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AP Government Vocabulary Flashcards

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6683204178Affirmative 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
6683204179Agenda settingThe process of forming the list of matters that policymakers intend to address1
6683204180AmendmentA revision/change to a bill, law, or constitution2
6683204181Amicus curiae briefFriend of the court; interest groups may be invited to file legal briefs supporting/rejection arguments of the case3
6683204182Anti-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
6683204183Appellate jurisdictionOn appeal from lower courts-Supreme Court is mostly an appellate court5
6683204184ApportionmentDistribution of representatives among the states based on the population of each state6
6683204185AppropriationsMoney granted by Congress or to a state legislature for a specific purpose7
6683204186Articles of Confederation1st Constitution of the U.S. 1781-1788 (weaknesses-no executive, no judicial, no power to tax, no power to regulate trade)8
6683204187At-largeAll the voters of a state/country elect their representative (senate elections are at large on the federal level)9
6683204188Bicameral2 chambers; Congress has the Senate and the House of Representatives10
6683204189Billa proposal for a law11
6683204190Bills of attainderProhibits a person being found guilty of a crime w/o a trial12
6683204191Bill of RightsThe first 10 amendments to the Constitution-guarantees liberties to the people-written in 1789-ratified in 179113
6683204192Blanket primaryRegistered voters may vote for candidates from either party on the same primary ballot14
6683204193Block grantMoney given to states for general programs within a broad category15
6683204194BriefLegal document submitted to the court setting forth the facts of a case and supporting a particular position16
6683204195Brief ordersThe returning of a case to a lower court b/c a smiliar case was recently decided17
6683204196Brown v. BOE of Topeka, KAOverturned Plessy v. Ferguson: ended legal segregation, said school regulation is unconstitutional18
6683204197BureaucracyA 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
6683204198Bureaucratic theoryThe hierarchical structure and standarized procedures of govt allow bureaucrats to hold the real power over public policy; proposed by Max Weber20
6683204199CabinetGovt depts headed by presidential appointees to help establish public policy &operate a specific policy are of govt activity21
6683204200CaseworkAssistance given to constituents by congressional members, answering questions/doing favors22
6683204201Categorical grantFederal grants for specific purposes define by law23
6683204202CaucusLocally held meeting in a state to select delegates who, in turn, will nominate candidates to political offices24
6683204203Caucus (congressional)An association of congressional members who advocate a political ideology/regional/ethnic/economic interest25
6683204204CertificateA lower court asks the Supreme Court abt a rule of law/procedure26
6683204205Checks and balancesEach branch of govt is subject to restraints by the other two branches27
6683204206Civil libertiesConstitutional freedoms guaranteed to all citizens28
6683204207Civil rightsPositive acts of govt designed to prevent discrimination &provide equality before the law29
6683204208Closed primaryOnly registered party members may vote in the primary (independents, greens, etc...not allowed)30
6683204209Cloture rulePrevents filibustering (16 signatures) and ends debate in the Senate, by a 3/5s vote of the Senate31
6683204210Coattail 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
6683204211Commerce and Slave Trade CompromiseResolved differences btwn northern and southern states; Congress could not tax exports nor ban the slave trade for 20 yrs.33
6683204212Comparable worthWomen should be paid salaries equal to men for equivalent job responsibilities &skills34
6683204213Concurrent jurisdictionThe authority to hear cases is shared by federal &state courts35
6683204214Concurrent powersPowers shared by the federal and state govts (tax, to define crimes and punishments)36
6683204215Concurring opinionJustice/justices who agree w/ the majority's opinion but not with the reason behind the decision37
6683204216Conference committeeA temporary committee to work out a compromise version of a bill that has passed the House of Representaives &Senate in diff. forms38
6683204217Congressional districtingState legislatures draw congressional districts for Congressional elections39
6683204218Connecticut CompromiseLegislative branch-2 houses-one based on population, one based on equal representation40
6683204219ConservativeA person whose pol. views favor more local, limited govt, less govt regulations, conformity to social norms &values; rough on criminals41
6683204220Constituency serviceCasework, assistance to constituents by congressional members42
6683204221Constituentpeople within a district or state-government official represents them.43
6683204222ConstitutionThe document setting forth the laws &principles of the govt; a plan of govt44
6683204223Constitutional 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
6683204224Constitutional lawLaws relating to the interpretation of the Constitution46
6683204225Cooperative federalismCooperation among federal, state, &local govts; "marble cake" federalism47
6683204226Courts of appealsFederal courts that review decisions of federal district courts, regulatory commissions, &other fed. courts48
6683204227Critical electionSharp changes in the existing patterns of party loyalty due to changing social and economic conditions49
6683204228Dealigning electionParty loyality becomes less important to voters, &they vote for the other party candidate/independent50
