proposal of equal representation for the states in Congress at the Constitutional Convention. | |
| 366767814 | REPUBLIC | A form of government in which the people select representatives to govern and make laws. | |
| 366767815 | VIRGINIA (OR LARGE STATE) PLAN | Proposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for three branches of government and representation in a bicameral Congress to be based on population. | |
| 366767816 | WRIT OF HABEUS CORPUS | A court order requiring jailers to explain to a judge why they are holding a prisoner; required by the Constitution | |
| 366767817 | BLOCK GRANTS | Grants given automatically to support broad programs in community development; states may use them as they wish. | |
| 366767818 | CATEGORY GRANTS | Federal grants used for specific purposes, such as a federal mandate. | |
| 366767819 | CONCURRENT POWERS | Constitutional powers extended to both states and the federal government (e.g. taxation) | |
| 366767820 | DUAL FEDERALISM | Type of federalism where states are responsible for some duties, the federal government others; no longer the most common method. | |
| 366767821 | EXPRESSED OR ENUMERATED POWERS | Constitutional powers clearly granted to the federal government | |
| 366767822 | EXTRADITION | Constitutional law that requires a state to return fugitives to a state where the committed a crime | |
| 366767823 | FEDERAL | Type of government with multiple branches of government (based either on role or region); checks and balances, and oversight | |
| 366767824 | FISCAL FEDERALISM | Type of federalism where spending and taxing is dictated by the federal government to the states (i.e., grants). | |
| 366767825 | FORMULA GRANT | Federal grants distributed to states based on need or other criteria | |
| 366767826 | FULL FAITH AND CREDIT | Article IV, Section I of the Constitution, which requires states to respect the laws and documents of other states (e.g. marriage licenses) | |
| 366767827 | IMPLIED POWERS | Name given to powers not listed in the Constitution, but that are "necessary and proper" for congress to perform; granted by the elastic clause (Article I, Section 8) | |
| 366767828 | PRIVLIDGES AND IMMUNITIES | Constitutional provision that allows a visitor to a state to get the same protections as a resident. | |
| 366767829 | PROJECT GRANT | Merit-based grants awarded based on competitive applications | |
| 366767830 | RESERVED POWERS | Type of powers not given to the federal government, but that are left to the states | |
| 366767831 | SUPREMACY CLAUSE | Article VI of the Constitution; makes the Constitution the Supreme law of the land | |
| 366767832 | UNITARY GOVERNMENT | Type of federal system where the national government has most of the power (as opposed to a confederation, where regional governments have more power) | |
| 366767833 | CIVIL LIBERTIES | Name given to the set of legal Constitutional protections against the government, often protected by the Bill of Rights (first ten amendments to the Constitution) | |
| 366767834 | COMMERCIAL SPEECH | Type of speech in form of advertising; regulated by the FTC, may be restricted more than other types of speech. | |
| 366767835 | ESTABLISHMENT CLAUSE | First Amendment clause that states Congress may make no law that entangles government with a religion. | |
| 366767836 | EXCLUSIONARY RULE | Requirement that evidence cannot be introduced into trial if it was not legally obtained. | |
| 366767837 | FEDERAL COMMUNICATION COMMISSION (FCC) | Government body that regulates the content, nature, and existence of programming on TV on radio | |
| 366767838 | FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC) | Government body that decides which kind of goods may be advertised on TV and radio | |
| 366767839 | FREE EXERCISE | First Amendment clause that prohibits government from interfering with the practice of religion. | |
| 366767840 | INCORPORATION | Legal concept under which the Supreme Court has nationalized portions of the Bill of Rights by making provisions applicable to states via the due process clause of the 14th Amendment | |
| 366767841 | LIBEL and SLANDER | The publication or speech of false and malicious statements (written or spoken) that damage one's reputation; not protected by the First Amendment. | |
| 366767842 | MIRANDA RIGHTS | Name given to the set of rights a person accused of a crime must be told - they may remain silent, what they say can used in court, and the right to an attorney. | |
