Conservative
a person whose political views favor more local, limited government, fewer government regulations,
Marble vs. layer cake federalism
Marble cake means 1930s fed expansion, layer cake means they are supreme in separate areas
Leak
an unauthorized release of information to the press from someone in the government
Concurrent powers
Deregulation
Public opinion
Subsidy
a sum of money granted by the government or a public body to assist an industry or business so that the price of a commodity or service may remain low or competitive
District courts
Trial balloon
tests the public reaction to policy or appointments by releasing information to the media and gauging public reaction
Elastic clause
the necessary and proper clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18) that allows Congress to pass laws to carry out its expressed powers
let the decision stand; court decisions are based on precedent from previous cases
Passed by Congress in 1976; excludes abortion from the comprehensive health care services provided to low-income people by the federal government through Medicaid.
executive privilege
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
amount of money owed by the government
the document setting forth the laws and principles of the government; a plan for government
General election
voters choose office holder from among all the candidates nominated by political parties or running as independents
Recess appointment
a presidential appointment made when Congress is not in session; doesn't require immediate confirmation
Judicial activism
a judicial philosophy that holds that courts have a more expansive role to play in shaping public policy
Ex post facto law
a law that makes an action a crime even though it was legal when it was committed or increases the penalty for a crime after it has been committed
Procedural Due Process
method of government action, or how the law is carried out according to established rules and procedures
Judicial Review
Authority given the courts to review constitutionality of acts by the executive/state/legislature; est. in Marbury v. Madison
Political socialization
complex process by which people get their sense of political identity, beliefs, and values
an association of congressional members who advocate a political ideology, regional, ethnic, or economic interest
Open primary
Political party
Voluntary association of people who seek to control the government through common principles, based on peaceful and legal actions such as the winning of elections; an organization that recruits, nominated, and elects party members to control the government
Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause)
a primary election that is limited to registered voters of a particular political party
Mandatory spending
spending required government spending by permanent laws; entitlements, for example social security or bond payments
Good-faith exception
a rule of evidence that says that if the authorities act "in good faith," evidence that otherwise might have been excluded may be admissible. Modifies Mapp v. Ohio
pork-barrel legislation
legislation giving benefits to constituents through sometimes unnecessary or unwise projects within a state or district, to enhance a member's chance of reelection
