Slander
false verbal statements about others that harm their reputation
Casework
identification of the problems and/or issues that require the attention of the government to resolve
speech that is likely to bring about public disorder or chaos; may be banned in public places to ensure the preservation of public order
tests the public reaction to policy or appointments by releasing information to the media and gauging public reaction
states may return fugitives to a state from which they have fled to avoid criminal prosecution at the request of the state's governor
Procedural Due Process
method of government action, or how the law is carried out according to established rules and procedures
Connecticut (Great) Compromise
settled disputes between the states over the structure of the legislative branch; a solution to the problem of representation at the Constitutional Convention, in which the number of members that each state would have in the House of Representatives is determined by population, while each state would have equal representation in the Senate
Pure speech
verbal communication of ideas and opinions
Voter turnout
Issue networks
Constitutional requirement that governments proceed by proper methods; limits how government may exercise power.
Bench trial
a trial in which the judge who presides over the trial decides on guilt or liability
Caucus
locally held meeting in a state to select delegates who, in turn, will nominate candidates to political office
Runoff primary
when no candidate receives a majority of votes, and election held between the two candidates who recorded the most votes in the primary
a claim by the president or a member of the executive branch that information or documents requested by Congress or the courts do not have to be turned over because of the separation of powers
Executive agreement
agreement with another head of state not requiring approval from the Senate
Commerce and slave trade compromise
resolved differences between northern and southern states at the constitutional convention; Congress could not tax exports nor ban the slave trade for twenty years
Elite Theory of Democracy
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
direct majority or minority party strategy and decisions in the House and Senate
Deregulation
the process of reducing or completely eliminating federal government oversight of an industry so as to allow it to operate more freely; used to encourage competition and reduce costs to consumers
a tax that is higher for those who make more money; the federal income tax is an example
original jurisdiction
Standing committee
a permanent committee of Congress that deals with legislation and oversight in a broad policy area
Critical elections
sharp changes in the existing patterns of party loyalty due to changing social and economic conditions
Roe v. Wade (1973)
The Right to Privacy extends to letting women make decisions about their bodies without government surveillance.
drawing of congressional districts to favor one political party or group over another
Establishment clause
Public opinion
a collection of shared attitudes of citizens about government, politics and the making of public policy
