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
the difference in any year between government spending and government revenue
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
Recall
special election initiated by petition to allow citizens to remove an official from office before his or her term
writ of certiorari
a formal document issued by the Supreme Court to a lower court indicating that it will hear a case
Constitution
a judicial philosophy that holds that courts have a more expansive role to play in shaping public policy
Concurring opinion
justice or justices who agree with the majority's ruling but not the reason behind the decision
Block grants
grants federal funds given to the states for programs in broad policy areas with few, if any, restrictions
De facto segregation
Judicial review
Dealignment
when a significant number of voters choose to no longer support a particular political party
District courts
lowest level of federal courts, where most federal cases begin and trials are held
Initiative
allows voters to petition to propose legislation and then submit it for a vote by qualified voters; not available at the national level
Diplomacy
the conduct of international relations, particularly involving the negotiation of treaties and other agreements between nations
Plurality vote
agreement at the constitutional convention that each slave counted as three-fifths of a person in determining representation in the House of Representatives and for taxation
conformity
to social norms and values, tough on criminals
West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnette
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.
SuperPAC
political organizations that use contributions from individuals, corporations, and labor unions to spend unlimited sums independent from the campaigns, yet influencing the outcome of elections
Creates the "Lemon Test", which has requires separate, secular, and neutral effect and intention in government action.
joint resolution
A formal expression of congressional opinion that must be approved by both houses of congress and by the president; constitutional amendments need not be signed by the president
information provided in an interview that a reported can use but cannot make even an indirect reference to the source
constitutional guarantee that everyone be treated equally
Voluntary association of people who seek to control the government through common principles, based on peaceful and legal actions such as the winning of elections; an organization that recruits, nominated, and elects party members to control the government
Griswold v. Connecticut (1965)
Found a "right to privacy" in the Constitution that would ban any state law against selling contraceptives
the first ten amendments to the Constitution, ratified in 1791, which protect basic civil liberties
Off the record information
Legislative courts
executive privilege
