KEY VOCABULARY TERMS
A.P. U.S. Government
Unit 1: Constitutional Underpinnings of U.S. Government
Term
Definition
government
Institutions and officials with the authority to make decisions that apply to all of society
politics
The process and method of making decisions for groups. Politics determines whom we
select as governmental leaders and what policies they pursue.
power
The ability to cause others to behave as they might otherwise not choose to.
policymaking
system
The process by which political problems are communicated by citizens and acted
upon by government policymakers.
political issue
An issue that arises when people disagree about a problem or a public policy solution.
policy agenda
The issues that attract the serious attention of public officials and other people actively
involved in politics at the time.
policymaking
institutions
The branches of government charged with taking action on political issues.
public policy
A course of action that government makes in response to a political issue.
linkage
institutions
democracy
republic /
representative
democracy
direct
democracy
majority rule
minority rights
individualism
constitution
Declaration of
Independence
natural rights
/unalienable
rights / individual
rights
consent of the
governed
limited
government
Articles of
Confederation
decentralized
power
The channels, methods, and or access points connecting citizens to policymaking
institutions and through which issues and people’s policy preferences get on the
government’s policy agenda.
A system of making government decisions so that policy represents and responds to the
public’s preferences.
A form of democratic government in which people give public officials authority to
make laws by electing them. Contrasts with direct democracy in which all the people
participate directly in lawmaking.
A form of democratic government in which people decide (e.g. vote on, form
consensus on, etc.) policy initiatives directly, as opposed to a representative
democracy in which people vote for representatives who then decide policy initiatives.
In the U.S. the referendum (plebiscite), initiative, and recall are examples of forms of
direct democracy operating within our representative democracy.
A basic principle of democratic theory that, in a democracy, choosing among
alternatives requires that the majority’s desire be respected.
A principle of democratic theory that guarantees rights to those who do not belong to
majorities.
The attitude that citizens are responsible for taking care of themselves with minimal
government assistance.
A nation’s basic law that creates political institutions, assigns powers to different parts of
the government, and often provides certain guarantees to citizens.
The document approved by representatives of the American colonies in 1776 that
states their grievances against the British monarch and declared their independence.
According to John Locke, rights all people have as human beings, not dependent on
governments, which include life, liberty, and property.
John Locke’s idea that governments may only rule with the agreement of those ruled,
or else be illegitimate.
The idea, according to John Locke, that certain things are out of bounds for
government because of the natural rights of citizens.
The first constitution of the U.S., adopted by Congress in 1777 and enacted in 1781. It
established a national legislature but most authority rested with the state legislatures.
A form of government in which individual state or local governments have most
decision-making authority, such as the Articles of Confederation.
Shays’ Rebellion
U.S. Constitution
Framers /
Founding Fathers
New Jersey Plan
Virginia Plan
Connecticut
Compromise
unicameral
legislature
bicameral
legislature
House of
Representatives
Senate
Three-Fifths
Compromise
A series of attacks on courthouses by a small band of farmers led by revolutionary war
Captain Daniel Shays to block foreclosure proceedings.
The document written in 1787 to replace the Articles of Confederation as the basic law
of the U.S. It established the institutional structure of the U.S. Government and the roles
and powers of these institutions.
The writers of the U.S. Constitution
The proposal at the Constitutional Convention that called for equal representation of
each state in Congress regardless of the state’s population.
The proposal at the Constitutional convention that called for representation of each
state in Congress in proportion to that state’s share of the U.S. population.
The compromise reached at the Constitutional Convention that established two houses
of Congress: the House of Representatives, in which representation is based on a state’s
share of the U.S. population, and the Senate, in which each state has two
representatives.
A one-house legislature
A two-house legislature (i.e. the House and the Senate in the U.S.)
The house in Congress in which representation is based on a state’s share of the U.S.
population.
The house in Congress in which each state has two representatives.
A provision in the original U.S. Constitution to count enslaved Africans as 3/5 of a person
to ensure that Southern slave-holding states would have more representatives in
Congress.
Madisonian
model
“tyranny of the
majority”
separation of
powers
checks and
balances
Federalists
Anti-Federalists
Federalist Papers
Federalist #10
Federalist #51
Marbury v.
Madison (1803)
judicial review
rule of law
An important principle of the U.S. Constitution, developed by Madison following
Montesquieu, designed to limit the government’s power by dividing powers among
three branches – legislative, executive, and judicial.
An important principle of the U.S. Constitution, developed by Madison, designed to limit
the government’s power by enabling each branch of government to check the other
two branches’ authority.
Supporters of the U.S. Constitution at the time the states were considering its adoption.
Opponents of the U.S. Constitution at the time the states were considering its adoption.
They argued that the Constitution protected the wealthy, that it would erode
fundamental liberties, and that it would weaken the power of the states.
A collection of 85 articles written by Alexander Hamiltion, John Jay, and James Madison
under the pseudonym “Publius” to convince state legislatures to ratify the U.S.
Constitution.
The Federalist paper in which Madison argues that representative democracy in a large
territory could help guard against "factions” and tyranny of the majority.
The Federalist paper in which Madison in which Madison advocates for a separation of
powers within the national government and appropriate checks and balances on each
branch.
The Supreme Court case in which Chief Justice John Marshall and his associates first
asserted the right of the Supreme Court to determine the meaning of the U.S.
Constitution. The decision established the Court’s power of judicial review over acts of
Congress, in this case the Judiciary Act of 1789.
The power of the courts to determine whether acts of Congress, the executive branch,
and lower courts are in accord with the U.S. Constitution. Established in Marbury v.
Madison (1803)
The principle that government is based on clear and fairly enforced laws and that
government officials are not above the law
social contract
theory
John Locke
Montesquieu
Jean-Jacques
Rousseau
popular
sovereignty
The idea, used by Enlightenment thinkers such as Locke and Rousseau, that the
legitimacy of a government stems from an unwritten contract between the ruler and
the ruled; that government’s purpose is to protect people’s rights; and a ruler who
breaks this contract by abusing people’s rights loses legitimacy and may be overthrown
A leading British philosopher who contributed many of the core ideas of social contract
theory, especially that government should protect life, liberty, and property
A leading French philosopher who contributed to social contract theory, particularly the
notion that separation of powers and checks and balances could restrain the power of
government
A leading French philosopher who contributed to social contract theory’s main ideas,
with a preference for direct democracy over representative democracy.
The principle that the people are the ultimate source of authority and legitimacy of a
government
will of the people
Alexander
Hamilton
James Madison
amendment
ratify
due process
Founding father that was the main author of the Constitution. Federalist.
Founding father that was the main author of the Constitution. Federalist.
A written addition or modification of a law or constitution
To formally approve an agreement, treaty, amendment, or constitution
The principle that no person can be deprived of life, liberty, or property without fair
legal procedures and safeguards
Preamble
Opening paragraph of the Constitution that explains the purposes of the Constitution.
Article I
Article II
Article III
The part of the Constitution that establishes the Legislative Branch
The part of the Constitution that establishes the Executive Branch
The part of the Constitution that establishes the Judicial Branch
First ten amendments to the Constitution that establish basic civil liberties. Added in
response to objections by anti-Federalists, key to ratification.
Bill of Rights
independent
judiciary
unitary system
confederal
system
federal system
(federalism)
supremacy
clause
delegated
powers
reserved powers
concurrent
powers
Tenth
Amendment
enumerated /
express powers
A system of judges and courts that is separate from other branches of government
A system of government in which all power resides in the central government rather
than smaller territorial units, such as states.