| 366767843 | PLEA BARGAIN | Deal struck between the accused and the prosecution that calls for a guilty plea in exchange for a lesser charge or sentence. | |
| 366767844 | PRIOR RESTRAINT | Censorship by the government (preventing material from being printed) - mostly limited by the courts. | |
| 366767845 | PRIVACY | The right of a person to live life free from government intrusion; not listed in the Bill of Rights, but is implied | |
| 366767846 | PROBABLE CAUSE | Situation occurring when police have reason to believe that person should be arrested. | |
| 366767847 | SELF INCRIMINATION | When an individual accused of a crime is compelled to be a witness against himself in court or before; prohibited by the Bill of Rights. | |
| 366767848 | SYMBOLIC SPEECH | Nonverbal expression, like flag burning, which the Court deemed is protected by the Bill of Rights. | |
| 366767849 | AFFIRMATIVE ACTION | Policies that give special attention or treatment to people from a disadvantaged group; seek equal results | |
| 366767850 | AGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMENT ACT | Law that denied federal funds to any institution that discriminates against people over 40 (later expanded to 70) due to age | |
| 366767851 | AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT | Law that requires employers and public facilities to make "reasonable accommodations" for people with disabilities | |
| 366767852 | CIVIL RIGHTS | Policies designed to protect people from arbitrary discrimination by the government | |
| 366767853 | CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964 | Law that forbids racial discrimination in motels, hotels, restaurants, and in many jobs | |
| 366767854 | COMPARABLE WORTH | Issue raised when women who hold traditionally female jobs are paid less than men who work jobs requiring similar skills | |
| 366767855 | DE FACTO LAW | Policy indirectly produced by a separate law or policy | |
| 366767856 | DE JURE LAW | Policy implemented through law | |
| 366767857 | EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION | Agency created by the Civil Rights Act of 1965 to ensure fair hiring practices | |
| 366767858 | EQUAL PROTECTION CLAUSE | Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment that requires all laws provide protection to all people without unnecessary discrimination. | |
| 366767859 | EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT | Failed constitutional amendment that would have outlawed discrimination based on gender | |
| 366767860 | GRANDFATHER CLAUSES/POLL TAXES/WHITE PRIMARIES/LITERACY TESTS | Methods used by southern states to legally deny blacks the vote; all were eventually outlawed. | |
| 366767861 | MEDIUM OF SECURITY | Method used by the courts for defining gender bias; distinctions must have a "exceedingly persuasive justification." | |
| 366767862 | MINORITY MAJORTY DISTRICTING | Gerrymandering with the goal of creating districts dominated by minorities; struck down by Supreme Court | |
| 366767863 | SEXUAL HARASSMENT | Actions defined by the Court as so pervasive as to create a hostile or abusive work environment and is a form of gender discrimination banned by the Civil Rights Act | |
| 366767864 | STANDARDS OF REVIEW | Criteria established by the courts for evaluating equal protection of the laws | |
| 366767865 | TITLE IX | Part of the Education Act of 1972, banned discrimination in federally subsidized education programs including sports at both secondary and collegiate levels | |
| 366767866 | VOTING RIGHTS ACT OF 1965 | Law that lowered barriers, such as literacy tests, that prevented blacks from voting during the Civil rights movement | |
| 366767867 | WOMEN'S EQUITY IN EMPLOYMENT ACT | Law that require employers to prove that promotions were based on merit and not gender. | |
| 366767868 | CENSUS | Statistical analysis of the population; Constitution requires one to take place every ten years | |
| 366767869 | CONSERVATIVISM | Political ideology that promotes smaller government, private solutions to society's problems, and a free market economy. | |
| 366767870 | EXIT POLLS | Surveys used by the media to predict election winners; taken as voters leave polling stations | |
| 366767871 | IDEOLOGY | One's coherent set of beliefs about politics, government, and policy (i.e., liberal or conservative) | |
| 366767872 | LIBERALISM | Political ideology that promotes larger government in order to fund social projects seeking equality and rights. | |
| 366767873 | POLITICAL SOCIALIZATION | The process through which a person develops his/her political orientation through family, the media, school, and religion | |
