Policy evaluation
Amendment
a revision or change to a bill, law, or constitution
Connecticut (Great) Compromise
settled disputes between the states over the structure of the legislative branch; 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 of Representatives is determined by population, while each state would have equal representation in the Senate
Rider
an addition or amendment added to a bill that often has no relation to the bill but that may not pass on its own
Entitlement
National debt
amount of money owed by the government
Party dealignment
protection against the arbitrary loss of life, liberty, and property provided for under the 5th and 14th Amendments
1943, forcing students to salute the flag is a violation of 1st amendment free speech, and is therefore unconstitutional. Such gestures = symbolic speech. Tinker v. Des Moines.
the elected leader of the party with the most seats in the House or Senate
Deregulation
the process of reducing or completely eliminating federal government oversight of an industry so as to allow it to operate more freely; used to encourage competition and reduce costs to consumers
a trial in which the judge who presides over the trial decides on guilt or liability
On the record information
provided in an interview that a reported can quote and attribute to the source, referring to the source by name
Agenda setting
identification of the problems and/or issues that require the attention of the government to resolve
Pluralist theory of democracy
interest groups compete in the political arena with each promoting its own policy preferences through organized efforts
Whip
a majority/minority party leader in Congress who makes sure the party members are present for important votes and vote by party
a speech or photo opportunity staged to give a politician's view on an issue; staged to present the candidate in a good light
Prince v. Massachusetts
Religion does not override child labor laws. Wisconsin v. Yoder
common policy concerns
an association of congressional members who advocate a political ideology, regional, ethnic, or economic interest
Majority-minority districts
drawing district boundaries to give a minority group a majority
Fiscal policy
how the government uses taxes and spending to impact the economy
Mapp v. Ohio (1961)
Selectively incorporates 4th amendment. Later modified with "inevitable discovery" (good if would be found in a later, lawful search) and "good faith" (good if warrant was issued at all).
Mass media
Dual Federalism
States cannot ban private schools to prevent religious courses. Wisconsin v. Yoder
Pocket veto
when the president takes no action on a bill within ten days of Congress adjourning, the bill does not become law
voting for candidates from more than one party in the same election
gives Congress the powers to pass all laws necessary and proper to carry out their constitutional duties, found in Article I, Section 8, Clause 18; also called the elastic clause
Critical elections
sharp changes in the existing patterns of party loyalty due to changing social and economic conditions
Superdelegates
party officials in the Democratic Party who attend the national convention without having to run in primaries or caucuses