A system of government in which states or other territorial units form a loose association
for a common purpose, such that little power is lodged in the central government.
A system of government in which governmental powers are divided between a central
government and smaller territorial units, such as states.
Article VI of the Constitution, which makes the Constitution, national laws, and treaties
supreme over state laws when the national government is acting within its constitutional
limits.
The powers given specifically to the national government by the U.S. Constitution.
Powers kept by the states under the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution
Powers shared by the federal and state governments under the U.S. Constitution
The Constitutional amendment stating that powers not specifically delegated to the
national government are reserved for the states.
Delegated powers specifically listed or mentioned in the Constitution as grants of
authority to Congress.
Necessary and
Proper Clause /
Elastic Clause
A clause in Article 1, Section 8, which authorizes Congress to pass “all laws which shall
be necessary and proper” to carry out its enumerated powers
implied powers
Powers not listed or mentioned in the Constitution but that Congress or the U.S. courts
are deem to be implied from the specifically enumerated powers of Congress.
McCulloch v.
Maryland (1819)
Supremacy
Clause
“supreme law of
the land”
Gibbons v.
Ogden (1824)
commerce
clause
interstate
commerce
intrastate
commerce
full faith and
credit clause
extradition
privileges and
immunities
dual federalism
(“layer cake”
federalism)
cooperative
federalism
(“marble cake”
federalism)
fiscal federalism
categorical
grant-in-aid
project grant
formula grant
block grant
devolution / new
federalism
federal mandate
unfunded
mandate
U.S. vs. Lopez
(1995)
U.S. v. Morrison
(2000)
1819 case in which S.C. (Marshall court) ruled that the Article I’s Necessary and Proper
clause implied that the federal government had the power to establish a national
bank, which could not be taxed by a state. Significance: affirmed supremacy of
national government over the states and upheld the implied powers of Congress under
the Constitution.
A clause in Article VI (6) of the U.S. Constitution, stating that federal law (the
Constitution, national laws, and treaties) suspersedes all state and local laws. When the
laws conflict, federal law has more authority.
The notion that federal law supersedes all state and local laws. When the laws conflict,
federal law has more authority.
A landmark case in which the S.C. interpreted very broadly the interstate commerce
clause, enabling Congress to promote or regulate virtually every form of commercial
activity.
A clause in the Constitution’s Article I that gives Congress the authority to regulate
interstate commerce, trade with other nations, and with Native Americans.
Trade that takes place between two states or among several states
Trade that takes place within the borders of a state
A clause in Article IV, Section 1 of the Constitution requiring each state to recognize the
official documents and civil judgments rendered by the courts of other states.
A legal process whereby an alleged criminal offender is surrendered by the officials of
one state to officials of the state in which the crime is alleged to have been committed.
A clause in Article IV, Section 2, of the Constitution granting citizens of each state most
of the privileges of citizens of other states.
A type of federalism in which both the states and the national government remain
supreme within their own spheres, each responsible for some policies.
A type of federalism in which powers and responsibilities are shared between states
and the national government. They may also share costs, administration, and even
blame for programs that work poorly.
The pattern of spending, taxing, and providing grants in the federal system; it is the
financial core of cooperative federalism.
Federal grant to states that can be used only for specific purposes, or “categories,” of
state and local spending. They come with strings attached, such as nondiscrimination
requirements.
A type of federal categorical grant given for specific purposes and awarded on the
basis of the merits of applications.
A type of federal categorical grant distributed according to a formula specified in
legislation or in administrative regulations, such as percentage of population in poverty.
A federal grant given more or less automatically to states or communities to support
broad programs in areas such as community development and social services.
The transference of responsibility for policies from the central government to state or
local governments.
Federal requirements that direct state or local governments to comply with federal rules
under threat of penalties or as a condition of receiving a federal grant.
A federal government mandate to the states without adequate federal funds to carry
out the policy.
Case in which the SCOTUS held that the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990,
which forbid the possession of firearms in public schools, exceeded Congress’
constitutional authority to regulate commerce. The first S.C. case since the Great
Depression to set limits to Congress's power under the Commerce Clause of the United
States Constitution. (part of devolution)
Landmark case in which the S.C. ruled that the power to regulate interstate commerce
did not provide Congress with the authority to enact the 1994 Violence Against Women
Act, which gave the victims of gender-motivated violence a federal civil remedy.
Reflected a growing trend in the S.C. to set limits to Congress's power under the
Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution. (part of devolution)
Unit 2: People and Politics
Term
public opinion
Definition
Individuals’ views about public policies, political parties, candidates, government
institutions, and public officials as revealed by surveys.
demographics
The characteristics of populations.
census
majority-minority
district
political culture
political
socialization
agents of
socialization
opinion poll
sample
political ideology
political spectrum
Liberalism / “leftof-center” politics
Conservatism /
“right-of-center”
politics
centrists /
moderates
gender gap
political party
party image
party
identification
coalition
party eras
critical election
New Deal
coalition
party realignment
The federal government’s counting of the size of the country’s population and its
demographic characteristics every 10 years.
Districts drawn to ensure that a racial minority makes up the majority of voters.
A set of values and views about society, the economy, politics, and government
shared by a population.
The process by which individuals come to have certain core beliefs and political
attitudes.
Institutions and experiences that socialize people politically.
A survey of public opinion based on asking questions of a small proportion of people
that are representative of a larger population (a sample).
A set of data collected from a subset of a population being studied.
A basic set of beliefs about the roles of government, social groups, and individuals in
society. Ideologies give meaning to events, personalities, and public policies.
A common way of classifying political positions, political ideologies, or political parties
along a one-dimensional axis.
A political ideology favoring (1) an active role for government in solving society’s
problems and (2) a limited role for government in people’s personal lives.
A political ideology favoring (1) a limited role for government and a large role for
private institutions in solving society’s problems and (2) an active role for government
in people’s personal lives.
People who hold a mix of ideological views and usually sit at the center of the political
spectrum between liberal and conservative ideologies.
A term that refers to the regular pattern by which women are more likely to hold liberal
views, support Democratic candidates, support spending on social services, and
oppose increasing levels of military spending than men.
An organization that seeks to achieve power for its constituents by electing its
members to public office.
The voter’s perception of what a political party stands for, such as conservatism or
liberalism.
The sense of belonging to one or another political party.
An alliance of several groups that cooperate to influence legislation or win elections to
control public policy.
Historical periods in which one party tends to win a majority of elections for several
consecutive years.
An electoral “earthquake” in which new issues emerge, new coalitions replace old
ones, and the majority party is often displaced by the minority party. Critical election
periods are sometimes marked by a national crisis and may require more than one
election to bring about a new party era.
The informal electoral alliance of working-class ethnic groups, Catholics, Jews, urban
dwellers, racial minorities, and the South that was the basis of Democratic party
dominance for American politics from the New Deal to the early 1970s.
The displacement of the majority party by the minority, usually during a critical
election.
party
dealignment
independent
split-ticket voting
divided
government
gridlock
party machine
patronage / spoils
system
primary election
general election
closed primary
open primary
blanket primary
national party
chairperson
national
committee
national party
convention
party neutrality
religious right
major party
two-party system
minor party /
third party
winner-take-all
system
proportional
representation
system
multiparty system
party discipline
The gradual disengagement of people and politicians from the parties, as seen in part
by shrinking party identification.
