88 Terms (AP GOV) with correct definitions.

Majority Rule a fundamental democratic principle requiring that the majority's view be respected. the constitution originally contained a number of provisions designed to limit majority rule, including the electoral college, life tenure for supreme court justices, and the selection of senators by state legislators Checks and Balances a system in which each branch of government can limit the power of the other two branches. example: the senate has the power to reject or approve presidential appointments to the supreme court Unitary System system of government in which all power is invested in a central government (one unit) Federalism Levels of government system of government in which the power is divided by a written constitution between a central government and regional governments Expressed powers (enumerated powers) powers specifically granted to the federal government by the constitution. example: the constitution gives congress the power to coin money, impose taxes, and regulate interstate commerce. Implied powers powers of the federal government that go beyond those enumerated in the constitution. (these powers are derived from the elastic or necessary and proper clause) ((powers not directly expressed in the constitution)) Reserved powers powers not specifically granted to the national government or denied to the states. reserved powers are held by the states through the tenth amendment (state powers) Cooperative Federalism situations in which the national and state governments work together to complete projects. (also called fiscal federalism- share financial responsibilities) Categorical Grant funds provided for a SPECIFIC and clearly defined purpose Block Grant Funds granted to the states for a broadly defined purpose. Mandates rules telling the states what they must do to comply with the federal guidelines. (unfunded mandates- require state and local governments to provide services or comply with regulations without the provisions of funds) Devolution the movement to transfer the responsibilities of governing from the federal government to state and local governments Political Culture a set of widely shared political beliefs and values. Americas political culture is characterized by strong support for individual liberty, political equality, legal equality, the rule of law, and limited government. Political Sozialization the process by which political values are formed and passed from one generation to the next. the family is the most important agent of political ssocialization Public Opinion attitudes about institutions, leaders, political issues and events. Political Ideology a cohesive set of beliefs about politics, public policy, and the role of government Political Efficacy the belief that ones political participation makes a difference Split-Ticket Voting voting for candidates of different parties for different offices in the same election Political Party a group of citizens who organize to win elections, hold public offices, operate governments and determine public policy Plurality Election the winning candidate is the person who receives more votes than anyone else, but less than half the total. Single-Member District an electoral district from which one person is chosen by the voters for each elected office. Party Era an historical period dominated by one political party Critical Election an election when significant groups of voters change their traditional patterns of party loyalty Party Realignment the majority party is displaces by the minority party, thus ushering in a new party era. (example: 1932 FDR wins election with new deal coalition) Divided Government a government in which one party controls the presidency while another party controls congress Interest Groups and organization of people whose members share views on specific interests and attempt to influence public policy to their benefit. (do not elect people into office) Political Action Committee (PAC) a committee formed by business, labor, or other interest groups to raise money and make contributions to the campaigns of political candidates whom they support Free Riders people who benefit from an interest group without making any contributions (Power) Elite Theory the theory that a small number of very wealthy individuals, powerful corporate interest groups and large financial institutions dominate key policy areas Pluralist Theory The theory that many interest groups compete for power in a large area of policy areas Hyper pluralist Theory the theory that the government policy is weakened and often contradictory because there are so many competing interest groups Mass Media means of communication such as newspapers, radio, television, and the internet that can reach large, widely dispersed groups. Linkage Institutions Institutions that connect citizens to the government . Horse-Race Journalism the tendency of the media to cover campaigns by emphasizing how candidates stand in the polls instead of where they stand on the issues Congressional Redistricting the reallocation of the number of representatives each state has in the house of representatives Gerrymandering the legislative process by which the majority party in each state legislature redraws congressional districts to ensure the maximum number of seats for its candidates Incumbent An officeholder who is seeking reelection. Franking Privilege the right of members of congress to mail newsletters to their constituents at the governments expense Standing Committees PERMANENT subject matter congressional committees that handle legislation and oversee bureaucracy Conference Committees temporary bodies that are formed to resolve differences between house and senate versions of a bill House Rules Committee the house rules committee sets the guidelines for floor debate. House Ways and Means Committee house committee that handles tax bills Seniority unwritten rule in both houses of congress reserving committee chairs to members of the committee with the longest records of continuous service Filibuster a way of delaying or preventing action of a bill by using long speeches and unlimited debate Cloture a senate motion to end a filibuster Logrolling tactic of mutual aid and vote trading among legislators Oversight congressional review of the activities of an executive agency, department, or office Delegate Role of Representation When members of congress cast votes based on the wishes of their constituents Closed Primary A primary in which voters are required to identify a party preference before the election and are not allowed to split their ticket Frontloading The recent pattern of states holding primaries early in order to maximize their media attention and political infuelnce Soft Money Contributions to political parties for party-building activities. 527 Group a tax-exempt organization created to influence the political process; 527 groups are not regulated by the federal election commission because they do not coordinate their activities with a candidate or party Veto the presidents constitutional power to reject a bill passed by congress. (congress may override the veto with a 2/3 veto in each chamber) line-item Veto the power to veto specific dollar amounts or line items from major congressional spending bills. (congress eventually shut this down, stating it gave the president too much power) Executive Agreement a pact between the president and a head of a foreign state. they do not have to be approved by the senate Executive Privilege the presidents power to refuse to disclose confidential information. Lame-Duck Period the period of time in which the presidents term is about to come to an end and typically have less influence Bureaucracy a large, complex organization of appointed officials Executive Order a directive, order, or regulation issued by the president, based on the constitutional or statutory authority and have the force of law Iron Triangle An alliance among and administrative agency, an interest group Issue Network a network that includes policy experts, media pundits, congressional staff members, and interest groups who regularly debate an issue