method of maintaining, managing, and gaining control of government
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a solution to the problem of representation at the constitutional convention, in which the number of members that each state would have in the House is determined by population, while each state would have equal representation in the Senate (two senators per state)
Reapportionmentredistribution of the 435 congressional seats among the states after the census determines changes in population distribution
Mass mediaall forms of communication that reach a large portion of the population
Pluralist theory of democracyinterest groups compete in the political arena with each promoting its own policy preferences through organized efforts
Straw Poll
an association of congressional members who advocate a political ideology, regional, ethnic, or economic interest
Midterm electionscongressional elections held between presidential elections
alliances that develop between bureaucratic agencies, interest groups, and congressional committees or subcommittees
Due processprotection against the arbitrary loss of life, liberty, and property provided for under the 5th and 14th Amendments
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Betts v. Brady (1942)Sixth amendment does not selectively incorporate to providing poor people in not-capital state cases a lawyer
the exchange of political favors for support of a bill; an agreement between two or more members of Congress to vote for each other's bills
Privileges and Immunities Clause
Earmark
equality of opportunityeveryone should have the same chance; what individuals make of that chance depends their abilities and efforts
Amicus curiae briefa 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"
Gridlockwhen opposing parties and interests often block each other's proposals, creating a political stalemate or inaction between the executive and legislative branches of government
Coattaileffect the ability of a strong or popular candidate to get other candidates on the ticket elected; it is a term most
Unfunded mandatesmandates require states to enforce legislation without the funding necessary
Recallspecial election initiated by petition to allow citizens to remove an official from office before his or her term
Incumbencyeffect tendency of those already holding office to win reelection due to advantages because they already hold the office
Impeachmentbringing charges of wrongdoing against a government official by the House of Representatives
attempting to influence policymakers through a variety of methods
Initiativeallows voters to petition to propose legislation and then submit it for a vote by qualified voters; not available at the national level
Advice and consentthe Senate's authority to approve or neglect the president's top appointments and negotiated treaties
Concurrent jurisdictionjurisdiction the authority to hear cases is shared by federal and state courts
verbal communication of ideas and opinions
Monetary policyeconomic policy in which the money supply is controlled through the Federal Reserve
the document setting forth the laws and principles of the government; a plan for government
Loose Constructionistthe belief that judges should have freedom in interpreting the Constitution
Three-fifths compromiseagreement 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
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franking privilegeallows members of Congress to mail letters and other materials to constituents free of charge
a group of private citizens whose goal is to influence and shape public policy
Superdelegates
Blanket primarya 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
gives Congress the powers to pass all laws necessary and proper to carry out their constitutional duties, found in Article I, Section 8, Clause 18; also called the elastic clause
conformityto social norms and values, tough on criminals
Impoundmentrefusal of the president to spend money Congress has appropriated; was eliminated by the congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974
Standing committee
Logrolling
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political organizations that use contributions from individuals, corporations, and labor unions to spend unlimited sums independent from the campaigns, yet influencing the outcome of elections
Majority leaderthe elected leader of the party with the most seats in the House or Senate
nominating election held to choose party candidates who will run in the general election
Federal question
when the president takes no action on a bill within ten days of Congress adjourning, the bill does not become law
Political agendaissues that merit action, as determined by the public or those in power
belief that a person can influence politics and public policymaking
powers enumerated in the Constitution
Senatorial courtesy
election commissiona commission delegated to supervise an election
powers not expressed, but may be considered through the use of the necessary and proper (elastic) clause
Deviating electionminority party is able to win the support of majority party members, independents, and new voters
Inherent powerspowers powers, usually claimed by the president, that are implied but not specifically stated in the Constitution or are derived from the office
Discriminationunfair treatment of a person based on race or group membership
Advice and consentthe Senate's authority to approve or neglect the president's top appointments and negotiated treaties
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Lobbyingattempting to influence policymakers through a variety of methods
a committee of Congress made up of members of both houses that focuses on issues of general concern but does not propose legislation
Hyperpluralist Theory of Democracyseen as a system of many groups pulling government in many directions at the same time, causing gridlock and ineffectiveness