A voter with low political identification who does not usually vote for the same political
party from election to election.
Voting for candidates from different political parties for different offices.
A situation in which one party controls the White House and another party controls one
or both houses of the United States Congress.
Difficulty of passing laws fulfilling a party's political agenda under conditions of divided
government.
A type of political party organization that relies heavily on economic rewards, such as
patronage, to win votes and govern.
The practice of distributing government offices, contracts, and/or services to the
supporters of the winning party.
A state-level election in which voters determine a political party’s nominee for an
elective office.
An election in which voters choose among candidates from different parties to fill an
elective office.
A primary election in which only registered party members may vote.
A primary election in which all voters may vote on a party’s nominees regardless of
their party affiliation.
A primary election in which voters can pick one candidate for each office from any
party’s primary list.
The party leader responsible for the day-to-day activities of the party and is usually
nominated by the presidential committee.
The group of party leaders that keeps the party operating between conventions. The
national committee is composed of representatives from the states and territories.
A gathering of delegates to write a party platform and nominate a party’s candidates
for the presidency or other offices.
A term used to describe the fact that many Americans are indifferent to the two major
political parties.
Christian organizations and movements characterized by their strong support of
conservative social and political values and who tend to vote for conservative
Republican candidates.
A party that wins a significant percentage of the vote in elections and claim higher
membership than minor parties.
A political system in which two major parties dominate the electoral process and
control of the government.
A party that wins a much smaller percentage of the vote in elections and has smaller
membership than major parties.
An electoral system that awards offices only to the highest vote-getters, even if they
win less than a majority of votes, without ensuring representation for voters in the
minority.
An electoral system that awards legislative seats to political parties in proportion to the
percentage of the popular vote they receive in an election.
A political system in which three or more political parties have the chance to gain
control of government separately or in coalition.
The ability of a parliamentary group of a political party to get its members to support
the policies of their party leadership.
party polarization
bipartisanship
interest group
“faction”
In a two party system, efforts to design a bill or policy to win support from both major
parties, sometimes at the expense of policy coherence or effectiveness.
A private voluntary association that seeks to influence public policy as a way to
protect or advance some interest.
Madison’s term for groups or parties that try to advance their own interests at the
expense of the public good. Special interest is a synonym in modern American politics.
Federalist No. 10
pluralist theory
elite theory
hyperpluralist
theory
iron triangle /
subgovernment
military-industrial
complex
lobbying
electioneering
political action
committee (PAC)
amicus curiae
briefs
class action suits
litigation
The paper in which Madison argues that a large republic would be better than small
states at guarding against the “mischief,” or evils, of factions.
A theory that views American politics in terms of the interaction, conflict, and
bargaining of groups. Competition between these groups is supposed to prevent any
one group from gaining too much power.
A theory of government and politics arguing that the inequality of wealth in the U.S.
gives the wealthy greater power over government decision-making than less wealthy
groups.
A theory of government and politics arguing that groups are so strong that
government is weakened, limited by gridlock.
An enduring alliance of common interest between an interest group concerned with a
policy area, a congressional committee handling that policy, and a bureaucratic
agency that regulates or administers the policy. Often exercise much control over a
policy area in the U.S. political system.
A type of iron triangle between defense contractors, the Pentagon, Congressional
committees, and the Presidency. Has usually backed increased military spending and
military solutions to international problems.
An organized effort to influence the policy process by persuading officials to favor or
oppose action on a specific issue.
Direct group involvement in the electoral process, such as funding campaigns, getting
members to work for candidates, and forming political action committees.
An organization created by an interest group to collect funds and make contributions
to candidates in federal elections.
A brief in which individuals not party to a suit attempt to have their voices heard; Latin
for “a friend of the court.”
A suit brought on behalf of a group of people who are in a situation similar to that of
the plaintiffs.
The bringing of lawsuits to influence policy.
coalition building
public relations
(PR)
grassroots
mobilization
political
participation
civil
disobedience
suffrage
electorate
voter registration
voter turnout
Motor Voter Act
of 1993
nominate
campaign
strategy
state party
caucus
McGovern-Fraser
Commission
Super Tuesday
Efforts to shape the public image of an individual or organization as well public opinion
about that person or group.
The rallying of support from voters, affected groups, or a group’s members behind an
interest group’s goals to bring pressure on government officials.
Political activity, including voting, campaign activity, contacting officials,
demonstrating, etc. designed to influence public policy outcomes.
Intentionally breaking a law and accepting the consequences as a way to publicize
the unjustness of the law.
The legal right to vote.
a body of people entitled to vote
A requirement that eligible citizens register to vote before the election is held.
The proportion of the voting-age population that actually votes.
A law requiring states to allow residents to register to vote while applying for a drivers’
license, at social service offices, and by mail.
to propose that someone be appointed or elected to a government office
the way candidates use scarce resources to achieve the nomination or win office.
a meeting to determine which candidate delegates from a state party will support.
A 1970s committee in the Democratic party charged with recommending changes in
party rules to promote more representation of women and minorities in the delegate
selection process.
The Tuesday in February or March of a presidential election year when the greatest
number of states hold primary elections to select delegates to national conventions.
superdelegates
frontloading
party base
party platform
direct mail
Get-out-the-vote
(GOTV)
campaign
finance reform
Federal Election
Campaign Act
(FECA) of 1974
Federal Election
Commission (FEC)
Buckley v. Valeo
(1976)
Delegates to the Democratic Party’s national convention who obtain their seats on the
basis of their positions within the party structure.
States’ decisions to move their presidential primaries and caucuses to earlier in the
nomination season in order to capitalize on media attention.
Party activists, who are more likely to vote in primary elections than are less-committed
centrists.
The positions that a political party adopts at the beginning of the election campaign.
The use of targeted mailings to prospective supporters, usually compiled from lists of
those who have contributed to candidates and parties in the past.
Political activity aimed at increasing the number of votes cast in a political election.
Efforts to limit the role of money in determining elections and public policy by
regulating the financing of electoral campaigns.
1974 legislation designed to regulate campaign contributions and limit campaign
expenditures.
The independent federal agency created by FECA to administer the campaign
finance laws and enforce compliance with those requirements.
A case in which the S.C. of the upheld a federal law setting limits on campaign
contributions, but ruled that spending money to influence elections is a form of
constitutionally protected free speech. The court struck down portions of the law and
affirmed that candidates can give unlimited amounts of money to their own
campaigns.
hard money
Funds contributed directly to a candidate or to a political party.
soft money
Unregulated political contributions to political parties for such purposes as voter
education. In practice, parties used soft money to boost campaign spending.
An organization created to influence the election or defeat of candidates for public
office. Because they are not regulated by the F.E.C. or by a state elections
commission, they are not subject to the same contribution limits as PACs.
Advertising for or against a candidate for office made without the candidate’s
cooperation or approval, often by PACs and 527s.
527 committee
independent
expenditures
Bipartisan
Campaign
Reform Act of
2002 (McCainFeingold Act)
Electoral College
popular vote
competitive state
/ battleground
state / swing state
swing voters
Bush v Gore
(2000)
referendum
initiative petition
gerrymandering
A campaign finance law that banned unlimited soft money contributions to political
parties.
A body of electors from each state who cast votes to elect the president and vice
president
the vote for a U.S. presidential candidate made by the qualified voters, as opposed to
that made by the electoral college.
A state whose votes for competing presidential candidates in a general election are
likely to be close.
