Iron triangle
alliances that develop between bureaucratic agencies, interest groups, and congressional committees or subcommittees
Moderate
person whose views are between conservative and liberal and may include some of both ideologies
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
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
Off year election
an election taking place in a year when no presidential elections are occurring; midterm election
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
Civil rights
positive acts of government designed to prevent discrimination and provide equality before the law. What the government should do.
Patronage
the system in which a party leader rewarded political supporters with jobs or government contracts in exchange for their support of the party
Nonpartisan election
an election in which candidates run as independents without party affiliation
On background
information provided in an interview that a reporter can quote but can't attribute specifically to the interviewee
the president's power to reject a bill passed by Congress
Impoundment
refusal of the president to spend money Congress has appropriated; was eliminated by the congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974
Realignment
Legislative veto
when Congress rejects an action of the president by a majority vote of both houses; declared
that evidence acquired as a result of an illegal act by police cannot be used against the person from whom it was seized
Passed by Congress in 1976; excludes abortion from the comprehensive health care services provided to low-income people by the federal government through Medicaid.
Initiative
allows voters to petition to propose legislation and then submit it for a vote by qualified voters; not available at the national level
basic principle of US government which holds that the people are the source of all governmental power
Referendum
a general vote by the electorate on a single political question that has been referred to them for a direct
Government
the formal and informal institutions, people, and processes used to create and conduct public policy
Recall
special election initiated by petition to allow citizens to remove an official from office before his or her term
citizens meet and make decisions about public policy issues; there are no elected officials;
voting for candidates from more than one party in the same election
election commission
a commission delegated to supervise an election
powers specifically granted to the national government in the Constitution
Block grants
grants federal funds given to the states for programs in broad policy areas with few, if any, restrictions
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
Inherent powers
North American Free Trade Agreement
created to allow the free movement of goods between Canada, Mexico, and the US by lowering and eliminating tariffs
unfair treatment of a person based on race or group membership