6683204229DealignmentWhen a significant # of voters choose to no longer support a particular pol. party51
6683204230Declaration 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
6683204231DeficitGovt spending exceeds revenue53
6683204232Delegated powersPowers specifically granted to the national govt by the Constitution54
6683204233DemocracyA system whereby the people rule either directly/by elected representation55
6683204234Deviating electionMinority party is able to win the support of majority party members, independents, &new voters56
6683204235DevolutionAn 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
6683204236Direct democracyCitizens meet and make decisions abt public policy issues58
6683204237Direct primaryElection within the party to choose their favorite candidate for a particular office59
6683204238Discretionary spendingSpending set by the govt through appropriations bills, including operation expenses &salaries of govt employees (defense, environment, education, space exploration)60
6683204239DiscriminationUnfair treatment of a person based on race/group membership61
6683204240Dissenting opinionJustice/justices who disagree with the majority opinion62
6683204241District courtsLowest level of fed. courts, where fed. cases begin &trials are held (bank robbery, environmental violations, tax evasion)63
6683204242Divided govtOne party controls the executive, &the other party controls on /both houses of Congress64
6683204243Double jeopardyBeing tried twice for the same offense (if you appealing, it is not double jeopardy because you are asking to be retried)65
6683204244Dual federalismFed. &state govts each ahve defined responsibilities w/n their own sphere of influence; "layer cake" federalism66
6683204245Elastic clauseThe necessary &proper clause/Art. I, Sec. 8, Clause 18/imlied powers clause- that allows Congress to pass laws to carry out its powers67
6683204246Electoral collegeNumber each state gets is based on the number of representatives and the number of senators that state has. Need 270 to win election68
6683204247ElectoratePeople qualified to vote69
6683204248Elite theoryA small group of people identified by wealth/ pol. power, who rule in their self-interest70
6683204249Eminent domainAllows the govt to take property for public use but also requires the govt to provide just compensation for that property71
6683204250Entitlement programMadatory payments made by the federal government to people meeting eligibility requirements, such as Social Security, vets, welfare, medicare72
6683204251Environmental impact statementRequired studies &reports of likely environmental impacts, filed w. the Environmental Protection Agency prior to the beginning of a project73
6683204252Equal Protection ClauseConstitutional guarantee that everyone be treated equally-14th amendment74
6683204253Establishment ClauseProhibits the establishment of a national religion-1st amendment75
6683204254Exclusionary ruleRule that evidence acquired as a result of an illegal act by police cannot be used agains the person form whom it was seized76
6683204255Executive agreementAgreement w/ another head of state not requiring approval form teh Senate77
6683204256Executive orderThe president directs an agency to carry out policies/existing laws (informal power)78
6683204257Executive privilegeThe right of the president to withhold info from Congress/ refuse to testify; limited by U.S. v. Nixon79
6683204258Ex post facto lawLaws applied to acts committed before passage of the laws are unconstitutional80
6683204259ExtraditionStates may return fugitives to a state from which they fled to avoid criminal prosecution at the request of the state's gov81
6683204260Federal budgetAmount of money the federal govt expects to receive &authorizes govt to spend for a fiscal (12 mo.) year82
6683204261FederalismPowers that are shared and divided among federal and sub-divisional government (state/local)83
6683204262Federalist PapersWritten by Hamilton, Jay, & Madison to support ratification of the U.S. Constituiton84
6683204263FederalistsSupported a strong central govt &expanded legislative powers85
6683204264Federal systemPower is divided between the states &the fed. govt86
6683204265FilibusterA lengthy speech designed to delay or kill the vote on a bill; used only in the Senate87
6683204266Fiscal federalismNational govt's use of fiscal policy to influence states through the granting/withholding of appropriations88
6683204267Fiscal policyThe policies of taxation &spending that comprise the nation's economic policy89
6683204268Fiscal yearA 12-month pd, October through Septmeber, for planning the federal budget90
6683204269Floor leadersDirect party strategy &decisions in the House of Representatives &Senate91
6683204270Franking privilegePrivilege that allows member sof Congress to mail letters &other materials to constituents postage-free92
6683204271Free Exercise ClauseCongress may not make laws restricting/ prohibiting a person's relgious practices-1st amendment93
6683204272Freedom of expressionFreedom of speech/right to petition the govt for redress as 1st amendment right94
6683204273Front-loadingChoosing an early date to hold the primary election95
6683204274Full Faith &Credit ClauseStates are required to recognize the laws &legal documents of other states-Article 4 for Federalism!96
6683204275GatekeepersMedia executives, news editors, &prominent reporters who decide what news to present &how it will be presented97
6683204276General electionVoters choose officeholder form among all the candidates nominated by pol. parties/running as independents98
6683204277GerrymanderingDrawing of congressional districts to favor one pol. party/group over another99
6683204278Get-out-the-voteA compaign near the end of an election to get voters out to the polls100
