District courts
lowest level of federal courts, where most federal cases begin and trials are held
person whose views are between conservative and liberal and may include some of both ideologies
Unitary system
a political system in which all power is derived from the central government
Leak
Line item veto
the president can reject a portion of a bill while approving the rest; declared unconstitutional
Civil rights
positive acts of government designed to prevent discrimination and provide equality before the law. What the government should do.
Direct primary
The Supreme Court concluded that "actual malice" must be proved to support a finding of libel against a public figure. Principle of "breathing space"
the necessary and proper clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18) that allows Congress to pass laws to carry out its expressed powers
application of portions of the Bill of Rights to the states under the 14th Amendment
Miranda warning
joint resolution
Realigning election
when a minority party wins by building a new coalition of voters that continues over successive election
Progressive tax
a tax that is higher for those who make more money; the federal income tax is an example
seen as a system of many groups pulling government in many directions at the same time, causing gridlock and ineffectiveness
Cloture
a method for cutting off a filibuster in the Senate; sixteen votes are needed to call for cloture and sixty are needed to end a filibuster
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
Legislative veto
Three-fifths compromise
agreement at the constitutional convention that each slave counted as three-fifths of a person in determining representation in the House of Representatives and for taxation
a written document submitted to a court that presents the facts and legal reasoning of a party to the lawsuit
an agency that is part of the executive branch and responsible for regulating and oversight of a segment of the economy; it is managed by a board or commission appointed by the president for a fixed term
Off year election
an election taking place in a year when no presidential elections are occurring; midterm election
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
government benefits provided to Americans who qualify because of their age, income, and/or status
the time early in a new president's administration characterized by optimistic approval by the public
Closed rule
Amicus curiae brief
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"
false written statements about others that harm their reputation
Get-out-the-vote
a campaign near the end of an election to get voters out to the polls
Majority leader
the elected leader of the party with the most seats in the House or Senate