| 366767874 | PUBLIC OPINION | The varying positions of Americans regarding politics and policy | |
| 366767875 | RANDOM SAMPLING | Technique used in polling that ensures that all types of people may be selected for a survey | |
| 366767876 | REAPPORTIONMENT | The redistribution of seats in the House of Representatives as a result of a people movement and the census | |
| 366767877 | SAMPLING ERROR | The degree of confidence that can be placed on a poll (more people surveyed, the higher the confidence) | |
| 366767878 | SOUND BITES | Video or audio clips that last between 3 and 15 seconds from a politician's speech or activities. | |
| 366767879 | BEATS | Specific locations from which news constantly breaks. | |
| 366767880 | MASS MEDIA | Linkage institution made up of broadcasts (TV and radio), narrowcasts (cable TV, internet), print (newspapers and magazines), etc. | |
| 366767881 | SPIN | Tendency of media outlets to be biased in news reporting toward an ideological bias | |
| 366767882 | TALKING HEADS | Media clips of a person speaking directly to the camera (it is boring and used sparingly) | |
| 366767883 | TRIAL BALLOONS | Intentional political leaks by policymakers intended to assess public reaction. | |
| 366767884 | NATIONAL COMMITTEE | Members of a political party that run affairs between conventions; aka "party in organization". | |
| 366767885 | NATIONAL PARTY CONVENTION | Party meetings taking place every four years to nominate a candidate for president and to define its position platform. | |
| 366767886 | PARTY PLATFORM | A political party's list of goals and policies for a year period. | |
| 366767887 | PARTY REALIGNMENT | Displacement of the majority party by the minority party after a critical election | |
| 366767888 | POLITICAL PARTY | Organization of people with common ideologies that attempt to get individuals elected to office. | |
| 366767889 | RESPONSIBLE PARTY MODEL | View that parties should offer clear choices, and that if elected, will do what was promised | |
| 366767890 | THIRD PARTIES | Political parties, often advocating a single issue, that force the main parties to address certain issues. | |
| 366767891 | BLANKET PRIMARY | Primary where voters get a ballot with all candidates, and they can vote for as many as they wish | |
| 366767892 | CAUCUS (elections) | Meeting of state party leaders in certain states to nominate a candidate for the party convention. | |
| 366767893 | CLOSED PRIMARY | Type of primary where only people registered within the party can vote. | |
| 366767894 | FEDERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN ACT | Legislation drafted in 1974 that created the FEC, allocated public funding for candidates, and limited campaign spending/contributions. | |
| 366767895 | FRONTLOADING | Practice of states to schedule primaries early in the season to capitalize on media attention. | |
| 366767896 | NOMINATION | An official endorsement of a candidate by a political party | |
| 366767897 | OPEN PRIMARY | Primary where voters can decide on which party's ballot they wish to vote | |
| 366767898 | POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEES (PACs) | Groups that register with the FEC in order to give campaign contributions. | |
| 366767899 | PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN FUND | Election fund filled by taxpayers who elect to donate. | |
| 366767900 | SOFT MONEY | Donations that go to a party instead of a nominee during an election—thereby not restricted; later limited by McCain-Feingold. | |
| 366767901 | SUPERDELEGATES | Party leaders who get a delegate slot at the national convention along side state delegates. | |
| 366767902 | 527 GROUPS | Groups that promote policy positions, rather than candidates, and are thus exempt from campaign donation limits. | |
| 366767903 | COALITION | Groups of citizen voters whose support the parties depend upon. | |
| 366767904 | INITIATIVES | In some states, citizens may place proposed changes to state constitutions on the ballot and vote on them. | |
| 366767905 | MANDATE THEORY OF ELECTIONS | Idea that the winner of an election has been ordered by the people to initiate their policies. | |
| 366767906 | MOTOR VOTER ACT | Legislation drafted in 1993 that allows people to register to vote when applying for a driver's license. | |
| 366767907 | POLITICAL EFFICACY | The belief of certain citizens that their participation makes a difference. | |