6683204279GovernmentThe formal &informal institutions, people, &processes used to create &conduct pulbic policy101
6683204280Grants-in-aidPrograms, money, &resources provided by the fed. govt to state &local govts to be used for specific projects &programs102
6683204281GrassrootsAvg voter at the local level103
6683204282GridlockWhen opposing parites &interests often block each other's proposals, creating a pol. stalemate/inaction btwn the esecutive &legislative branches of govt104
6683204283Hatch 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
6683204284HyperpluarlismDemocracy seen as a system of many groups pulling govt in many directinos at the same time, causing gridlock ineffectiveness106
6683204285IdeologyA consistent set of beliefs by groups/individuals107
6683204286ImpeachmentBringing charges of wrongdoing against a govt official by the House of Representatives108
6683204287Implied powersNot expressed, but may be considerered through the use of the Necessary and Proper (elastic) Clause109
6683204288ImpoundmentRefusal of the president to spend money Congress has appropriated110
6683204289IncorporationApplication of portions of the Bill of Rights to the states under Amend. XIV111
6683204290Incorporation doctrineThe Supreme Court ruling that most guarantees in teh Bill of Rights are applicatable to the states through Amend. XIV112
6683204291IncrementalismSmall 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
6683204292Incumbency effectTendency of those alrady holding office to win reelection due to advgs b/c they already hold the office114
6683204293IncumbentThe person currently holding office115
6683204294Inherent powersPowers that exist for the national govt b/c the govt is sovereign116
6683204295InitiativeAllows voters to petition to propose legislation &then submit it for a vote by qualified voters117
6683204296Interest groupA group of private citizens whose goal is to influence &shape public policy118
6683204297Interstate compactsAgreements btwn states to work together on common issues119
6683204298Iron triangleAlliance- agencies, interest groups, &congressional committees/subcommittees (also known as sub-governments)120
6683204299Issue networkIndividuals in WA--located w/n interest groups, congressional staff, think tanks, universities, &the media--who regulary discuss &advocate public policies121
6683204300Joint committeeCommittee made up of members of both house of Congress-housekeeping issues decided122
6683204301Judicial activismThe Court should play an active role in determining national policies123
6683204302Judicial restraintHolds that the Court should avoid taking the initiative on social &pol. questions, operation strictly w/n the limits of the Constitution124
6683204303Judicial reviewAuthority given the courts to review constitutionality of acts by the executive/state/legislature; est. in Marbury v. Madison125
6683204304JurisdicitonThe authority of the courts to hear &decide issues in certain cases126
6683204305Legislative courtsCourts created by Congress for a specialized purpose w/ a narrow range of authority127
6683204306Legislative 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
6683204307Lemon testLemon v. Kurtzman to measure the constituionality of state laws in regard to establishment clause (3 pronged test)129
6683204308LiberalA person whose views favor more govt involvemnt in business, social welfare, minority rights, &increased govt spending130
6683204309Limited govtBasic prinicple of U.S. govt that each person has rights that govt cannot take away131
6683204310Line item vetoThe president can reject a par tof a bill while approving the rest; declared unconstitutional132
6683204311LobbyingAttempting to influence policymakers though a variety of methods133
6683204312LobbyistUses pol. persuasion to influence legislation &benefit his/her org.134
6683204313LogrollingThe exchange of pol. favors for support of a bill135
6683204314Loose constructionistbroad interpretation of the Constitution136
6683204315Maintaining electionsTraditional majorty power maintains power based on voters' party loyalty137
6683204316Majority leaderThe elected leader of the party with the most seat in the House of Representatives/Senate138
6683204317Majority-minority districtsDrawing district boundaries to give a minority group a majority139
6683204318Majority opinionThe majority of justices agree on the decision &the reasons for th edecision140
6683204319MandatesRequirements imposed by the national govt on state &local govts to comply w/ fed. rules ®ulation141
6683204320Mandatory spendingRequired govt spending by permanent laws142
6683204321Marbury v. MadisonJudicial review!143
6683204322MarkupRewrite of a bill after hearings have been held on it (happens in sub-committee)144
6683204323Mass mediaAll forms of communication that reach a large portion of the public145
6683204324McCulloch 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
6683204325Media eventA speech or photo opporutnity staged to give a politician's view on an issue147
6683204326Miranda v. ArizonaRight to be told what you are being held for.148
6683204327ModeratePerson whose views are between conservative and liberal and may include some of both ideologies149
6683204328Monetary policycontrolling the money supply-Federal Reserve (independent agency)150
6683204329Motor voter lawregister to vote when you update your license (1993)151
6683204330National chairmanAppointed by the DNC or the RNC as head of the party152
6683204331National debtAmount of money owed by the government153
6683204332Natural rightsBasic rights that are guaranteed to all persons; basic rights that a government cannot deny-Locke-life, liberty, property154
6683204333Necessary 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
