Unitary system
a political system in which all power is derived from the central government
Slander
false verbal statements about others that harm their reputation
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
Incumbent
the person currently holding office
when opposing parties and interests often block each other's proposals, creating a political stalemate or inaction between the executive and legislative branches of government
Sixth amendment applies to federal criminal cases with possible imprisonment and too poor defendant. Gideon v. Wainwright
Veto
the president's power to reject a bill passed by Congress
Critical elections
sharp changes in the existing patterns of party loyalty due to changing social and economic conditions
determines is a policy is achieving its goals; usually carried out with congressional oversight
Lemon v. Kurtzman
Creates the "Lemon Test", which has requires separate, secular, and neutral effect and intention in government action.
Random sampling
District courts
lowest level of federal courts, where most federal cases begin and trials are held
Fiscal policy
how the government uses taxes and spending to impact the economy
President Pro Tempore
serves as president of the Senate in the absence of the vice president; chosen by the majority
prior restraint
Brief
a written document submitted to a court that presents the facts and legal reasoning of a party to the lawsuit
Griswold v. Connecticut (1965)
a commission delegated to supervise an election
joint resolution
A formal expression of congressional opinion that must be approved by both houses of congress and by the president; constitutional amendments need not be signed by the president
Upholds establishment clause and free exercise clause. Engel v. Vitale
De facto segregation
segregation that results from living patterns rather than law
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
Blanket primary
a primary election in which candidates from all parties are on the ballot, and a registered voter can vote for the Democratic candidate for one office and the Republican candidate for another
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
Hate speech
offensive speech against racial or ethnic minorities, women, and homosexuals that creates a hostile environment
constitutional freedoms guaranteed to all citizens. What the government can't do.
Sixth amendment does not selectively incorporate to providing poor people in not-capital state cases a lawyer
"marble-cake federalism" a model of the relationship between the federal government and the states that developed during the 1930s; the power of the federal government expands into areas that the states are usually responsible for
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).
pork-barrel legislation