| 366767908 | POLITICAL PARTICIPATION | Citizen activities that influence politics and/or policy (voting, protests, civil disobedience, etc.) | |
| 366767909 | RATIONAL CHOICE THEORY | Belief that voters will do what's best for them in election voting. | |
| 366767910 | REFERENDUM | At the state level, this allows voters to vote on proposed legislation. | |
| 366767911 | TICKET SPLITING | Practice of American voters who distribute their votes to both parties on ballots. | |
| 366767912 | WINNER-TAKE-ALL SYSTEM | Electoral system where a president gets all electoral votes in states where they win the popular vote. | |
| 366767913 | ACTUAL GROUP | Name given to active members of an interest group. | |
| 366767914 | COLLECTIVE GOOD | Something of value that potentials get from the work of the actual members of an interest group. | |
| 366767915 | ELECTIONEERING | Interest group involvement in the election process—often in the form of contributions by PACs. | |
| 366767916 | ELITE AND CLASS THEORY | Theory holding that government and politics is dominated by the upper class. | |
| 366767917 | FREE RIDER PROBLEM | Problem arising when people get the collective good without ever considering active participation. | |
| 366767918 | HYPERPLURALISM | Theory holding that government and politics is weakened by excessive group activity. | |
| 366767919 | INTEREST GROUPS | Groups of citizens with similar policy goals who enter into the policymaking system. | |
| 366767920 | LOBBYING | Paid or unpaid members of an interest group that attempts to influence policymakers. | |
| 366767921 | OLSEN'S LAW | Theory suggesting that the larger the group, the larger the shortfall of collective good. | |
| 366767922 | PLURALIST THEORY | Theory holding that government and politics is based on group competition—and this is a good thing. | |
| 366767923 | POLICY GRIDLOCK | Situation when no group has enough power to enact a policy, nothing happens. | |
| 366767924 | POTENTIAL GROUP | Name given to people could be part of a interest group due to similar policy goals; often benefit from the work of actuals. | |
| 366767925 | PUBLIC INTEREST LOBBIES | Groups that work for a collective good that will not impact them directly. | |
| 366767926 | THE POWER 25 | Fortune Magazine's list of the most powerful interest groups in America. | |
| 366767927 | BICAMERALISM | Term referring to a legislative system with two chambers. | |
| 366767928 | CONFERENCE COMMITTEES | Formed to hammer out differences in a bill when the House and Senate cannot agree on its contents. | |
| 366767929 | CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUS | Groups in Congress with similar policy goals; most are made up of members from both parties and both Houses. | |
| 366767930 | DISCHARGE PETITION | Process of bringing a bill out of committee and to the floor for consideration without a report from a Committee and usually without cooperation of the leadership. | |
| 366767931 | EARMARKS | Amendments to bills (usually unrelated) that give a certain member of congress pork barrel money in exchange for a vote on the bill. | |
| 366767932 | FILIBUSTER | In the Senate, opponents of a bill may stall debate by endlessly talking; a vote of cloture (60 votes) and end this tactic. | |
| 366767933 | GERRYMANDERING | Questionable practice by politicians that attempts to draw congressional boundaries in ways to gain a political advantage | |
| 366767934 | INCUMBANTS | Members of Congress up for reelection (they almost always win). | |
| 366767935 | JOINT COMMITTEES | Congressional committee that has members from both houses. | |
| 366767936 | LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT | Responsibility of Congress to monitor the executive branch and its policies—often in the form of hearings. | |
| 366767937 | LOGROLLING | A deal by members of Congress involving promises to vote for each other's bills. | |
| 366767938 | MAJORITY LEADER | Leading member of the controlling party in each chamber of Congress (heads the Senate, assists the Speaker in the House). | |
| 366767939 | MINORITY LEADER | Leader of the minority party in the House or Senate. | |
| 366767940 | PORK BARREL | List of federal grants, projects, and contracts that members of Congress seek to get for their constituents. | |
| 366767941 | SELECT COMMITTEES | Type of congressional committee created for the purpose of addressing a specific, temporary purpose (e.g., Watergate). | |
| 366767942 | SENIORITY SYSTEM | System that allows the longest serving members of Congress to be appointed as committee chairs. | |