Voters, usually centrists, liberal Republicans and conservative Democrats, whose voting
patterns are unpredictable and might vote for either of the two dominant political
parties.
Landmark case that resolved the disputed 2000 presidential election in favor of
George W. Bush although Bush lost the popular vote. The court ruled that the Florida
Supreme Court's method for recounting ballots was a violation of the Equal Protection
Clause of the 14th Amendment.
A state-level form of direct democracy in which citizens vote to approve or reject laws
passed by a state legislature
A state-level form of direct democracy in which citizens vote to approve or reject laws
drafted by citizens of the state, not the stage legislatures.
The drawing of a legislative district’s boundaries with the intent of giving one party or
group a significant advantage
voter
identification laws
political efficacy
civic duty
policy voting
presidential
elections
midterm elections
off-year elections
mandate theory
of elections
incumbent
Southern strategy
red state
blue state
watchdog
state laws requiring photo ID or proof of citizenship in order to vote on election day
The belief that one’s political participation, particularly voting, matters because it can
affect what government does
A belief that individuals have certain political obligations as a responsibility of their being
citizens of a country. Most Americans believe voting is a civic duty.
An approach to voting in which people base their choices on how close a candidate’s
issues positions are to their own issue preferences.
an election held every four years on even-numbered years
an election held in the even-numbered years between presidential elections
an election held in odd-numbered years
The belief that the election winner has a mandate from the voters to implement policy
promises.
An elected official seeking reelection to the position he or she currently occupies.
a Republican method of winning support among Southern white voters by exploiting
opposition to civil rights for African Americans and support for “state rights”
A state in the United States in which a majority of the electorate tends to vote for
Republicans.
A state in the United States in which a majority of the electorate tends to vote for
Democrats.
The role of the media in scrutinizing the actions and views of government officials.
mass media
Means of communication that reach a large audience. Includes newspapers, magazines,
radio, television, and Internet.
print media
one of two kinds of media, includes newspapers and magazines.
broadcast media
one of two kinds of media, includes television and radio.
electronic media
Media communicated using computers, cell phones, and other communication devices
that connect via the internet to the world wide web.
A journal, commentary, or newsletter posted on the world wide web by an individual or
organization.
a group of businesses producing similar products in different geographic areas but under
single ownership, management, or control, such as fast-food chains.
strategy of some broadcast channels that appeal to a narrow, rather than a broad,
audience.
A close and mutually supportive relationship between government officials and a
country’s news media industry in which the media do little to challenge officials’ views.
A relationship between government officials and a country’s news media industry in
which the media frequently challenge officials’ views.
blogs
chains
narrowcasting
symbiotic
relationship
adversarial
relationship
beat
media event /
staged event
press conference
photo op
off-the-record
conversation
leak
trial balloon
sound bite
spin
media bias
The assigned geographic area or topic for which a reporter regularly gathers news stories.
An event purposely staged for the media that nonetheless looks spontaneous. Can be
staged by groups and government officials, especially presidents.
Meetings of government officials, candidates, or interest groups with the press to convey
a point of view on an issue or issues.
A staged event designed to produce memorable photographs and video images. (op =
opportunity)
A conversation in which the reporter can use the information but may not reveal the
source of the information.
The unofficial release of confidential information to a journalist or the media.
An intentional news leak of a proposal to test public reaction to it.
A short, colorful phrase or sentence that captures the main point in 15 seconds or less.
The deliberate portrayal of information about a person or event in a particular way in an
attempt to influence public opinion.
Real or imagined beliefs that affect what stories journalists cover and how they report
those stories.
fairness doctrine
negative
campaigning /
mudslinging
horse race
journalism
front-runner
industry
concentration
infotainment
agenda-setting
power
The former requirement that television stations present contrasting points of view on a
political issue or election.
Attempts to win an advantage in a campaign by emphasizing negative aspects of an
opponent or policy.
The treatment of an election as a sporting event in which media stories focus on who is
winning and why rather than the issues.
A leader in a race, whether political or athletic.
The degree to which sales in an industry are dominated by a few firms.
The merging of hard news and entertainment in news presentations.
The ability to determine which issues get placed on the policy agenda for consideration.
Unit 3: Legislative Branch
Term
levy taxes
power of the purse
appropriations
casework
parliamentary
democracy
legislator /
lawmaker /
Congressperson /
Congressmember
constituent
delegate role
trustee role
reapportionment
redistricting
gerrymandering
majority-minority
districts
Baker v. Carr
(1962)
“one person, one
vote”
Reynolds v. Simms
(1964)
Wesberry v.
Sanders (1964)
Definition
The power to enact a tax bill to finance government programs and services.
Congress’ power to spend money on government programs and services.
Funds allocated by a legislature for a stated purpose as part of a budget or spending bill.
Personal services performed by members of Congress for constituents, often to help their
constituents with problems they are having with the federal bureaucracy.
A political system in which voters elect lawmakers to represent them in the nation’s
parliament; the elected lawmakers choose a prime minister to head the executive
branch.
An elected lawmaker, such as a Representative or Senator.
A person who lives in a legislator’s home district or state.
An elected representative who acts in perfect accord with the wishes of his or her
constitutents.
An elected representative who believes that his or her own judgment, rather than
instructions from constituents, should be used in making legislative decisions.
The reallocation of House seats among the states, done after each national census, to
ensure that seats are held by the states in proportion to the size of their populations.
The redrawing of congressional district boundaries after a census to ensure roughly equal
populations within each district.
A form of redistricting done to give an advantage to a particular party or social group.
A congressional district gerrymandered to ensure that a racial minority makes up the
majority of voters.
A Supreme Court case which attempted to reduce excess representation given to rural
areas by gerrymandering. Ruled that house districts in state legislatures must be
apportioned on the basis of “one person, one vote.”
A basic expression of the principle of political equality.
A Supreme Court case which attempted to reduce excess representation given to rural
areas by gerrymandering. Ruled that senate districts in state legislatures must be
apportioned on the basis of “one person, one vote.”
A Supreme Court case which attempted to reduce excess representation given to rural
areas by gerrymandering. Ruled that congressional districts must be apportioned on the
basis of “one person, one vote.”
Open-seat
election
Shaw v. Reno
(1993)
earmarks
(“pork” / “pork
barrel”)
An election in which there is no incumbent officeholder.
Case in which the S.C. ruled that redistricting based on race in general should be
assumed to violate the equal protection clause, though bodies doing redistricting must
be conscious of race to the extent that they must ensure compliance with the Voting
Rights Act.
Public projects supported by members of Congress to bring jobs and public money to
their constituents, for which the members of Congress can claim credit.
franking privilege
Public subsidization of mail from the members of Congress to their constituents.
“cautious and
deliberative”
17th Amendment
(1913)
The amendment that changed the way in which senators are elected from selections by
state legislatures to direct elections by the electorate.
bill
seniority rule
committee chair
legislative hearing
markup session
floor vote
House Rules
Committee
closed rule
open rule
discharge petition
filibuster
cloture
hold
rider
A draft of a proposed law presented for approval to a legislative body.
The tradition of choosing a committee’s leadership positions based on the number of
years of unbroken service on a committee.
The leader of a Congressional committee, with the power to decide what to do with a
bill. Chosen by the majority party, largely based on seniority rule.
A meeting of a congressional committee or subcommittee to hear testimony and gather
information on a proposed piece of legislation.
The process of revising a bill in subcommittee.