6683204334New Deal coalitionAlliance of southern conservatives, religious, and ethnic minorities who supported the Democratic Party for 40 years156
6683204335North 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
6683204336Off-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
6683204337Open primaryregistered voters can vote in either primary-do not have to register with any party.159
6683204338Opinion leadersThose individuals held in great respect becasue of their position, expertise, or peronsality, who may informally and unintentionally influence others160
6683204339Orignial jurisdictionCourt hears and decides a case for the first time161
6683204340OversightCongress monitors policies of the executive branch (money, hearings, investigations)-checks and balances162
6683204341PardonA convicted person is exempt form the penalities of a crime163
6683204342Plessy v. FergusonThe Supreme Court case that upheld separate-but-equal segregation in 1896164
6683204343Pluralist 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
6683204344Policy adoptionThe approval of a policy by legislation166
6683204345Policy evalutionDetermines if a policy is achieving its goals167
6683204346Policy formulationThe crafting of a policy to resolve public problems168
6683204347Policy implementationCarrying out a policy through government agencies and courts169
6683204348Political action committeeExtention of an interest group that contributes money to political campaigns-financial arm of the interest group170
6683204349Political agendaIssues that merit action, as determined by the public or those in power171
6683204350Political 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
6683204351Political efficacyBelief that a person can influence politics and public policymaking-vote makes a difference173
6683204352Politcal ideologyA consistent set of beliefs about politics and public policy taht sets the framework for evaluation government and public policy174
6683204353Political 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
6683204354Political 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
6683204355PoliticsMethod of maintaining, managing, and gaining control of government (who gets what, when, and how)177
6683204356Popular sovereigntypeople are the source of all govermental power178
6683204357Pork 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
6683204358PrecedentsStandards or guides based on prior decisions that serve as a rule for settling similar disputes180
6683204359Presidential preference primariesVoters select delegates to the presidential nominating convention181
6683204360President pro temporeServes as president of the Senate in the absence of the VP; chosen by the majority party182
6683204361Primary electionNominating election held to choose party candidates who will run in the general election183
6683204362Prior restraintCensorship of information before it is published or broadcast (unconstitutional in most cases)184
6683204363Privileges and immunitiesStates are prohibited from unreasonably discriminating against residents of other states (article 4)185
6683204364Procedual due processMethod of government action, or how th elaw is carried out according to the established rules and procedures186
6683204365Public opinionA colleciton of shared attitudes of citizens about government, politics, and the making of public policy187
6683204366Public policyThe exercise of government power in doing those htings necessary to maintain legitmate authority and ocntrol over society188
6683204367Pure speechVerbal communication of ideas and opinions189
6683204368RadicalIdeological view that favors rapid funamental change in teh existing social, economic, or political order190
6683204369RatificationMethod of enacting a constitution or amendment into law191
6683204370ReactionaryIdeological view that favors a return to a previous state of affairs192
6683204371RealignmentA shift of voting patterns to form new coaltions of party support193
6683204372ReapportionamentRedistribution of the congressional seats among the states after the census determines changes in population distribution194
6683204373RecallSpecial election initiated by petition to allow citizens to remove an official from office before his or her term expires195
6683204374ReferendumProcedure whereby the state submits legislation to its voters for approval, allowing citizens to vote directly on issues196
6683204375Representative democracyCitizens choose officals (representatives) who make decisions about public policy197
6683204376Reserved powersPowers belonging specifically to the states and the people because they were not delegated to teh national government nor denied to the states198
6683204377Revenue sharingGiving money back to the state and local government with no strings attached199
6683204378RiderAn 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
6683204379Rule of fourRequirement that a case can only be heard by the Supreme Court if four justices vote to hear the case201
6683204380Rules committeeDetermines the rules of debate for bills in the House of Representatives-also known as the calender committee202
6683204381Runoff primaryWhen no candidate receives a majority of votes, an election held betweent eh two candidates who received the most votes in the primary203
6683204382SamplingUsing a represenative cross-seciton of the general population chosen at random in the polling process204
6683204383Sampling errorsPercentage of possible erros in teh polling process205
6683204384Select committeeCommittee selected for a specific purpose-investigation-hearing206
6683204385Self-incriminationAccusing oneself or giving evidence that may prove oneself guilty207
6683204386Senatorial 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