| 366767943 | SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE | Leader of the House, chosen by the majority party; third in line for the presidency | |
| 366767944 | STANDING COMMITTEES | Congressional committee that is permanent and confined to each chamber. | |
| 366767945 | WHIP | Member of Congress who communicates events on the debate floor to the majority and minority leaders. | |
| 366767946 | APPROVAL RATINGS | Poll results that demonstrate the public's satisfaction of the President's performance. | |
| 366767947 | CABINET | Group of presidential advisors, not mentioned in the Constitution; 14 secretaries and the attorney general. | |
| 366767948 | COATTAILS | Name for when voters cast ballots for congressional candidates from the same party as the president. | |
| 366767949 | COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISORS | A three member body appointed by the president to advise him on the economy. | |
| 366767950 | EXECUTIVE AGREEMENT | Deals between the President and other heads of state; non-binding; not subject to congressional approval. | |
| 366767951 | EXECUTIVE OFFICES | Led by the chief of staff, these are the major policymaking bodies that assist the President; includes the NSC, CEA, and OMB. | |
| 366767952 | GOING PUBLIC | Ability of the President to bypass Congress with policy goals and go directly to the people through the media. | |
| 366767953 | HONEYMOON PERIOD | Name for the first 100 days of a presidency; is marked by high approval ratings and swift policy implementation. | |
| 366767954 | HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE / SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE | Powerful congressional committees responsible for writing the tax code. | |
| 366767955 | MANDATES (Election) | Belief of a presidential elect that by winning, he has a command from the people to implement his policies. | |
| 366767956 | NATIONAL SECURITY DIRECTIVES | In times of emergency, the President can command these special actions (not subject to congressional approval). | |
| 366767957 | OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET | Body of aides, advisors, and professionals that advise on and manage the President's budget. | |
| 366767958 | VETO | Constitutional power of the president to reject a bill from congress (2/3 in congress can override). | |
| 366767959 | WAR POWERS RESOLUTION | Law passed in 1973; requires the president to notify congress of military movements within 48 hours. | |
| 366767960 | WHITE HOUSE STAFF | Led by the chief of staff, includes political offices (press secretary, speech writer), and support staff (cooks, clerks). | |
| 366767961 | APPROPRIATIONS BILL | Type of bill that allocates the funds necessary to carry out authorization bills; usually last one year | |
| 366767962 | AUTHORIZATION BILL | Bill that establishes, continues, or changes a discretionary program in order to meet the budget resolution | |
| 366767963 | BUDGET RESOLUTION | An agreement that prohibits Congress from spending more than a set amount while making the budget | |
| 366767964 | CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET AND IMPOUNDMENT CONTROL ACT | Law that established a budget making calendar, Congressional budget committees, and the Congressional Budget Office; made Congress stronger in the budget process | |
| 366767965 | CONTINUING RESOLUTION | Resolution for when Congress cannot meet budgetary goals, agencies are allowed to spend at the level of the previous year | |
| 366767966 | DEFICIT | Result of government spending more than it makes in revenue for a given budget year | |
| 366767967 | DISCRETIONARY SPENDING | Government expenditures (mostly on bureaucratic agencies) that can be adjusted from year to year. | |
| 366767968 | EMERGENCY DEFICIT CONTROL ACT | Law that lasted from 1985 to 1990, established deficit limits for future budgets in order to balance the budget by 1993; was a failure | |
| 366767969 | FISCAL POLICY | Policies pertaining to taxing and spending | |
| 366767970 | INCREMENTALISM | Belief that a new budget should be the same as the last budget, plus a little more | |
| 366767971 | NATIONAL DEBT | The long term accumulation of budget deficits. | |
| 366767972 | NON-DISCRETIONARY SPENDING | Government expenditures that by law must be met, regardless of financial situation (e.g., entitlements) | |
| 366767973 | RECONCILIATION | Process where last-minute adjustments to spending bills occur to meet the budget resolution | |