Vote of the entire Senate or House of Representatives on a bill
A committee in the House of Representatives that decides when to schedule bills for floor
votes and sets the rules for debate on a bill.
A condition placed on a bill by the House Rules Committee that severely limits floor
debate and amendments; this allows supporters to more easily pass a bill quickly, with no
damaging debate or changes.
A condition placed on a bill by the House Rules Committee that permits floor debate and
amendments; this allows opponents to change the bill or even kill it.
a means of bringing a bill out of committee and to the floor for consideration without a
report from a Committee and usually without cooperation of the leadership.
Due to unlimited debate in the Senate, a procedure in the Senate to delay or block a
vote on a bill, usually by lengthy speechmaking.
A vote in the Senate to place a time limit on consideration of a bill, and thereby
overcome a filibuster. Requires 3/5 of the full Senate (normally 60 votes).
An informal practice by which a Senator informs his or her floor leader that he or she does
not want a particular bill to reach the floor for consideration (threat of filibuster is implied).
An amendment added to a bill to achieve a goal that has nothing to do with the bill
logrolling
(reciprocity)
iron triangle / issue
network
subgovernment
The exchanging of favors, especially the trading of votes among legislators to achieve
favorable action on bills that are of interest to one another.
A mutually dependent relationship between congressional committees and
subcommittees, federal agencies, and industrial interest groups.
An iron triangle that dominates an area of policymaking.
military-industrial
complex
Eisenhower’s term for the subgovernment that dominates military and defense
policymaking. Involves defense contractors, the Defense Department, and Congress’
Armed Services Committees and Defense Appropriations Subcommittees.
A meeting of all the members of a political party in the House or Senate to select their
leaders, approve committee assignments and chairpersons, and identify common
legislative objectives for the session.
The party that holds the most seats in the House of Representatives or Senate.
party conference /
party caucus
majority party
minority party
The party that holds fewer seats than the majority party in the Senate or House of
Representatives.
Speaker of the
House
Majority leader
Minority leader
whip
standing
committee
subcommittee
conference
committee
select committee
Congressional
caucus
oversight
confirmation
“advice and
consent”
impeachment
The top position in the House elected by a vote of the entire House; responsible for
assigning bills to committees, deciding what bills will be debated and when, and
appointing members to special committees.
2nd to top position in the House, elected by the majority party; responsible for managing
legislation on the House floor
Minority party’s overall leader in the House or Senate and main strategist.
A Congressperson charged with keeping his/her party members informed of the plans of
the party leadership, counting votes before votes on important issues, and rounding up
support among party members for votes on bills.
A relatively permanent congressional committee that addresses specific areas of
legislation, such as education or agriculture.
A small legislative committee within a larger, standing committee; subcommittees do
much of the work of drafting and editing legislation.
A temporary committee of legislators from both the House and Senate created to resolve
differences in bills passed by both chambers.
Temporary Congressional committee appointed for a specific purpose, such as the
Watergate investigation.
A group of members of Congress sharing some interest or characteristic. Most are
composed of members of both parties and from both houses.
The monitoring of an agency by a Congressional committee.
The process by which the Senate gives or denies approval to the president’s appointment
of federal judges and certain heads of executive agencies and departments.
The phrase in the Constitution indicating that certain presidential powers, such as
appointments and treaties, must be done with the consent of the Senate. (check and
balance)
The presentation of charges against a government official for wrongdoing.
override
A vote by 2/3 of Congress to reverse a president’s veto and turn a bill into law.
revenues
income received by a business of government to pay for its activities
expenditures
budget
budget surplus
budget deficit
balanced budget
national debt
individual income
tax
16th Amendment
Internal Revenue
Service (IRS)
social insurance
taxes
progressive tax
regressive tax
Social Security
Medicare
The spending of money on goods and services
An estimate of the income and expenditures for a future period of time, usually one year.
The amount by which the national government’s annual revenues exceed its
expenditures.
The amount by which the national government’s annual expenditures exceed its
revenues. To make up the difference, the government must borrow money (debt).
a spending plan in which the revenues coming into an organization equal its
expenditures.
The amount of money a country owes its lenders. = total of all yearly deficits funded by
borrowing plus the interest owed on those loans.
a tax levied on an individual’s or a married couple’s annual income
The Amendment explicitly authorizing Congress to levy income taxes.
The federal agency responsible for the collection of federal taxes from taxpayers.
taxes deducted from a paycheck to fund Social Security and Medicare, among other
programs.
any tax in which the burden falls more heavily on the rich than the poor (e.g. state and
federal income taxes)
any tax in which the burden falls more heavily on the poor than the rich, as a percentage
of their incomes(e.g. sales taxes)
The program established during the Great Depression to provide a minimum level of
sustenance to older Americans and save them from poverty.
A government-fun social insurance program providing health insurance coverage to
people who are aged 65 and over.
Medicaid
House Ways and
Means Committee
Appropriations
Committees
Senate Finance
Committee
Congressional
Budget and
Impoundment
Control Act of 1974
Congressional
Budget Office
(CBO)
Office of
Management and
Budget (OMB)
fiscal year
mandatory
spending
discretionary
spending
entitlement
program
appropriations bills
deficit spending
A government program providing health insurance to low-income people.
Taxes
A federal law designed to reform the congressional budgetary process by enabling it to
better set and meet its own budgetary goals and be less dependent on the president’s
budget.
Supports Congress
Works with President to draft budget sent to Congress for consideration
the period of time an organization uses for its budgeting record keeping, and financial
reporting (e.g. Sept. 2009 – Sept. 2010)
government revenue committed by law to be spent in specified ways
appropriations for programs that can be raised or lowered as Congress sees fit
benefits that legislation requires the government to provide to those who meet certain
eligibility requirements (age, income, etc.)
13 Congressional bills that, taken together, make up the government’s budget proposal
spending financed by borrowing rather than by tax revenues in case of a budget deficit
Unit 4: The Presidency and the Bureaucracy
Term and
Illustration
impeachment
line of succession
25th Amendment
cabinet
administration
White House
executive order
chief executive
bureaucracy
chief of state
Definition and Significance
A formal charge of wrongdoing against the president or other public official, equivalent
to an indictment in criminal law; the first step in removal from office. The House may
impeach the president by a majority vote for “Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and
Misdemeanors.”
The order in which individuals may become or act as President of the United States upon
the incapacity, death, resignation, or removal from office of a sitting president or a
president-elect.
Provides for succession in case of the president’s death or disability (ratified in 1967).
(Vice-president is first in line.)
The heads of the executive departments. The president appoints members of the
cabinet.
The president, along with his or her personal staff and advisers. The term can also refer to
a president’s time in office.
1. Residence and main office of the president
2. a president’s administration
A rule, regulation, or instruction issued by a president or governor that has the force of
law, usually to U.S. bureaucratic agencies to help direct their operation.
The top public official in charge of enforcing laws and carrying out government policy.
A large, complex organization that functions under rules and procedures. The federal
bureaucracy includes federal agencies and executive agencies that employee 4.1
million civilian and military employees.
The ceremonial leader of government.
commander in
chief
chief diplomat
chief legislator /
policymaker
chief manager of
the economy
chief of party
The top public official in charge of the armed forces, responsible for the operations of the
U.S. military and the overall security of the nation. (An authority granted by the
Constitution.)
The top public official overseeing U.S. foreign policy, talks with foreign leaders, and
negotiation of treaties. (Includes authority granted by the Constitution.)
