determines the rules for debate for bills in the House
Bench trial
a trial in which the judge who presides over the trial decides on guilt or liability
provided in an interview that a reported can quote and attribute to the source, referring to the source by name
Free exercise clause
Congress may not make laws restricting or prohibiting a person's religious practices
Party dealignment
weakening of ties between the voters and the two major parties
The Supreme Court concluded that "actual malice" must be proved to support a finding of libel against a public figure. Principle of "breathing space"
Gerrymandering
drawing of congressional districts to favor one political party or group over another
Single-member districts
Majority leader
the elected leader of the party with the most seats in the House or Senate
a rule that says that four of the nine Supreme Court justices must agree in conference to hear a case
Extradition
states may return fugitives to a state from which they have fled to avoid criminal prosecution at the request of the state's governor
Political efficacy
Agenda setting
identification of the problems and/or issues that require the attention of the government to resolve
DC v. Heller (2008)
Court ruled that a DC law banning hand guns was unconstitutional. McDonald v. Chicago
voting for candidates from more than one party in the same election
Conference committee
a committee made up of members of the House and Senate that is responsible for reconciling the differences when two versions of the same bill pass both houses of Congress
application of portions of the Bill of Rights to the states under the 14th Amendment
Referendum
Congressional oversight
refers to the review, monitoring, and supervision of federal agencies, programs, activities, and policy implementation
Independent regulatory agency
an agency that is part of the executive branch and responsible for regulating and oversight of a segment of the economy; it is managed by a board or commission appointed by the president for a fixed term
Blanket primary
a primary election in which candidates from all parties are on the ballot, and a registered voter can vote for the Democratic candidate for one office and the Republican candidate for another
Liberal
a person whose views favor more government involvement in business, social welfare, minority rights, and increased government spending
Initiative
Direct democracy
democracy citizens meet and make decisions about public policy issues; there are no elected officials; also called participatory democracy
conformity
Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925)
States cannot ban private schools to prevent religious courses. Wisconsin v. Yoder
the numerous people who are involved in the formulation of policy, including the president, members of Congress, the cabinet, lobbyists, interest groups, government agencies, and scholars; a looser relationship than the iron triangles
Standing committee
action by the president that does not require the approval of Congress; subject to judicial review
Patronage
the system in which a party leader rewarded political supporters with jobs or government contracts in exchange for their support of the party