| 366767974 | SLUSH FUND | Money appropriated for certain purposes, but is instead used by government officials for their questionable purposes. | |
| 366767975 | TAX CREDITS | Revenue losses resulting from legal exemptions, exclusions, or deductions from one's tax return. | |
| 366767976 | TAX LOOPHOLES | Name given to ways taxpayers can pay less in taxes buy cheating or circumventing requirements. | |
| 366767977 | TAX REFORM ACT OF 1986 | Legislation that eliminated many tax deductions, removed the tax burden from the poor, and reduced the number of tax brackets | |
| 366767978 | BUREAUCRACY | Government agencies that implement and regulate policy | |
| 366767979 | CABINET DEPARTMENTS | Fifteen executive departments, headed by secretaries chosen by the president; each manages a specific policy area | |
| 366767980 | CIVIL SERVICE | Non-partisan government services (e.g., post office) that hires based on merit (exams and promotion ratings). | |
| 366767981 | DEREGULATION | The lifting of restrictions on business and industry in order to allow greater self regulation. | |
| 366767982 | EXECUTIVE ORDER | Pronouncement from the president that attempts to control the bureaucracy or force laws to be executed. | |
| 366767983 | GOVERNMENT CORPORATIONS | Government businesses that could be ran by the private sector and that charge for services. | |
| 366767984 | GOVERNMENT SPONSORED ENTERPRISES | Banks created by Congress to enhance the flow of credit to key sectors of the economy; not owned, but monitored by government. | |
| 366767985 | HATCH ACT OF 1993 | Law that prohibits government employees from active participation in partisan politics. | |
| 366767986 | INDEPENDENT EXECUTIVE AGENCIES | Agencies that implement and regulate policy, but are not under a cabinet department | |
| 366767987 | IRON TRIANGLES | Aka "subgovernments;" interest groups, government agencies, and congressional committees that control an issue. | |
| 366767988 | ISSUE NETWORK | Name given to the modern policymaking structure; includes the iron triangle, but also lawyers, corporations, and other groups. | |
| 366767989 | OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT | Agency in charge of hiring for most middle and lower level government jobs. | |
| 366767990 | PATRONAGE | Practice of hiring people for bureaucratic positions based on political reasons rather than merit | |
| 366767991 | PLUM BOOK | Publication listing elite bureaucratic jobs available after a new president is elected; he makes these appointments. | |
| 366767992 | POLICY IMPLEMENTATION | Task of the bureaucracy to enact policies made by the President, Congress, and courts. | |
| 366767993 | REGULATION | Ability of the government to monitor and influence the private business sector. | |
| 366767994 | REGULATORY AGENCIES | Agencies that implement and regulate policy and are under the supervision of a cabinet department | |
| 366767995 | STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES | Rules that create uniformity and fairness in government agencies; often derogatorily called "red tape." | |
| 366767996 | STREET LEVEL BUREAUCRATS | Bureaucrats that are in direct contact with the public (e.g., police officers) | |
| 366767997 | AMICUS CURIAE BRIEFS | "Friend of the court;" tactic used by interest groups to raise unspoken concerns about legislation or litigation. | |
| 366767998 | APPELLATE JURISDICTION | Ability of a circuit court or the Supreme Court to hear a case originally heard in a lower court; facts are not discussed, only legality. | |
| 366767999 | CIVIL/CRIMINAL LAW | The two types of legal cases; the first involving the disputes between two parties, the second involving broken laws. | |
| 366768000 | CLASS ACTION SUITS | A lawsuit brought forth by multiple people. | |
| 366768001 | JUDICIAL ACTIVISM | Decisions by judges and courts to make bold policy decisions. | |
| 366768002 | JUDICIAL IMPLEMENTATION | Process of how court decisions are translated into actual policy | |
| 366768003 | JUDICIAL RESTRAINT | Practice of judges and courts to have a minimal policymaking role and leave legislating up to Congress. | |
| 366768004 | JUDICIAL REVIEW | Ability of the courts to determine the constitutionality of laws and actions of policymakers; established by Marbury v. Madison (1803) | |
| 366768005 | JUSTICIABLE DISPUTES | Requirement that a case must be capable of being decided in order to go to court | |
| 366768006 | OPINIONS | Written explanations of the Supreme Court decision on a case. | |
| 366768007 | ORIGINAL INTENT | Judicial opinion that the Constitution should be interpreted in the way the framers envisioned. | |