A phrase invented to emphasize the executive’s importance in the legislative process.
(Not an authority granted by the Constitution.)
The power of the president to appoint members of the Federal Reserve, which has
influence over the country’s economic growth, and to work with Congress on setting the
federal budget and tax policy. (Not an authority granted by the Constitution.)
Leader of a political party. (Not an authority granted by the Constitution.)
chief citizen
A role in which the president strives to embody American ideals, to serve the nation by
acting in its best interests, and to comfort and inspire the people in times of crisis. (Not an
authority granted by the Constitution.)
chief of staff
The head of the White House staff.
White House staff
Executive Office
political appointee
State of the Union
address
power to persuade
presidential
leadership
bully pulpit
presidential
popularity
public approval
ratings
electoral mandate
going public
honeymoon
period
lame-duck period
presidential
coattails
propaganda
veto power
pocket veto
line-item veto
foreign policy
Key aides the president sees daily, such as the chief of staff
A collection of offices and organizations under presidential authority, some of which are
created by legislation and others of which are organized by the President.
A head of a federal agency or executive department appointed by the president and
confirmed by the Senate.
An annual speech given by the President to Congress in which s/he sets a policy agenda
for Congress.
The notion that the president's primary power is to persuade and bargain, not to
command.
The combination of character and skill that help a president win support for his/her
agenda.
Use of the presidency as a platform to persuade or mobilize the public to support the
president’s policies.
The percentage of Americans who approve a president’s handling of hi/her job.
The popularity of the president in public opinion polls.
The perception that a clear victory in an election indicates that voters have granted the
president the authority to enact his/her agenda.
The practice of presidents taking his/her issue or message directly to the people to
increase pressure on Congress to support his/her legislative agenda.
A short grace period early a president’s term during which public approval ratings tend to
be high, giving the president greater ability to win support for his/her agenda.
The late period of a president’s political term during which members of Congress are less
inclined to cooperate but also presidents have greater freedom to issue unpopular
decisions or appointments without fearing electoral consequences.
The situation occurring when voters cast their ballots for congressional candidates of the
president’s party because they support the president.
The selective presentation of facts, misinformation, use of loaded messages, and/or
repetition to influence public opinion.
The power of the president to reject a bill and send it back to Congress for revision.
An indirect vetoing of a bill by the president’s refusing to either sign or veto a bill received
within the last 10 days of a congressional session.
The power of an executive to reject or delete specific provisions of a bill, usually budget
appropriations, without vetoing the entire legislative package. In 1998 the Supreme Court
ruled that the Constitution does not permit the president to use a line-item veto (though
governors may).
A course of action developed by a country’s leaders to pursue the nation’s vital interests
in its relationship with other countries.
national security
policy
diplomatic
recognition
treaty
Policy intended to maintain the survival of the nation-state through the use of economic,
military and political power and the exercise of diplomacy.
executive
agreement
joint resolution
An agreement with another country signed by the president that has the force of law, like
a treaty, but does not require Senate approval.
An official statement issued by both houses of Congress; once signed by the president, a
joint resolution has the force of law.
An action in Congress intended to set limitations on the presidential power to make
undeclared war. Passed in reaction to the president’s conversion of a small force of
soldiers sent to Vietnam into an all-out war. It requires presidents to consult with Congress
whenever possible prior to using military force and to withdraw forces after 60 days unless
Congress declares war or grants an extension.
A 1964 congressional action authorizing President Johnson to use military force in
Southeast Asia without formally declaring war. Passed in response to two alleged
unprovoked attacks by North Vietnamese forces on U.S. destroyers in the Gulf of Tonkin,
known as the Gulf of Tonkin Incident. Allowed LBJ to vastly escalate U.S. involvement in
the Vietnam War.
A congressional agreement to give the president authority to take action normally
reserved for Congress on the condition that if Congress does not support the action, it
might block (veto) a presidential decision. The legislative veto is part of the War Powers
Resolution, but may not be constitutional following S.C. ruling in INS v. Chadha.
War Powers
Resolution of 1973
Gulf of Tonkin
Resolution
legislative veto
executive
privilege
Watergate
United States v.
Nixon (1974)
rule of law
spoils system /
patronage
civil service
merit principle
Pendleton Civil
Service Act (1883)
civil servants
Hatch Act (1939)
nonpartisan
cabinet
department
independent
regulatory agency
/ commission
government
corporation
independent
executive agency
Official recognition of a foreign government as the legitimate government of a country.
A legal agreement between two or more nations’ governments.
The right to keep internal discussions and documents of the White House private
The events and scandal surrounding a break-in at the Democratic National Convention
headquarters in 1972 ordered by President Nixon and the subsequent cover-up of White
House involvement, leading to the eventual resignation of Nixon under the threat of
impeachment.
The requirement that the American people and government officials abide by a system
of laws.
The practice of distributing government positions, jobs, and contracts to the supporters of
a particular party or candidate.
A system of hiring and promotion in government based on the merit principle and the
desire to create a nonpartisan government service.
The idea that hiring should be based on entrance exams and promotion ratings to
produce administration by people with skill and competence.
A federal law that created a federal civil service so that hiring and promotion would be
based on merit rather than patronage.
Civilian government workers employed under the merit system, excluding political
appointees.
A federal law prohibiting government employees from active participation in partisan
politics.
Free from party affiliation, influence, or bias.
A government agency in charge of a specific policy area, such as defense, and headed
by a secretary appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
A government agency responsible for regulating some sector of the economy that makes
and enforces rules to protect the public interest.
A government-owned and –operated business that provides services that could be
provided by the private sector and charges fees for their services.
A government agency that is not a cabinet department, regulatory commission, or
government corporation.
policy
implementation
regulation
Munn v. Illinois
(1876)
administrative
discretion / policymaking discretion
legislative intent
executive order
regulatory capture
deregulation
red tape
privatization
Freedom of
Information Act of
1966
whistle-blower
The stage of policymaking that involves executing a policy decision by creating an
agency, making rules, and coordinating resources and staff to achieve the policy’s goals.
The use of governmental authority to control or change some practice in the private
sector.
S.C. case that ruled that states may regulate certain businesses within their borders, such
as railroads. Significance: A milestone in the growth of federal government regulation.
The authority given by Congress to the bureaucracy to make rules as needed to carry out
laws passed by Congress.
The purpose the legislature had in drafting, proposing, and enacting a particular law.
Presidential order directing specific federal agencies to carry out the president’s wishes
(e.g. FDR’s Exec. Order to intern Japanese Americans, Truman’s Exec. Order to
desegregate armed forces)
A situation in which a government regulatory agency created to act in the public interest
comes under the control of the industry or sector the agency is charged with regulating
and acts to promote their private interests.
The lifting of restrictions on business, industry, and professional activities for which
government rules had been established and that bureaucracies had been created to
administer.
Overbearing bureaucratic rules and procedures which results in delay or inaction.
The process of turning over government businesses or functions to the private sector
(business).
A federal law intended to strengthen the ability of the press and private citizens to obtain
government information about bureaucratic policies and activities.
An employee or former employee who bring official misconduct in their agencies to
public attention.
Unit 5 – The Judicial Branch
Term and
Illustration
criminal law
civil law
litigant
plaintiff
standing to sue
burden of proof
defendant
prosecution
damages
Definition and Significance
the branch of law that regulates the conduct of individuals, defines crimes, and provides
punishments for criminal acts
the branch of law that concerns relationships between private parties in noncriminal
matters
A party engaged in a lawsuit.
