Concurrent powers
governmental powers shared by the federal and state governments
Bill of Rights
the first ten amendments to the Constitution, ratified in 1791, which protect basic civil liberties
Expressed powers
powers enumerated in the Constitution
franking privilege
allows members of Congress to mail letters and other materials to constituents free of charge
all the voters of a state or county elect their representative
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
generally refers to the belief that government or people acting on its behalf can be used to address social problems or inequities facing the nation
Random sampling
a statistical technique that gives everyone in the target group the same opportunity to participate in a poll
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"
Majority-minority districts
Agenda setting
identification of the problems and/or issues that require the attention of the government to resolve
Logrolling
West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnette
1943, forcing students to salute the flag is a violation of 1st amendment free speech, and is therefore unconstitutional. Such gestures = symbolic speech. Tinker v. Des Moines.
Leak
an unauthorized release of information to the press from someone in the government
a trial in which the judge who presides over the trial decides on guilt or liability
Implied powers
Political culture
a set of basic values and beliefs about one's country or government that is shared by most citizens
Civil liberties
constitutional freedoms guaranteed to all citizens. What the government can't do.
Majority opinion
the majority of justices agree on the decision and the reasons for the decision
Miranda warning
the warning that an individual must be read at the time of arrest and questioning, letting him know his 5th and 6th amendment rights
Authority given the courts to review constitutionality of acts by the executive/state/legislature; est. in Marbury v. Madison
Pocket veto
Constituency
service casework; assistance to constituents by congressional members
Political efficacy
belief that a person can influence politics and public policymaking
Primary election
nominating election held to choose party candidates who will run in the general election
voting a method of evaluating candidates in which voters evaluate incumbent candidates and decide whether to vote for them based on their past performances
Discrimination
unfair treatment of a person based on race or group membership
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).
Procedural Due Process
method of government action, or how the law is carried out according to established rules and procedures
the first court to hear and decide a case; US district courts and the US Supreme Court have original jurisdiction in cases involving foreign affairs, states or the national government
