New York Times Co. v. Sullivan
The Supreme Court concluded that "actual malice" must be proved to support a finding of libel against a public figure. Principle of "breathing space"
Declaration of Independence
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.
Margin of error
the percentage that a scientific poll is likely to be off; a margin of error of +/- 3 percent is common
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
Pluralist theory of democracy
interest groups compete in the political arena with each promoting its own policy preferences through organized efforts
Off the record information
information provided in an interview that a reporter cannot directly use
Incumbency
effect tendency of those already holding office to win reelection due to advantages because they already hold the office
Good-faith exception
Passed by Congress in 1976; excludes abortion from the comprehensive health care services provided to low-income people by the federal government through Medicaid.
Enumerated powers
powers that the Constitution specifically grants to the federal government
Full faith and credit
Federalism
Direct democracy
democracy citizens meet and make decisions about public policy issues; there are no elected officials; also called participatory democracy
a political organization, typically at the local level, that wielded considerable power through its ability to get out the vote; relied heavily on patronage and providing services to constituents and was often corrupt
Caucus
Civil rights
positive acts of government designed to prevent discrimination and provide equality before the law. What the government should do.
Rules committee
Patronage
the system in which a party leader rewarded political supporters with jobs or government contracts in exchange for their support of the party
Keynesian economics
the belief that inflation occurs when too much money is chasing too few goods; the government must manage the economy by spending more money when in a recession and cutting spending when there is inflation
Strict constitutionalist
the view that justices should base decisions on a narrow interpretation of the Constitution
bringing charges of wrongdoing against a government official by the House of Representatives
Checks and balances
Nonpartisan election
an election in which candidates run as independents without party affiliation
Federal question
a question of law based on interpretation of the US Constitution, federal laws, or treaties
Dissenting opinion
the Senate's authority to approve or neglect the president's top appointments and negotiated treaties
all forms of communication that reach a large portion of the population
Barnettte v. McColumm
Apportionment
distribution of congressional representatives among the states, based on the population of each state
