Incumbency
effect tendency of those already holding office to win reelection due to advantages because they already hold the office
Bill of attainder
a law that makes a person guilty of a crime without a trial; neither Congress nor the states can enact such a law Constitutionally
when Congress rejects an action of the president by a majority vote of both houses; declared
writ of certiorari
offensive speech against racial or ethnic minorities, women, and homosexuals that creates a hostile environment
Socialism
a political/economic system in which the government plays a major role (usually ownership) in determining the use of productive resources and the allocation of valuable goods and services; may be democratic or authoritarian
Ex post facto law
Eminent domain
allows the government to take private property for public use, as long as just compensation is paid
a solution to the problem of representation at the constitutional convention, in which the number of members that each state would have in the House is determined by population, while each state would have equal representation in the Senate (two senators per state)
Revolving
door the practice of government officials becoming lobbyists for the industries or companies they were responsible for regulating while they were public servants
the president can reject a portion of a bill while approving the rest; declared unconstitutional
Anti-Federalists
practice by which power is divided among three branches of government; each branch has its own powers and duties and is independent of and equal to the other branches
locally held meeting in a state to select delegates who, in turn, will nominate candidates to political office
District courts
lowest level of federal courts, where most federal cases begin and trials are held
Primary election
a sum of money granted by the government or a public body to assist an industry or business so that the price of a commodity or service may remain low or competitive
Three-fifths compromise
Motor Voter Law
allows citizens to register to vote at welfare and motor vehicle offices
Constituent
all residents of the state for senators, all residents of a district for House members
Procedural due process
pork-barrel legislation
legislation giving benefits to constituents through sometimes unnecessary or unwise projects within a state or district, to enhance a member's chance of reelection
programs, money, and resources provided by the federal government to state and local governments to be used for specific projects and programs
executive privilege
a claim by the president or a member of the executive branch that information or documents requested by Congress or the courts do not have to be turned over because of the separation of powers
Cloture
Ratification
method of enacting a constitution or amendment into law
all the voters of a state or county elect their representative
Coattail
effect the ability of a strong or popular candidate to get other candidates on the ticket elected; it is a term most
Slander
false verbal statements about others that harm their reputation
Bill
a draft of a proposed law presented to parliament for discussion.
