Republic
a poll conducted in an unscientific manner, used to predict election outcomes
speech plus
a trial in which the judge who presides over the trial decides on guilt or liability
an addition or amendment added to a bill that often has no relation to the bill but that may not pass on its own
Appellate courts
courts with authority to review cases heard by other courts to correct errors in the interpretation or application of law
SuperPAC
Political ideology
a consistent set of beliefs about politics and public policy that sets the framework for evaluating government and public policy
powers specifically granted to the national government in the Constitution
Judicial restraint
holds that the Court should avoid taking the initiative on social and political questions, operating strictly within the limits of the Constitution
Open primary
a primary election in which an individual does not have to be a registered voter in a particular party to vote for candidates of that party
Declaration of Independence
party officials in the Democratic Party who attend the national convention without having to run in primaries or caucuses
Party dealignment
weakening of ties between the voters and the two major parties
positive acts of government designed to prevent discrimination and provide equality before the law. What the government should do.
Expressed powers
powers enumerated in the Constitution
Political socialization
complex process by which people get their sense of political identity, beliefs, and values
On background
information provided in an interview that a reporter can quote but can't attribute specifically to the interviewee
lowest level of federal courts, where most federal cases begin and trials are held
Hyperpluralist Theory of Democracy
seen as a system of many groups pulling government in many directions at the same time, causing gridlock and ineffectiveness
Direct democracy
democracy citizens meet and make decisions about public policy issues; there are no elected officials; also called participatory democracy
Lobbying
Majority leader
the elected leader of the party with the most seats in the House or Senate
Progressive tax
a tax that is higher for those who make more money; the federal income tax is an example
Court ruled that a DC law banning hand guns was unconstitutional. McDonald v. Chicago
Honeymoon period
prior restraint
action by the government to prevent the publication of material; censorship
Legislative veto
when Congress rejects an action of the president by a majority vote of both houses; declared
Lemon test
test standard set by the Supreme Court in Lemon v. Kurtzman to measure the constitutionality of state laws. Separate, Secular, and Neutral in effect and intent
Political action committees (PAC$)
extension of an interest group that contributes money to political campaigns
