American Government: Key Concepts and Terms
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Bureaucratic Inefficiency
Bureaucratic inefficiency might be desirable in that it might help protect our liberties.
Aid to Families with Dependent Children
The Aid to Families with Dependent Children program decreased in popularity as the public began to believe that it was encouraging out-of-wedlock births.
Defense Program
As Gallup Poll data shows, a majority of Americans believe that our defense program is"about righ" or"not strong enough"
Interstate Commerce Commission
The creation of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) led to the federal government supervising railroad activities.
Congressional Terminology
a. Rider
An additional provision added to a bill or other measure under consideration by a legislature.
b. Cloture Rule
The only formal procedure that Senate rules provide for breaking a filibuster.
c. Quorum
The minimum number of people that must be present at a meeting in order for it to be official.
d. Closed Rule
An order from the House of Rules Committee that sets a time limit on debates and forbids amendments to a particular bill.
e. Double Tracking
A procedure to keep the Senate going during a filibuster, whereby the disputed bill is temporarily shelved.
Majority Party
Most of the power in Congress is found in the majority party at the time.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Security
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Security, created by Franklin D. Roosevelt, developed Social Security and other programs.
Amicus Curiae
Someone who is not a party to a case and is not requested by a party to participate.
Social Security Act
The Social Security Act became law in 1935.
Lyndon Johnson
As president, Lyndon Johnson enjoyed considerable success in Congress until the Vietnam War sapped his strength.
Congressional vs. Presidential Campaigns
A major difference between presidential campaigns and congressional campaigns is that congressional incumbents can better serve their constituents.
Succession Act of 1886
According to the Succession Act of 1886, if both the president and vice president die, the next in line for the presidency is the cabinet officer with the most seniority.