method of maintaining, managing, and gaining control of government
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)
Reapportionment
redistribution of the 435 congressional seats among the states after the census determines changes in population distribution
Mass media
all forms of communication that reach a large portion of the population
Pluralist theory of democracy
interest groups compete in the political arena with each promoting its own policy preferences through organized efforts
Straw Poll
an association of congressional members who advocate a political ideology, regional, ethnic, or economic interest
Midterm elections
congressional elections held between presidential elections
alliances that develop between bureaucratic agencies, interest groups, and congressional committees or subcommittees
Due process
protection against the arbitrary loss of life, liberty, and property provided for under the 5th and 14th Amendments
Betts v. Brady (1942)
Sixth amendment does not selectively incorporate to providing poor people in not-capital state cases a lawyer
the exchange of political favors for support of a bill; an agreement between two or more members of Congress to vote for each other's bills
Privileges and Immunities Clause
Earmark
equality of opportunity
everyone should have the same chance; what individuals make of that chance depends their abilities and efforts
Amicus curiae brief
a brief submitted to the court by an interested third party that outlines issues it thinks are important in the case. amicus curiae literally means "friend of the court"
Gridlock
when opposing parties and interests often block each other's proposals, creating a political stalemate or inaction between the executive and legislative branches of government
Coattail
effect the ability of a strong or popular candidate to get other candidates on the ticket elected; it is a term most
Unfunded mandates
mandates require states to enforce legislation without the funding necessary
Recall
special election initiated by petition to allow citizens to remove an official from office before his or her term
Incumbency
effect tendency of those already holding office to win reelection due to advantages because they already hold the office
Impeachment
bringing charges of wrongdoing against a government official by the House of Representatives
attempting to influence policymakers through a variety of methods
Initiative
allows voters to petition to propose legislation and then submit it for a vote by qualified voters; not available at the national level
Advice and consent
the Senate's authority to approve or neglect the president's top appointments and negotiated treaties
Concurrent jurisdiction
jurisdiction the authority to hear cases is shared by federal and state courts
verbal communication of ideas and opinions
Monetary policy
economic policy in which the money supply is controlled through the Federal Reserve
the document setting forth the laws and principles of the government; a plan for government
Loose Constructionist
the belief that judges should have freedom in interpreting the Constitution