| 366768008 | ORIGINAL JURISDICTION | Situation when a court has the privilege to hear a case first. | |
| 366768009 | PER CURIAM DECISION | A court decision without explanation (resolves the current case, but sets no precedent for future cases) | |
| 366768010 | POLITICAL QUESTIONS | A means for federal courts to avoid taking a case | |
| 366768011 | PRECEDENT | The making of policy by the Courts through case decisions; decisions may be overturned by later decisions | |
| 366768012 | SENATORIAL COURTESY | Tradition where judicial nominees are not confirmed in a state if the senator from that state disapproves. | |
| 366768013 | SOLICITOR GENERAL | The third ranking officer in the Justice Department; is in charge of appellate court litigation involving the federal government. | |
| 366768014 | STANDING TO SUE | Requirement that plaintiffs must have a serious interest in a case to file litigation. | |
| 366768015 | STARE DECISIS | "Let the ruling stand"; court decisions where the result of the lower courts or precedent are upheld. | |
| 366768016 | STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION | Procedure of Congress to pass clarifying laws after the Court has ruled a particular way. | |
| 366768017 | SUPREME COURT | Highest US court; interprets national law and disputes between states; has both original and appellate jurisdiction | |
| 366768018 | ANTITRUST POLICY | Policies designed to ensure competition by breaking up monopolies | |
| 366768019 | BALANCE OF TRADE | Ratio of what is paid for imports to what is paid for exports. | |
| 366768020 | FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM | Federal bank system that regulates the flow of money to commercial banks and sets interest rates | |
| 366768021 | INFLATION | the systemic rise in prices for goods, usually caused by currency printing; measured the Consumer Price Index | |
| 366768022 | KEYNESIAN ECONOMICS | Belief that during economic downturns, the government can create demand through spending programs and tax credits | |
| 366768023 | MIXED ECONOMY | Economic system which is largely free market, but involves government regulation | |
| 366768024 | MONETARY POLICY | Policies involving the money supply, inflation, jobs, and markets. | |
| 366768025 | MULTINATIONALS | Type of corporations that have assets in many countries | |
| 366768026 | PROTECTIONISM | Policy that calls for preventing consumers from buying foreign goods in order to strengthen domestic businesses | |
| 366768027 | SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION | Federal agency that oversees the stock market and guards against stock fraud | |
| 366768028 | SUPPLY SIDE ECONOMICS | Monetary policy insisting the government can create supply by cutting taxes for business to stimulate the economy | |
| 366768029 | UNEMPLOYMENT RATE | The proportion of the labor force actively seeking employment, but is unable to find it. | |
| 366768030 | EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT | Tax policy that redistributes income to the poor instead of charging them income tax | |
| 366768031 | ENTITLEMENTS | Name for social programs that benefit certain individuals who meet certain requirements, regardless of need. | |
| 366768032 | FEMINIZATION OF POVERTY | Name for the increasing concentration of poverty among women, especially single mothers and their children. | |
| 366768033 | IN KIND BENEFITS | Non-cash entitlements to people from the government (e.g., food stamps) | |
| 366768034 | INCOME | The amount of money one receives for wages or salary in a given amount of time | |
| 366768035 | MEANS-TESTED PROGRAMS | Entitlements available to individuals near or below the poverty line (e.g., Medicaid). | |
| 366768036 | MEDICAID | A shared entitlement between the federal government and the states that sponsors health care for the poor | |
| 366768037 | MEDICARE | Government entitlement that sponsors health care for the elderly | |
| 366768038 | PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND WORK OPPORTUNITY ACT | Law that reformed welfare in 1996; limited the amount of benefits one could receive; created TANF. | |
| 366768039 | POVERTY LINE | Defines the amount of income necessary to maintain an "austere" standard of living; used to count the number of poor people | |
| 366768040 | PROGRESSIVE TAX | Tax policy where the rich pay a higher percentage of income taxes than the poor; used to redistribute wealth | |