The person or party who brings a lawsuit, or legal action, against another party in a civil
case.
The requirement that plaintiffs be directly affected by the issues at hand to have the
authority to bring legal action.
The obligation in a legal case to prove allegations by presenting strong supporting
evidence. In a criminal case, the burden rests on the prosecution and in a civil case on
the plaintiff.
The person or party in a criminal trial who is charged with committing a crime. Or, in a civil
case, the person or party being sued.
The attorneys representing the government and the people in a criminal case. It is the
prosecution’s job to show why a person accused of a crime should be found guilty as
charged.
Money to compensate for the losses suffered that the party found liable should pay.
general jurisdiction
The authority of a court to hear cases covering a variety of subjects, typical of both state
and federal trial courts.
limited jurisdiction
The authority of a court to hear only certain kinds of cases.
original jurisdiction
appellate
jurisdiction
federal district
court
courts of appeal
Supreme Court
“good behavior”
senatorial courtesy
legal brief
amicus curiae brief
writ of certiorari
rule of four
solicitor general
opinion
precedent
stare decisis
majority opinion
dissenting opinion
concurring opinion
judicial
implementation
judicial review
Marbury v.
Madison (1803)
judicial activism
activist judge /
court
judicial restraint
strict
constructionism
/originalism /
textualism
The authority of a court to hear a particular kind of case for the first time.
The authority of a court to review decisions made in lower courts.
The 94 federal courts of original jurisdiction. The only federal courts in which trials are held
and in which juries are impaneled.
Appellate courts empowered to review all final decisions of district courts, except in rare
cases. Also hear appeals to orders of many regulatory agencies.
Highest court in the American judicial system. Ensures uniformity in interpreting national
law, resolves conflicts among states, and maintains national supremacy in law. Has both
original and appellate jurisdiction.
The avoidance of unethical or illegal behavior that might lead Congress to impeach a
federal judge.
An unwritten tradition that allows a senator to block a nomination to a federal court in his
or her home state.
A written document drawn up by an attorney that presents the facts and arguments in a
client’s case and presented to courts.
Latin for “a friend of the court”; a brief in which individuals or groups not party to a suit
may have their views heard.
An announcement from the Supreme Court that it will hear a case decided by a lower
court on appeal and an order to the lower court to send up files on the case.
An unwritten practice that requires at least four justices of the Supreme Court to agree
that a case warrants review by the Court before it will grant a writ of certiorari.
A presidential appointee and the third-ranking office in the Department of Justice. The
solicitor general is in charge of the appellate court litigation of the federal government.
A statement of the majority’s reasoning behind a judicial decision.
Court rulings in the past that guide judicial reasoning in subsequent similar cases.
Latin for “to stand by things decided”; the legal doctrine that lower courts should honor
precedents made by higher courts in their own judicial decision making.
The majority opinion that accompanies a Supreme Court decision.
An opinion issued by the judge or judges in the minority on a particular case before the
Supreme Court explaining their reasons for disagreeing with the majority.
The opinion of one or more judges who vote with the majority on a case but wish to set
out different reasons for their decision.
How and whether court decisions are translated into actual policy, thereby affecting the
behavior of others.
The power of the Supreme Court to determine whether acts of Congress and the
executive branch are or are not in accord with the U.S. Constitution, i.e. unconstitutional.
The S.C. case in which Chief Justice Marshall and his allies first asserted the right of the
Supreme Court to determine the meaning of the U.S. Constitution. The decision
established the Court’s power of judicial review over acts of Congress, in this case the
Judiciary Act of 1789.
A judicial philosophy holding that the courts have both the right and the obligation to use
their power of judicial review to overturn bad precedents and promote socially desirable
goals, especially those unmet by the legislative process. Contends that the court should
go beyond the strict role of the judiciary as interpreter of the law and adjudicator of
disputes.
A court whose decisions adhere to the tenets of judicial activism.
A judicial philosophy holding that the courts should use judicial review sparingly,
especially in dealing with controversial issues. Contends that judges should play minimal
policymaking roles, leaving that duty strictly to the legislatures.
The judicial philosophy favoring a literal reading of the Constitution. Contends that the
provisions of the Constitution have a clear meaning and that judges must stick closely to
this meaning when interpreting the Constitution and rendering decisions.
original intent
loose
constructionism /
interpretivism
doctrine of
political questions
John Marshall /
Marshall Court
(1801 – 1835)
Earl Warren /
Warren Court
(1953 – 1969)
William Rehnquist /
Rehnquist court
“legislative intent”
litmus test
The doctrine that the courts must interpret the Constitution in ways consistent with the
intentions of the framers rather than in light of contemporary conditions and needs.
The judicial philosophy favoring a flexible reading of the Constitution. Contends that
modern moral values and the social consequences for a society should be taken into
account when judges interpret the Constitution and render decisions.
A doctrine developed by the federal courts and used as a means to avoid deciding
some cases, principally those involving conflicts between the president and Congress.
Supreme Court justice that in Marbury v. Madison (1803) declared that the Court has the
power to determine the constitutionality of congressional actions.
Liberal (loose constructionist) Supreme Court era which ruled in favor of racial
desegregation, expanding the rights of criminal defendants and suspects, and restricting
organized prayer in public schools.
Conservative Supreme Court era (strict constructionist) which limited defendants’ rights,
abortion rights, protection of civil rights, and the federal government’s power over the
states.
The goals of the legislature when enacting legislation, sometimes attempted to be
determined by the judiciary where legislation is ambiguous, or does not appear to
directly or adequately address a particular issue.
A test in which a single factor (e.g. position on abortion) is decisive, influencing the votes
of Senators when confirming presidential appointments of federal judges.
test case
A case brought to force a ruling on the constitutionality of some law or executive action.
class action suit
A suit brought on behalf of a group of people who are in a situation similar to that of the
plaintiffs.
Unit 6 – Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
Term and
Illustration
civil liberties
civil rights
Bill of Rights
writ of habeas
corpus / habeas
corpus petition
bill of attainder
ex post facto law
Due Process
Clause
Incorporation /
nationalization
selective
incorporation
Free Exercise
clause
Establishment
Clause
separation of
church and state /
Definition and Significance
Freedoms from certain types of government interference or abuse, as protected by
constitutional provisions, laws and practices.
Guarantees of equal treatment by government officials regarding political rights, the
judicial system, and public programs.
The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which define such basic rights as
freedom of religion, speech, and press, and guarantee defendants’ rights.
A legal action taken by a person who is arrested to request a timely hearing before a
judge to evaluate whether his/her detention is lawful.
A governmental decree that a person is guilty of a crime that carries the death penalty,
rendered without benefit of a trial.
A law that retroactively declares some action illegal.
The section of the 14th Amendment that prohibits states from depriving anyone of life,
liberty, or property “without due process of law.” Governments must act under
established legal guidelines rather than in an arbitrary or discriminatory manner.
The process by which the Supreme Court has made most of the provisions of the Bill of
Rights binding on the states through the Due Process Clause of the 14 th Amendment.
The gradual and piecemeal incorporation of the protections of the Bill of Rights by the
U.S. Supreme Court.
The portion of the First Amendment to the Constitution that permits U.S. citizens to follow
any religion or no religion at all.
The portion of the First Amendment to the Constitution that prohibits Congress from
establishing an official religion; the basis for the doctrine of the separation of church and
state.
