Pluralist theory of democracy
interest groups compete in the political arena with each promoting its own policy preferences through organized efforts
powers not expressed, but may be considered through the use of the necessary and proper (elastic) clause
Checks and balances
verbal communication of ideas and opinions
Leak
an unauthorized release of information to the press from someone in the government
Line item veto
allows members of Congress to mail letters and other materials to constituents free of charge
Random sampling
a statistical technique that gives everyone in the target group the same opportunity to participate in a poll
Direct primary
party members vote to nominate their candidate for the general election
Federal budget
amount of money the federal government expects to receive and authorizes government to spend for a fiscal year
Hate speech
offensive speech against racial or ethnic minorities, women, and homosexuals that creates a hostile environment
Elite Theory of Democracy
the idea that societies are divided along class lines and that an upper-class elite will rule, regardless of the formal niceties of governmental organization
stare decisis
Gender gap
Marble cake means 1930s fed expansion, layer cake means they are supreme in separate areas
Incumbent
the person currently holding office
Reserved powers
under the 10th Amendment, powers not granted to the federal government or denied to the states reserved for the states or the people
Conservative
a person whose political views favor more local, limited government, fewer government regulations,
Congressional review
On deep background
Enumerated powers
powers that the Constitution specifically grants to the federal government
Republic
a government that derives its authority from the people and in which citizens elect government officials to represent them in the processes by which laws are made; a representative democracy
Civil rights
positive acts of government designed to prevent discrimination and provide equality before the law. What the government should do.
Federalist Papers
written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to support ratification of the Construction
Judicial branch
responsible for interpreting and applying the laws; in the federal government it consists of the US district
Deficit
Constitution
the document setting forth the laws and principles of the government; a plan for government
Off the record information
information provided in an interview that a reporter cannot directly use
War Powers Act of 1973
a law that limits presidential use of military forces to sixty days, with an automatic extension of thirty additional days if the president requests such an extension
Party machine
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
