Mapp v. Ohio (1961)
Selectively incorporates 4th amendment. Later modified with "inevitable discovery" (good if would be found in a later, lawful search) and "good faith" (good if warrant was issued at all).
Soft money
money used by national, state, or local party organizations that is not regulated by the Federal Election Commission
On deep background
information provided in an interview that a reported can use but cannot make even an indirect reference to the source
Maintaining elections
traditional majority power maintains power based on voters' party loyalty
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"
Primary election
nominating election held to choose party candidates who will run in the general election
Leak
an unauthorized release of information to the press from someone in the government
Procedural Due Process
method of government action, or how the law is carried out according to established rules and procedures
Hyperpluralist Theory of Democracy
a permanent committee of Congress that deals with legislation and oversight in a broad policy area
Policy evaluation
determines is a policy is achieving its goals; usually carried out with congressional oversight
a committee of Congress made up of members of both houses that focuses on issues of general concern but does not propose legislation
Majority opinion
the majority of justices agree on the decision and the reasons for the decision
Dual Federalism
a model of the relationship between the federal government and the states in which each is supreme in its own sphere; "layer cake federalism"
the elected leader of the party with the most seats in the House or Senate
Incumbent
the person currently holding office
Amendment
a revision or change to a bill, law, or constitution
Exclusionary rule
that evidence acquired as a result of an illegal act by police cannot be used against the person from whom it was seized
Checks and balances
a system in which each branch of the government has the power to limit the other branches of government so that one is not dominant; each branch of government is subject to restraints by the other two branches
Unanimous consent
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
Media event
a poll conducted in an unscientific manner, used to predict election outcomes
North American Free Trade Agreement
created to allow the free movement of goods between Canada, Mexico, and the US by lowering and eliminating tariffs
Great compromise
written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to support ratification of the Construction
On the record information
provided in an interview that a reported can quote and attribute to the source, referring to the source by name
Front loading
the practice of a state choosing an early date to hold a primary election
Political action committees (PAC$)
extension of an interest group that contributes money to political campaigns
a formal document issued by the Supreme Court to a lower court indicating that it will hear a case