An interpretation of the Establishment clause as clearly prohibiting any government
support for religion at all.
“wall of
separation”
Lemon Test
political speech
“clear and present
danger” test
fighting words
symbolic speech
content neutrality
test
chilling effect test
prior restraint
The standard developed in the Lemon v. Kurtzman case to determine if and when a
government action violates the Establishment Clause. To be constitutional, a government
restriction of religious action must have a secular purpose, neither help nor hurt the
relgion, and not result in an “excessive entanglement” of the government and religion.
Speech regarding free and open conversations among the people about the kind of
government that is best for them and the sorts of public policies they consider most
appropriate.
A test to determine whether concerns over public safety justify government restrictions on
free speech. Involves (1) speech that is “directed to inciting or producing imminent
lawless action” and (2) the speech must be “likely to incite or produce such action.”
According to the Supreme Court, spoken words that inflict injury or tend to incite
violence.
Nonverbal communication, such as burning a flag or wearing an armband. The Supreme
Court has accorded some symbolic speech protection under the First Amendment.
The legal doctrine that restrictions on free speech that favor some views over others are
unconstitutional.
The legal doctrine that restrictions on free speech that make others people less willing to
exercise their free speech rights are unconstitutional.
An attempt by a government to prevent the publication or broadcast of material they
deem harmful
libel
The publication of false information about someone with intent to cause harm.
slander
The oral spread of false information about someone with intent to cause harm.
obscenity
right to assemble
time, place, and
manner restrictions
right to associate
right to petition the
government
probable cause
unreasonable
search and seizure
search warrant
exclusionary rule
self-incrimination
Miranda rights
double jeopardy
right to counsel
cruel and unusual
punishment
capital crime
felony
Speech offensive to conventional standards of decency. As defined by the Supreme
Court, the representation of sexually explicit material in a manner that violates
community standards and is without redeeming social importance or value.
The right to march, picket, and protest as a group to make a statement.
Reasonable limits upon the freedom of assembly in cases where gathering may disrupt
public order, traffic flow, peace and quiet, or bystanders’ freedom to go about their
business without interference.
The right to meet with people who share a common interest, including an intense interest
in political change.
The freedom to ask one’s government to correct or repair an injustice without fear of
punishment.
The situation when evidence provides reasonable grounds to believe that a crime has
been committed or is about to occur.
The obtaining of evidence without probable cause (4th Amendment).
Written authorization from a court to search for specific evidence in a specific area.
A rule developed by the Supreme Court that evidence cannot be introduced in a trial if it
was obtained in an illegal search, i.e. unreasonable search and seizure.
The act of saying something in the presence of police or a court room that might provide
evidence of one’s guilt (5th Amendment).
Rights of the accused of which police must make persons aware upon arrest, according
to the decision in Miranda v. Arizona.
The legal doctrine that if a person is tried for a crime and found not guilty, prosecutors
cannot try that person again for the same crime.
The right to an attorney in criminal cases under the 6th Amendment.
Forms of punishment that would be considered inappropriate, cruel, or unusual under the
8th Amendment.
Any crime for which death is a possible penalty.
A serious crime that is usually punishable by more than one year in prison.
War on Terror
USA Patriot Act
right to privacy
13th Amendment
14th Amendment
equal protection
clause
Jim Crow laws
“separate but
equal”
Civil Rights Act of
1964
15th Amendment
poll tax
literacy test
grandfather clause
white primaries
Heart of Atlanta
Motel Inc. v.
United States
(1964)
th
24 Amendment
Voting Rights Act
of 1965
de jure
segregation
de facto
segregation
Thurgood Marshall
The term used by the Bush administration to describe its domestic and foreign policies
undertaken in the name of fighting terrorism after 9/11.
A federal passed after 9/11 that gave the government expanded powers to use
wiretapping and electronic surveillance, impose stricter penalties for harboring or
financing terrorists, monitor the bank accounts and e-mail of suspect individuals and
organizations, turn away from our borders anyone who endorses terrorism, and detain
any noncitizens living in the U.S. whom the attorney general deems to be a threat to
national security.
The freedom to be left alone in our private lives and to make decisions about our
personal lives free from government intrusion.
The constitutional amendment ratified after the Civil War that abolished slavery and
involuntary servitude.
The constitutional amendment adopted after the Civil War that states, “No state shall
make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the
U.S.; nor shall any state deprive
Part of the 14th Amendment emphasizing that the laws must provide equivalent
“protection” to all people.
The system of legalized racial segregation and white privilege that existed in the southern
states from the 1870s until the middle of the twentieth century.
The legal justification for state-sponsored Jim Crow segregation in the South articulated in
Plessy v. Ferguson (1896).
The law that banned racial discrimination against any group in hotels, motels, and
restaurants and forbade many forms of job discrimination.
The constitutional amendment adopted in 1870 that extends suffrage to African
Americans (men).
A tax to be paid as a condition of voting used to exclude African Americans from voting
lists in many Southern states during the Jim Crow period. Banned by 24 th Amendment.
A test administered as a condition of voting in many southern states to prevent African
Americans from voting. Banned by the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1965.
A device that allowed whites who had failed the literacy test to vote anyway by
extending the franchise to anyone whose ancestors had voted prior to 1867.
Primary elections open only to whites in many Southern states during the Jim Crow period.
The Supreme Court declared them unconstitutional in 1944.
A S.C. that upheld the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Ruled that Congress has authority under
the Interstate Commerce clause to ban racial discrimination in public places.
The constitutional amendment passed in 1964 that banned poll taxes in federal elections.
A law designed to help end formal and informal barriers to African-American suffrage.
segregation that is imposed by law
Segregation that exists in fact although not required by law, such as in schools or housing
patterns
The first African American to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States. Before
becoming a judge, he was a lawyer known for his high success rate in arguing before the
Supreme Court and for the victory in Brown v. Board of Education.
19th amendment
The constitutional amendment adopted in 1920 that guarantees women the right to vote.
Equal Rights
Amendment
(E.R.A.)
comparable worth
A proposed constitutional amendment stating that “equality of rights under the law shall
not be denied or abridged by the U.S. or any state on account of sex.” Passed by
Congress in 1972 but failed to win ratification from ¾ of the state legislatures.
The issue raised when women who hold traditionally female jobs are paid less than men
for working at jobs requiring comparable skill.
A labor law allowing an employee to take job-protected unpaid leave for up to 12 weeks
a year due to a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform his
or her job, to care for a sick family member, or to care for a new child.
Family and
Medical Leave Act
of 1993
Americans with
Disabilities Act of
1990
homophobia
LGBT
civil union
religious right
affirmative action
”reverse
discrimination”
The law requiring employers and public facilities to make “reasonable accommodations”
for people with disabilities and prohibits discrimination against these individuals in
employment.
Fear of, hatred of, or discrimination against homosexuals
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people
A legally recognized union similar to marriage that provide same-sex couples with rights,
benefits, and responsibilities similar to opposite-sex civil marriage.
A range of right-wing Christian political and social movements and organizations
characterized by their strong support of conservative social and political values.
Programs of private and public institutions favoring minorities and women in hiring and in
admissions to colleges and universities in an attempt to compensate for past
discrimination.
A term used critically by opponents of affirmative action to describe efforts to equalize
access in hiring and university admissions.
Amendments to Know
1st
4th
5th
6th
8th
10th
13th
14th
15th
16th
17th
19th
24th
25th
26th