6683204387Seniortiy systemSystem in which the chairmanship of a committee is given tot eh member with the longest continuous service209
6683204388Separation 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
6683204389Single-member districtsOnly one representative is chosen from each district211
6683204390Social contract theoryA voluntary agreement between the government and the governed212
6683204391Social insurance programsPrograms to help the elderly, ill, and unemployed if the claimant has paid into them213
6683204392Social welfare policyGovernment program to enhance quality of life214
6683204393Soft moneyMoney distributed form a national political party organization that wasn ot regulated by law; restricted by the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act of 2002215
6683204394Sound biteA brief statement on TV or radio216
6683204395Speaker of the HouseLeading officer in the House of Representatives, chosen by the majority party217
6683204396Speech plusVerbal and symbolic speech used together218
6683204397Split-ticket votingVoting for candidates form more than one party in the same election219
6683204398Standing committeePermanent committees in the House/Senate-every represetative and every senator is appointed to 2 or 3.220
6683204399Stare decisisLet the decision stand; decisions are based on precedents from previous cases221
6683204400Straight-ticket votingVoting for candidates all of the same party on the same ballot-creates the coattail effect222
6683204401Straw pollEarly form of polling that asks the same question of a large number of people223
6683204402Strict constuctionistNarrow interpretation of the Constitution224
6683204403Substantive due processthe law itself is fair or unfair-not the procedures-but the law225
6683204404SuffrageThe right to vote226
6683204405SuperdelegatesParty officials in the Democratic Party who attend the national convention without having to run in primaries or caucuses227
6683204406Super TuesdayDay when several states hold their presidential primaries (usually the second Tuesday in March)228
6683204407Supremacy CLauseNtional law supersedes all other laws passed by states (Art VI)229
6683204408Symbolic speechUsing actions and symbols rather than words to convey an idea230
6683204409Three-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
6683204410Traditional democratic theoryGovernment depends upon the consent of the governed232
6683204411Trial balloonTests the public reaction to policy or appointments by releasing information to the media and gaugin public reaction233
6683204412TrusteeAfter listening to constiutents, elected representatives vote based on their own opinions234
6683204413Two-party systemSeveral political parties exist, but only two major political parties compete for power and dominate elections235
6683204414Unfunded mandatesFederal government requires the states to enforce legislation without the funding necessary236
6683204415Virginia PlanMadison's plan for a bicameral legislature, whith the executive and judiciary chosen by the legislature237
6683204416War 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
6683204417WatergateBreak-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
6683204418Writ of certiorariOrder by the Supreme Court directing a lower court to send up the records of a case for review240
6683204419Writ of habeas corpusright to be told what you are being held for and shown evidence against you-used in death penalty case appeals.241
6683204420red tapecomplex rules and procedures that must be followed to get something done (agencies-bureaucracy)242
6683204421Trustee/Delegate-roles Congressman playtrustee--do what is best regardless of voter opinion; delegate--do what the voters want243
6683204422pocket vetoDIES-sits on desk-10 days go past-Congress adjourns within the 10 days.244
6683204423OMB (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
6683204424Speaker 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
6683204425Whipsassistant to the floor leaders, keeps a head count of votes, rounds up members for important votes247
6683204426Congressional caucusesassociation of members created to support a political ideology or regional economic interest (black caucus, women's caucus...)248
6683204427General Accounting Office (GAO)performs routine financial audits of money spent by the executive departments and investigates agencies249
6683204428malapportionmentunfair proportional distribution of representatives to a legislative body250
6683204429majority/minority districtsthose with a majority of residents who are part of an ethnic minority251
6683204430soft 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
6683204431Civil Servicehiring government employees on the basis of merit. Also refers to government employees outside the military.253
6683204432Circuit 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
6683204433Council of Economic Advisorsestablished by Employment Act of 1946- advise the President on economic policy- 3 members, appointed by President and approved by Senate,255
6683204434EEOC (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
6683204435EOP (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
6683204436Grand 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
6683204437Gubernatorialpertaining to a governor259
6683204438Joint 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
6683204439Lame Duckperson holding office after his or her replacement has been elected to the office, but before the current term has ended.261
6683204440PAC (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
6683204441indictmentWritten statement of criminal charges brought against a defendant263
6683204442Shield 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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