Essential Concepts in American Government and Politics
Classified in Law & Jurisprudence
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1. National Membership Organizations
Non-profit organizations that represent state and local governments. The "Big 7" include: Council of State Governments, National Governors Association, National Conference of State Legislatures, National League of Cities, United States Conference of Mayors, National Association of Counties, and the International City/County Management Association.
2. Direct Democracy
Also known as pure democracy, this is a form of government in which people decide on policy initiatives directly. Examples include ancient Athens and Switzerland.
3. Historical Quotes
Who said, "You finish the picture and I will furnish the war?" William Randolph Hearst, January 25, 1898.
4. Nullification
His case for nullification was forcefully argued by whom? William Jennings Bryan.
6. FISA
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978.
7. Declaration of Independence
It was essentially a lawyer's brief focusing on the rights that were being violated by King George III.
8. Senator Joseph McCarthy
He became a powerful policy entrepreneur by claiming that communists had infiltrated the government.
9. Executive and Judicial Powers
- Line-item veto (partial veto): The power of an executive authority to nullify or cancel specific provisions of a bill, usually a budget appropriations bill, without vetoing the entire legislative package.
- Signing statement: A written pronouncement issued by the President of the US upon the signing of a bill into law.
- Executive action: Actions taken by the President.
- Judicial review: The power of a court to determine the constitutionality of a government action.
- Executive order: A rule or order issued by the President to an executive branch of the government and having the force of law.
10. Communist Party Legislation
What act declared the Communist Party was conspiring to overthrow the government? The Communist Control Act of 1954.
11. Interest Group Politics
What type of politics is a policy in which almost everybody benefits and a small group pays? Interest group politics.
12. Obergefell v. Hodges
The case of Obergefell v. Hodges established a constitutional right for same-sex couples to marry.
13. Pork-Barrel Legislation
Pork-barrel legislation is an example of client politics.
14. Federal Grants
According to the Office of Management and Budget, this program represented the largest federal grant to state and local governments for fiscal year 2014: Medicaid.
15. The 19th Amendment
The 19th Amendment made clear that no state may deny the right to vote on the basis of sex.
16. Political Ideology
A coherent and consistent set of beliefs about what policies government ought to pursue is referred to as political ideology.