| 366768041 | PROPORTIONAL TAX | Tax policy where all classes pay the same percentage of income taxes; also known as a "flat" tax | |
| 366768042 | REGRESSIVE TAX | Tax policy where the poor pay a higher percentage in taxes than the rich (e.g., sales tax or any flat number rather than percentage) | |
| 366768043 | SOCIAL SECURITY TRUST FUND | The investment fund from which Social Security payments are paid | |
| 366768044 | SOCIAL WELFARE | Policies that provide monetary benefits to individuals | |
| 366768045 | TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) | Welfare program through PRWORA that gives cash payments to the neediest families; replaced the old AFDC welfare program. | |
| 366768046 | WEALTH | Value of all of one's assets, including income, investments, and possessions. | |
| 366768047 | WEALTH REDISTRIBUTION | Government policy of using taxation or other measures to take wealth the wealthy and give it to others | |
| 366768048 | CAP AND TRADE | Policy that allows businesses to produce a certain amount of pollution; beyond that, they must borrow credits or pay a tax. | |
| 366768049 | CLEAN AIR ACT | Law that called on the Department of Transportation to reduce automobile emissions | |
| 366768050 | ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT | Law that requires the government to protect endangered species regardless of economic impact. | |
| 366768051 | ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY | Bureaucratic agency that monitors pollution and toxic wastes | |
| 366768052 | FOSSIL FUELS | Sources of nonrenewable fuels that yield emissions; include oil, coal, and natural gas | |
| 366768053 | NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND ACT | Law in the 2000s that denied federal grants to states that did not enforce standards; required testing to encourage teacher accountability. | |
| 366768054 | RENEWABLE ENERGY | Sources of energy viewed as clean, such as wind and solar power. | |
| 366768055 | SIMPSON MAZZOLI ACT | Law in 1986 that granted amnesty to illegal immigrants; banned employment of illegals and secured the border; largely a failure. | |
| 366768056 | WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT | Legislation that attempted to clean up lakes and rivers; created pollution permit system. | |
| 366768057 | CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY | Agency that coordinates America's spy network in the world | |
| 366768058 | CONTAINMENT | American foreign policy during the early Cold War that called for preventing the spread of Communism, using force if necessary | |
| 366768059 | DETENTE | American foreign policy late in the Cold War that called for an easing of tensions through guarantees of mutual security | |
| 366768060 | ECONOMIC SANCTIONS | Monetary penalties imposed on foreign governments in order to modify its social, political, or economic behavior | |
| 366768061 | EUROPEAN UNION | Economic alliance of European nations to coordinate trade, currency, labor, and immigration. | |
| 366768062 | FOREIGN POLICY | Policies that deal with relations with the rest of the world, including diplomacy and military operations | |
| 366768063 | INTERDEPENDENCY | Theory that in the modern world, one nation's actions affect all other nations | |
| 366768064 | ISOLATIONISM | American foreign policy from independence to WWII; included avoiding foreign wars and the invocation of the Monroe Doctrine | |
| 366768065 | JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF | Body made up of heads from each of the military services and a chairman; advises and informs the president on military policy | |
| 366768066 | NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL | Body formed in 1947 to advise the president on national security; includes the president, vice president, secretaries of state and defense, and the president's national security advisor | |
| 366768067 | NORTH ATLANTIC TREATY ORGANIZATION (NATO) | Military alliance of western nations and Turkey that vows to defend all members | |
| 366768068 | ORGANIZATION OF PETROLEUM EXPORTING COUNTRIES (OPEC) | Economic organization made up of Arab and South American countries that control the supply and price of oil | |
| 366768069 | STRATEGIC DEFENSE INITIATIVE (aka STAR WARS) | Reagan's foreign policy that called for a system to intercept Soviet missiles; he also sought to win the arms race through massive defense spending | |
| 366768070 | UNITED NATIONS | Global peace keeping body with membership of most nations; monitors human rights, economic freedoms, and potential conflicts |
