those opposed to the ratification of the Constitution because it gave too much power to the central government at the expense of the states and the lack of a bill of rights
Party dealignment
weakening of ties between the voters and the two major parties
Devolution
an effort to shift responsibility or domestic programs to the states in order to decrease the size and activities of the federal government
Electoral College
representatives from each state who formally cast ballots for the president and vice president
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)
Executive agreement
agreement with another head of state not requiring approval from the Senate
voters choose office holder from among all the candidates nominated by political parties or running as independents
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
the time early in a new president's administration characterized by optimistic approval by the public
the belief that judges should have freedom in interpreting the Constitution
Establishes that clothing is symbolic speech, and is protected unless its censorship is in the public interest.
franking privilege
allows members of Congress to mail letters and other materials to constituents free of charge
the president can reject a portion of a bill while approving the rest; declared unconstitutional
National debt
amount of money owed by the government
Cabinet
Congressional oversight
refers to the review, monitoring, and supervision of federal agencies, programs, activities, and policy implementation
Ideology
a consistent set of beliefs by groups or individuals
Precedent
standards or guides based on prior decisions that serve as a rule for settling similar disputes
Media event
a speech or photo opportunity staged to give a politician's view on an issue; staged to present the candidate in a good light
Majority-minority districts
Recess appointment
a presidential appointment made when Congress is not in session; doesn't require immediate confirmation
Commerce and slave trade compromise
resolved differences between northern and southern states at the constitutional convention; Congress could not tax exports nor ban the slave trade for twenty years
Hate speech
offensive speech against racial or ethnic minorities, women, and homosexuals that creates a hostile environment
Elastic clause
the necessary and proper clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18) that allows Congress to pass laws to carry out its expressed powers
Political ideology
Bill
the total number of votes cast for the highest office on the ballot
Open primary
Deviating election
minority party is able to win the support of majority party members, independents, and new voters
Keynesian economics
