Rules committee
determines the rules for debate for bills in the House
Lemon test
test standard set by the Supreme Court in Lemon v. Kurtzman to measure the constitutionality of state laws. Separate, Secular, and Neutral in effect and intent
Reserved powers
the Senate's authority to approve or neglect the president's top appointments and negotiated treaties
drawing of congressional districts to favor one political party or group over another
Veto
the president's power to reject a bill passed by Congress
Regressive tax
a tax that is assessed on everyone at the same rate and, therefore, impacts the poor more than it impacted wealthy; sales tax is regressive
Soft money
money used by national, state, or local party organizations that is not regulated by the Federal Election Commission
Elastic clause
The Supreme Court ruled here that the right to counsel was required by law in death penalty trials. Also, capital cases must have counsel when defendant cannot defend because of "ignorance, feeblemindedness, illiteracy, or the like". Selective Incorporation case based on the sixth amendment. Gideon v. Wainwright
requirements imposed by the national government on state and local governments to comply with federal
Equal Protection Clause
Mandatory spending
Loose Constructionist
President Pro Tempore
serves as president of the Senate in the absence of the vice president; chosen by the majority
Administrative Discretion
the flexibility a federal agency can exercise in implementing legislation through its rules and regulations. the authority delegated to bureaucrats to use their expertise and judgment when determining how to implement public policy.
Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)
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
Natural rights
basic rights that are guaranteed to all persons; basic rights a government cannot deny
Libel
Establishment clause
prohibits the establishment of a national religion
the policies of government or the particular subject matter of the laws determining what the law is about and whether the law is fair or if it violates constitutional protections
Judicial review
authority given the courts to review the constitutionality of acts by the executive, states, or the
speech that is likely to bring about public disorder or chaos; may be banned in public places to ensure the preservation of public order
Privileges and Immunities Clause
Extradition
Plurality vote
electoral process in which the candidate who receives more votes than any other candidate is elected
Direct primary
party members vote to nominate their candidate for the general election
Concurrent powers
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 view that justices should base decisions on a narrow interpretation of the Constitution
